How to install rear hatch struts.

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GeddyLee
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Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:27 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

How to install rear hatch struts.

Postby GeddyLee » Sun Jan 09, 2011 3:38 pm

I purchased new rear struts to replace my old ones that will not hold up the rear hatch to save its life. My question, what is needed to move the old and to install the new ones? I see what looks like a metal "pinch" band that goes around the end pieces and attaches over the joints, but I am not 100% sure.

Any tips or information will be greatly appreciated!


Many thanks in advance.


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jlwardn
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Location: West Michigan

Postby jlwardn » Sun Jan 09, 2011 3:52 pm

All you need is a small flat head screwdriver. I just did mine on Saturday and it was super easy. I would recomment having another person hold up the hatch. I did not have someone so I had to use a pole....
It should take 5-10 minutes with someone holding the door. Pull the tab out a little with the flathead screwdriver. The end will then pop off the ball it is attached to. Do the bottom one(closest to the body) first and then it will be very easy to undo the top one. Otherwise the bolts are in the way. Add the new ones in reverse order. There are several people doing this and with a quick search you will see pictures.

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shv2sail
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Location: Maryland

Postby shv2sail » Sun Jan 09, 2011 4:13 pm

You'll need a #10 metric wrench as well...obviously.

I second the 'have someone help' sentiment. I did the change (with new stock struts) about a month ago...ended up just replacing one strut at at time and holding the gate up with my head as I used the tools with my hands. Lucikly I'm 6'-1" which helped...though is also the reason I had to change out the struts (for the second time) as it doesn't take much sagging of the gate before I knock my head on the darn thing. Even by myself it only took about 10 min....super easy indeed.

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NVSteve
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Postby NVSteve » Mon Jan 10, 2011 8:57 am

I used a 6' ladder with some rolled up blankets that I have in the back to support the hatch. All you need to do is remove the clips from the lower mount, then unscrew the strut from the upper while it is still attached. I only mention this because the upper ones are a bit of a bitch, but there is no reason to remove them (unless you have new ones to replace the old).

When you put the new ones on, screw them into the upper first, then push up on the hatch a bit to connect the lower (with attached ball mount) onto the little post.

GeddyLee
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Joined: Fri Dec 17, 2010 10:27 pm
Location: St. Louis, MO

Postby GeddyLee » Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:32 am

Thanks everyone for the great answers! I did try a "simple" search but I guess I was inputting the wrong words to find the correct links.

Thank you all again! I will be doing this later this week.

Much appreciated again!

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Dunbrook
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Joined: Tue Jan 31, 2012 11:54 am
Location: Fraser Valley, BC

RE: How to install rear hatch struts.

Postby Dunbrook » Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:03 pm

I need to replace mine...tailgate reminded me of this with a nice goose-egg to my 6'1" high forehead :cry:

How much did you pay for the pair? Checked my local Lordco (I'm in BC) and they don't carry them, have to check with the dealer. If they're a rip I'll pick them up in the US.

thanks

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disallow
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Location: Winnipeg, Canada

Postby disallow » Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:12 pm

Just picked them up today from my dealer here in Winnipeg, $72 including tax for the pair.

None of my FLAPS had them.

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kelleyo
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Location: Atlanta Metro

Postby kelleyo » Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:26 pm

I would like to get some that are better than OEM. Anyone know the best ones to get?

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disallow
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Postby disallow » Tue Jan 31, 2012 1:37 pm

check this post for the info you seek! :)

http://www.thenissanpath.com/viewtopic. ... h&start=30

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kelleyo
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Location: Atlanta Metro

Postby kelleyo » Wed Feb 01, 2012 8:59 am

Gracious! Just ordered my own 225lb struts!

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kelleyo
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Location: Atlanta Metro

Postby kelleyo » Sat Feb 04, 2012 1:50 pm

Wow took all of 10 minutes to install. Put a little lithium grease in the sockets as well. This is a very nice updgade. I like how the hatch opens higher than it did before and NO SAGGING!!!!

ncpath2005
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Joined: Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:20 am

Nice

Postby ncpath2005 » Sat Dec 01, 2012 9:31 am

Just installed the McMaster struts. 20 mins tops. Thanks for the suggestion on the ladder NVSteve!

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FLMom
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Location: Central Florida

Postby FLMom » Fri Jan 04, 2013 4:38 am

Will get to do this today! Going to have to use the ladder/towel method too. No more sagging tailgate! Woo hoo!

nachumama
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Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2013 9:42 am

2006 nissan pathfinder rear hatch struts

Postby nachumama » Tue Jan 08, 2013 9:45 am

Hi all, i have a 2006 nissan pathfinder and need the struts for the rear hatch door. I read that i need a 250 psi struts from some website mccuster or something like that. can you help me find this website and specifically the struts that i want? meanwhile i'll keep searching in this forum.
thanks
rs

bpk01
Posts: 36
Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2010 4:49 pm
Location: Mississippi

Re: 2006 nissan pathfinder rear hatch struts

Postby bpk01 » Wed Mar 06, 2013 12:18 pm

nachumama wrote:Hi all, i have a 2006 nissan pathfinder and need the struts for the rear hatch door. I read that i need a 250 psi struts from some website mccuster or something like that. can you help me find this website and specifically the struts that i want? meanwhile i'll keep searching in this forum.
thanks
rs
http://www.mcmaster.com/#catalog/119/1196/=lrhw3a
Those are the 225 lb struts. I like them a lot better than OEM.


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