Hatchback gas struts

[OriginalBigAl]

With the onset of colder weather I have noticed that the gas struts ( either one or both ? ) don't seem as energetic and are not opening to the full extent on some occasions. The car is 15 months old or 19 months from build date, I'm guessing there is only a years warranty on such items , but if anyone knows different or has had a similar experience of this and knows if there are any patten parts available . I don't mind changing them myself , not really on the best terms with the suppling dealer so the less I have to do with them the better, unless its a freebie!

 

[Kithmo]

With the onset of colder weather I have noticed that the gas struts ( either one or both ? ) don't seem as energetic and are not opening to the full extent on some occasions. The car is 15 months old or 19 months from build date, I'm guessing there is only a years warranty on such items , but if anyone knows different or has had a similar experience of this and knows if there are any patten parts available . I don't mind changing them myself , not really on the best terms with the suppling dealer so the less I have to do with them the better, unless its a freebie!

Try cleaning and polishing the inner rod before you condemn them to the bin.

 

[Ian Key]

With the onset of colder weather I have noticed that the gas struts ( either one or both ? ) don't seem as energetic and are not opening to the full extent on some occasions.

I think you've answered your own question.

The cold weather will reduce the gas pressure inside the strut the same way as your tyre pressures go down when it's cold.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

I think you've answered your own question.

The cold weather will reduce the gas pressure inside the strut the same way as your tyre pressures go down when it's cold.

True, but then that should be a noticeable effect for everyone else, besides the struts should be able to lift the hatch no matter what the weather ( its not that extreme ) . They will over time degrade , is 15 months and 6500 kms a reasonable lifetime ? That equates to about 300 openings .

 

[STG]

I think you've answered your own question.

The cold weather will reduce the gas pressure inside the strut the same way as your tyre pressures go down when it's cold.

Got my first tyre pressure warning that I need to check them with a service centre!!! it's was 3am and 0deg, when back home from work I'll put more pressure in..

 

[JonnyG]

I've had this on other car brands too TBH, so not totally unexpected but I guess it depends on just how much effort they need to lift up the hatch as to what is reasonable.

 

[OriginalBigAl]

2 pm this afternoon , lifted up boot and it only managed to hold itself up at the top 15 inches of travel , below that , fell down . As it happened I was going into town and passing the dealership so called in to assess the problem , 30 minute journey ,heater on. Had to wait 30 minutes for a "technician" to have a look, and lo and behold it went back to being , well, just acceptable. Held itself up from midpoint onwards but struggled to raise itself but eventually did. He condescendingly said , keep an eye on it and if it gets worse bring it back, the hidden unsaid message which we both understood was , bit of a dipstick are we, sir. Bloody cars having a laugh at me. Felt a right pillock,
Do your own French translations !

 

[dsimpkins]

Mine was slower to raise the boot, but it got to full extent, just slower than usual this morning. I put it down to the cold weather. It was slightly better this afternoon.

 

[Ekips]

-1 here, last 2 mornings when I opend the boot it only went about half way, still opens and holds fine just need to use more force to lift it up

 

[siral]

In the winter I had to use a lot of force to open the trunk. Even now (12 degrees Celsius) it is not good. I complained about the struts and they gave me new ones. Nothing changed. I searched a bit and found the same length but stronger ones. (550N). I think the MG4 has 520 or 530N.
They arrived today and they are great! The trunk opens almost by itself. It closes well too. Hopefully I can help others with sore hands.
Here are the details:

Dimensions:
Length: 450mm
Reach: 180mm
Force: 550N
Rod diameter: 8mm

Brand I used:
Magneti Marelli
Type:GS0896
Code:430719089600
Original number: VW 3C9827550, VW 3C9827550A
Vehicle: VW PASSAT B6 KOMBI 05-

Replacements:ABAKUS 101-00-163, AKRON-MALÒ 127442, ASAM 74555, DOGA 2030913, ESEN SKV 52SKV533, EUROREPAR 1615077680, FEBI BILSTEIN 31641, JAPANPARTS GSJ09187, JAPANPARTS ZS09187, KRAFT AUTOMOTIVE 8500096, MAXGEAR 12-1746, METZGER 2110531, MI.R.A. 52/1449, OPEN PARTS GSR6047.00, OPTIMAL AG-50116, RIDEX 219G0095, STABILUS 016823, STELLOX 11-10289-SX, SWAG 30 93 1641, TOPRAN 115 183

 

[pjmmk]

They are quite weak on my MG4 as well. This is the first car I've had where I actually have to push the hatch open rather than have it lift itself. It stays up once there without any issues.

 

[Rolfe]

I find mine a bit of a haul to open, certainly compared to the Golf I had before. If there's an easy fix, that's good to know.