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Is there any way to adjust the closing resistance on my 2016 Prius rear door?

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by Ian Service, Jun 12, 2017.

  1. Ian Service

    Ian Service New Member

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    The rear door on my 2016 Prius is very difficult to close. Is there any way to adjust the closing resistance on the door raisers?
     
  2. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    No. No safe way.

    With use, they will get a little looser.......but not much.
     
  3. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it has been said that there are adjustable attachment points. if so, lowering it might make it easier to close.
    otherwise, you might find aftermarket struts with less resistance.
    i would try wiping some lube on the piston.
     
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  4. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I'm not sure about that. Not saying one way or the other, maybe someone else will weigh in that actually knows. For starters I think it would matter what lube.

    Just my hunch: when the car is delivered those tubes are clean-and-dry, best keep them that way? Kind of like the little bars on the side door detents: you can lightly lube the exposed hinge point, but don't put lube along the length of the detent.

    Just for another data point: our hatch open/closed more freely when the car was new. Now it's a bit reluctant, both directions. Opening, it'll hang up about 3/4 of the way up, needs a push. Ditto going down.
     
  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i'm not sure either, but i don't mind a little experimentation, especially if someone else is taking the risk.
     
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  6. Sam Spade

    Sam Spade Senior Member

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    Not on the C there isn't.
     
  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good point, i looked at his vehicle and thought he was in the wrong forum.
     
  8. Kenny94945

    Kenny94945 Active Member

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    The lift struts have no resistance adjustability.

    Over time they may get easier, because their gas pressure will be leaking through seal or from the piston seal in the cylinder.
    Yet that could take a year.

    I would not add any oil to the shaft, just keep it clean.
    If you did lubricate I would use a di-electric grease as to not ruin the shaft's cylinder rubber seals.

    So....maybe best is to search the aftermarket for a bolt on closing strap so you have a better handle to grab when closing the gate.

    Experimenting with aftermarket struts...hit or miss as to their pressure I suppose.
    You'll just have to "hunt"...I can add some motorcycle steering dampeners (same concept) do have pressure adjustability...unless another co-member has some exact info/ findings.

    Removing one strut...I wouldn't recommend that yet it is an option.

    Good luck.
     
  9. Sean Nelson

    Sean Nelson Active Member

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    I doubt a single strut would support the weight of the hatch. One of the two struts on my Plymouth Voyager broke and I discovered just how very heavy those things really are. And that was with half of the lift force still being provided by the remaining strut.
     
  10. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Plus one strut only would stress the hinges? (n)(n)
     
  11. NyQuil

    NyQuil Junior Member

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    buy weaker struts. if memory recalls, they're a standard part, pretty sure you can find some on mcmaster-carr...though do make sure you can swap them out with out a problem
     
  12. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    This is where I purchased gas struts that had a shorter extended length so the hatch wouldn't hit low garage ceilings and beams:

    Installation Tips Basic FAQ Menu

    You can look for the recommended replacements for your oem struts and note the specifications, then search for a similar strut with a lower force, keeping the other parameters the same as the oem replacement struts.