Rear hatch struts...failing? (1 Viewer)

[airforce1]

We had our '08 LX570 returned back from the dealer recently...it was sitting on the dealer's lot waiting for about a month for a passenger TSB air bag fix that we are still waiting parts for.

We then noticed our rear hatch makes a squeaking noise so I sprayed a little WD40 and everything was back to normal.

Fast forward a couple of weeks later, we are noticing that our rear hatch opens but it now takes several minutes to open the last few inches.

Is this a sign of strut failure?

If so, any sources you guys prefer for replacement?

I've searched a few threads here for replacement power hatch struts listed by Amazon but unfortunately they are no longer available.

Thanks!

 

[CharlieS]

The LX May be different (powered?) but on my land cruiser I tried some well regarded aftermarket ones; they were very stiff, and the hardware corroded. I went back to stock from Toyota (Olathe Parts) and have been happy since. Note that the stock ones from Toyota come with the replacement threaded ball, you don't need to order it separately.

 

[rick312]

I had a similar problem when I bought my 2013 LX. Mine would not open all the way, no squeaking or anything, just not opening to all the way. I replace mine with these and have not had a problem and they work great. They are currently unavailable now and not sure if they will get more.

Amazon product ASIN B01HH0OQKK

 

[airforce1]

@rick312 thanks....yep those are what I was looking for.

 

[bloc]

Note that the threaded ball does not need to be replaced if it isn’t corroded or bent.

 

[airforce1]

Well, a google search came up with these:

18.54 Inch Lift Supports Depot PM3296L-R Lift Support | PM3296L-R-W

Our Lift Supports Depot PM3296L-R fits a wide variety of vehicles and includes a 1 Year warranty! $6.99 Shipping on orders $29.00 and over.

www.liftsupportsdepot.com

Per product description it is compatible with the following vehicles:

2008-2015 Lexus LX570 Base Sport Utility 4-Door Liftgate
-With Power Liftgate

2008-2017 Toyota Land Cruiser Base Sport Utility 4-Door Liftgate
-Without Spoiler air deflector on top of Liftgate

Hope this helps

 

[chalice]

Well, a google search came up with these:

18.54 Inch Lift Supports Depot PM3296L-R Lift Support | PM3296L-R-W

Our Lift Supports Depot PM3296L-R fits a wide variety of vehicles and includes a 1 Year warranty! $6.99 Shipping on orders $29.00 and over.

www.liftsupportsdepot.com

........

Hope this helps

Grabbed a set from them for my LS430 hood supports a few months ago and they work great. Definitely strong enough to pop the [heavy] hood right up and came with the right mounting hardware.

 

[airforce1]

Update:

replaced the rear struts from lift support depot.

FYI, the instructions that came with the struts are useless. There is no “bracket” you pop off with a flathead screwdriver.

Instructions:

1. Place a ladder with cloth covering underneath the hatch to support it.
2. Use 12mm open wrench to remove the bottom strut. It’s a little tight since it has threadlock. Once it pops out, the hatch will drop so keep one hand on it to gently rest it on the ladder.
3. Loosen the upper 12mm bolts with an open wrench. There is a metal trim adjacent to it that prevents a socket wrench from fitting. This step is a little pain. You just have to take small 1/4 turns to loosen it. After about 5 minutes, the old strut can be fully removed.
4. Screw in the lower 13mm ball joint bolt into the frame.
5. Attach the upper strut bracket and screw back in your 12mm bolts.
6. Push and Snap lower strut ball joint into joint bolt. Don’t forget to insert the metal sliding clip.

 

[CharlieS]

I use the following much less elegant technique: remove strut by popping clips off, hold it open with my head, use a socket to replace the ball portion and bracket, snap new strut on; repeat on other side.

 

[airforce1]

I use the following much less elegant technique: remove strut by popping clips off, hold it open with my head, use a socket to replace the ball portion and bracket, snap new strut on; repeat on other side.

You didn't replace the upper bracket?

 

[CharlieS]

The factory part comes with the bracket installed and the ball loose. I installed it as designed.

 

[airforce1]

Copy, mine as well.

Struts are working well. I noticed these struts open smoothly but the last few inches jerks up a little bit.

Otherwise these are good to go.

 

[HGB]

The LX May be different (powered?) but on my land cruiser I tried some well regarded aftermarket ones; they were very stiff, and the hardware corroded. I went back to stock from Toyota (Olathe Parts) and have been happy since. Note that the stock ones from Toyota come with the replacement threaded ball, you don't need to order it separately.

Are you in Olathe? That dealer is 15 minutes from me. Great prices on parts

 

[CharlieS]

Are you in Olathe? That dealer is 15 minutes from me. Great prices on parts

I am not in Olathe. I've been using them for all of my genuine parts though. They have good prices and helpful, knowledgable staff. I can't say that about my local dealer.

 

[fj4068]

I had a similar problem when I bought my 2013 LX. Mine would not open all the way, no squeaking or anything, just not opening to all the way. I replace mine with these and have not had a problem and they work great. They are currently unavailable now and not sure if they will get more.

Amazon product ASIN B01HH0OQKK

Long term review for LX570 -- recently replaced these Amazon specials (WGS-718L-718R) due to their inability to fully support the hatch. They were weeping a bit of fluid. Replaced with OEM Toyota units.

 

[Docboy]

My rear struts are failing as well. Bought a set off ebay, and tried to replace it 1-2 years ago, could loosen the bolts. Tight as heck, so I gave up! I still have the "new struts" in its packaging. Also can't exactly remember, but I recall there was a piece of trim getting in the way. Maybe I was taking off the wrong bolts?

Any one take pics by chance for which bolts to loosen?

 

[CharlieS]

I think there are two options, auto open/close and manual. I've only done the manual.

I'd have something handy to prop up the upper lift gate since once you remove one end of either side, the upper gate is likely to want to come down. Your noggin works in a pinch, but a length of scrap wood, broomstick, curtain rod, etc. might be more elegant.

Note, I changed them on my '13, the ones above on my '16 are original.

 

[bloc]

LX's or LC's with the auto lift gate will have the safety trim around the outside that blocks access to the upper bolts. I haven't seen one up close to look at how to displace the trim.

 

[Docboy]

I think there are two options, auto open/close and manual. I've only done the manual.

View attachment 2924845View attachment 2924848View attachment 2924849View attachment 2924850

I'd have something handy to prop up the upper lift gate since once you remove one end of either side, the upper gate is likely to want to come down. Your noggin works in a pinch, but a length of scrap wood, broomstick, curtain rod, etc. might be more elegant.

Note, I changed them on my '13, the ones above on my '16 are original.

Super helpful, thanks!

Were your bolts difficult to remove? Did you soak them in WD40 by chance? Did you use a 12mm open wrench as @airforce1 stated a few posts above?

 

[fj4068]

The LX570 trim piece that interferes with removing the two upper bolts can be loosened with a torx bit (T-25) and will move just enough to attach a socket.