Rear hatch struts - regas as good as new

[Casey]

I can (re)confirm that ONE Strongarm strut on the passenger side is more than strong enough to hold up the hatch on it's own, so I've replaced just that side and re-used the old strut on driver's side, so keeping the electrical connections. Fitting was easy, the only minor issue was tightening the bolt at the upper end of the arm. The hex head is not quite as deep as the OEM strut on the upper fixing and so a narrow spanner is needed to tighten it sufficiently without fouling the plastic panel (or you can prise off the ball head to get access to tighten). The result looks just like OEM, so I can recommend this fix for anyone with tired struts. I now have one Strongarm strut spare, which is now designated for KIMI 1

[ian65]

Does replacing a single strut just hold the glass up once it’s lifted or does ot actually lift the glass itself? When I had an almost new S3 back in the 80’s the struts lifted the glass with no effort on my part so I’m wondering if I will need to fot both of mine?

[Casey]

One strut easily lifts and holds the glass in place with no effort at all. In fact, the lift is extremely well balanced; not overly forceful, but a reliable lift. It's possible to manually lift the glass about 9" and get it to hold in place as the balance is so good, then a finger tip touch will finish the complete self-lift.

These StrongArm struts are well named. I'm well pleased with the result

[ian65]

Cool, I might put both of mine on then and see how it feels, they were delivered last week but I’ve been abroad for the last couple of weeks so haven’t had chance to fit them yet... I shall report back with how much lift the pair of them give.

[Hobbawobba]

Videos?!

[KYPREO]

Ian, I remember when I first got my series 3 20 years ago, the hatch went up entirely by itself as well.

The Strongarm ones lift up a few inches by themselves, then I have to give them a little nudge and they raise the glass the rest of the way. I'm not 100% sure it's aligned properly and I may be able to get it to go all the way by slightly adjusting the angle of the bracket. This was a problem I was going to solve when I got to the end of my build - a fair way away still.

[spirit r]

One strut easily lifts and holds the glass in place with no effort at all. In fact, the lift is extremely well balanced; not overly forceful, but a reliable lift. It's possible to manually lift the glass about 9" and get it to hold in place as the balance is so good, then a finger tip touch will finish the complete self-lift.

These StrongArm struts are well named. I'm well pleased with the result

Since 5 years i am also happy with one on the left side in cold winter the result good. I would say two struts will be to much power on the hatch glass without frame.

[DB RX63]

I've 2 new strongarm struts on the rally car rear hatch which is polycarbonate so nearly flies off the car when they go up, need a real push to shut the hatch !

[KiwiDave]

Air brake capability like a Veyron??

[DB RX63]

Air brake capability like a Veyron??

Now there's a thought...........