Hydraulic hatchback lifts

timmer23

I recently purchased a '96 Firebird and a '92 Eclipse. Both are hatchbacks with hydraulic lifts. However, the hatch will not stay up when opened; I must use a stick (such as a broom handle) to hold it up. How can I fix the hydraulics?

Tim

revka

I think you'd do well to also post your message on our Maintenance & Repair message board. Someone there may be able to offer some input. Good luck.

In addition, you may also be interesting in our ongoing Mitsubishi Eclipse and R.I.P. Firebird & Camaro discussions. Thanks for your participation.

Revka

Host

Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards

lngtonge18

Just go to your local auto parts store and buy a new set of hydraulic shocks. They are only about $12 a piece.

5port

Napa has them and Pep boys has them. Bring one of your old shocks from each car along to compare.Pay attention to how they mount to the car and match that also.

rph74

go to http://www.vfaq.com/mods/hatchstruts.html

It took me about and hour and a half, the struts should cost about $25-30. You'll see that it is not necessary to remove the interior trim, which makes it easy. The one thing that the instructions won't tell you is this: It will be much easier if you get longer screws to bolt the struts onto the body of the car. The struts bolt down in two places: the hatch itself, and the body. When you remove the old strut, you will see the bolt is quite short. If you can bring that bolt to the parts store, and have them give you the exact same width and pitch bolt, but longer(mine was about an inch long), you will have an easier time putting on the new strut.

Chris 91 Eclipse GSX

timmer23

Thanks for the replies, I found the shocks cheapest at AutoZone for $22. The shocks for the Firebird had to be special ordered, so I may seek more assistance when I attempt to install them later this week. Thanks for your advice Chris (rph74), I'll be sure to get longer screws when I pick up the shocks.

Tim