Hood Strut Removal / Installation
#2
Burning Brakes
No special tool required. You'll only need a small screwdriver to pop up the clip. Be sure to prop the hood up,or have someone hold it, while you swap the strut out.
#3
Racer
Thread Starter
Fastter,Thanks for the come back. Since I do not have the replacement strut in hand, what is done with the clip on installation? Do you have to hit the assembly to make it snap onto the ball joint??
#7
Race Director
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Do make sure you heed fastter's advice on propping or holding the hood. I thought one strut would hold it - it does NOT and you will take a hit to the head or shoulder. Not fun.
#14
Instructor
I couldn't find GM one for the 13 G.S., so, I bought Chrome Strut covers. So it is OEM Struts with Chrome covers.
Last edited by Rockie Rocko; 04-27-2014 at 10:39 PM.
#15
Safety Car
I did this last year. Literally takes 5 minutes tops. There's a small retaining clip on the top and bottom end of the strut, pull it up, pop the strut off, pop the new one back on. Repeat for the other side, and done. The worst part is the price of the damn GM struts. They're probably $20 at NAPA, GM charged me $72 for the pair.
#17
Drifting
One suggestion ... If your using a flathead screwdriver to pry off the old clip, place a folded towel underneath so when the screwdriver slips (and it will), the car body will be projected. Good luck!
#18
Instructor
Hehe ....thanks, I already found that out the hard way, it is very small, hardly noticeable. I am picky so i will probably have it fixed.
#19
Race Director
Had to replace one on my 06Z when it wasn't quite 5 years old. Now yesterday I noticed my 07 vert's hood seems like it is about to reach the point of not being able to stand up by itself as well. It's a real surprise the first time you lift your hood and it falls back down.
#20
Team Owner
GM does not manufacture struts anyway, so no reason to pay extra for oem. If the struts are old, it is best to replace both but if one fails at a young age, just replace that one as it is defective, not worn out.