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Hatch Shocks Stiff, Easy Fix?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by geeter, Jan 20, 2013.

  1. geeter

    geeter Member

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    So the hatch struts that slowly open and close and lock the hatch up are very stiff. They get stuck on the way up and I have been hitting my head on the hatch door. My wife did it the other day while carrying our kids and hence my need to fix.

    Does anyone have any suggestions on how to lube these? Do they just need replacing after sometime, and if so, are they an easy fix? Thanks.
     
    #1 geeter, Jan 20, 2013
  2. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    They are gas struts and probably slow with the cold weather. You can get replacements at either the dealer, auto parts store or online. They are very easy to change.
     
    #2 jdcollins5, Jan 20, 2013
  3. geeter

    geeter Member

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    Thanks. I revised my search after this post and found quite a few postings. I appreciate the response. Do you have any idea how much I should pay for a set?
     
    #3 geeter, Jan 20, 2013
  4. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    jd is correct, however occasionally wiping down the extended inner rod with LPS or WD40 does wonders to maintain proper operation and extend the life of these struts.
     
    #4 frodoz737, Jan 20, 2013
  5. geeter

    geeter Member

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    I will try that first. I just called the local dealer, the parts guy told me the struts are $135.01. I am pretty sure the strut should be 20-30 each.....does that sound right?
     
    #5 geeter, Jan 20, 2013
  6. frodoz737

    frodoz737 Top Wrench

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    Unless you insist on using the Toyota part, Autozone or most auto parts store will cost what you were expecting. They call them support lift.
     
    #6 frodoz737, Jan 20, 2013
  7. geeter

    geeter Member

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    Thanks. I used a bit of PB Blaster on the post and it didn't do much (except make the car stink). I will stop over to the parts store today.
     
    #7 geeter, Jan 20, 2013
  8. gliderman

    gliderman Active Member

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    You may be changing struts that are perfectly good. Mine slow down when it gets cold, and I have also hit my head a couple of times. Just need to pay attention. It is 75 degrees today and I just got back from shopping and they are normal. When it was cold, they were slow.
     
    #8 gliderman, Jan 20, 2013
  9. geeter

    geeter Member

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    75 degrees! That sounds amazing.
     
    #9 geeter, Jan 20, 2013
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Ours are doing that too: get the hatch about half-way up, then almost stall. A little nudge will get them the rest of the way. It's sorta cold here, just around or slightly over freezing.
     
    #10 Mendel Leisk, Jan 20, 2013
  11. jayrider

    jayrider Member

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    Have an appointment to have them changed under warranty. My wife cracked her head on the lift back. They won't stay up. I'll give you a report on the new ones. 25 degrees here but they have been acting up during the summer as well.
     
    #11 jayrider, Jan 22, 2013
  12. jayrider

    jayrider Member

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    The lifts are covered under warranty but they have to order a set. If I need them out of warranty will go to the auto parts store -- they have a lifetime warranty and are easy to replace.
     
    #12 jayrider, Jan 24, 2013
  13. geeter

    geeter Member

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    Would they be only under the bumper to bumper? I am at 52K and I am getting close to the 60K expiration of the powertrain warranty.
     
    #13 geeter, Jan 25, 2013
  14. jayrider

    jayrider Member

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    They won't be covered under the power train warranty. Go to autozone and get lifetime lifts.
     
    #14 jayrider, Jan 26, 2013
  15. geeter

    geeter Member

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    Thanks sir. I will go check them out.
     
    #15 geeter, Jan 26, 2013
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