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How to Install a Gas Strut in your Car

Owning and operating a car can be extremely costly, both in terms of fuel and regular maintenance. The latter can also be deceptively expensive, as you have to factor in both planned maintenance and ad-hoc repairs that occur as a result of accident or misadventure. Unplanned maintenance can also cost significant amounts of money without affording you the opportunity to save in advance.

With this in mind, you may be able to save money by adopting a proactive approach and learning how to conduct simple maintenance tasks independently. While you must respect your limitations and not attempt repairs that are beyond your skill-set, you should at least attempt to change the oil in your vehicle or fit new tyres.

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How to Install a Gas Strut in your Car

Beyond this, you may also look to install gas struts in your car. While this may sound relatively complex, it is deceptively simple and attempting this on a regular basis will enable you to save money in the long-term. With this in mind, let's take a close look at gas struts and the process for installing them in your vehicle.

1. What are Gas Struts and what function do they perform?

While they may not be well known to some motorists, gas struts are absolutely fundamental to the mechanics of your vehicle. Essentially, it comprises of a piston rod which slides in and out of a pressurized sealed tube, with a rivet on one end which prevents it from being forced out of the tube during use. Typically, there are used to automatically elevate car boots and vertical doors when they are opened, offering easy access to both drivers and passengers alike. It should become almost immediately obvious if these fittings begin to wear, so this should serve as a trigger for you to change your gas struts.

2. Removing Old Gas Struts

With an understanding of gas struts, their function and where they are positioned in the vehicle, the next step is to remove the old or faulty fittings. This is a relatively simple task, although you should prepare yourself for the fact that it can be quite fiddly and time consuming if you are inexperienced. You will also need a screwdriver to initially lift the metal clip located at the top of the strut, as this will enable you to gently lift the strut away from the ball stud. You will need to be extremely careful when completing this task, however, as you do not want to risk damaging the metal clip or making your task even harder. Once this is complete, repeat this and remove all of the struts that are in need of being replaced.

3. Fit New and Functional Gas Struts

Before removing your faulty gas struts, you should have ordered some replacements from a reputable supplier such as SGS Engineering. Once they have arrived, you should continue the process by comparing them to the old struts to ensure that are well-matched and fit for purpose. Safe in the knowledge that you have the right struts to complete the task, you should get to work and start by lifting the metal clip at the top of the strut and push the new fitting firmly into place. Ensure that it is connected to the ball stud, before carefully re-positioning the metal clip to prevent the new gas strut from coming free. Repeat this process for every single fitting that needs to be replaced, before double-checking your workmanship and ensuring that each new strut is carefully secured.

The task is now complete and you can bask in the knowledge of a job well done.

If you have any questions, please ask below!