Rep Power: 0

One of the hatch struts on my 96 civic CX hatchback failed, leaving me holding my hatch open with the top of my head while trying to load equipment.

I ordered a new one. It arrived with a bolt on one end and an -openable - socket on the other. Nothing else in the box. So far so good.

I ran into a problem removing the existing strut. No problem loosening the bottom bolt, but the top - a ball-in socket joint - appears to be permanent; I couldn't find any means of taking the socket apart. I made a few halfhearted attempts to open it or pry the ball loose with two pairs of pliers, but I didn't want to wreck the bracket, which is pretty thin.

Either of the following would be helpful:

- where to get a replacement bracket
- how to open the socket on the faulty strut

Thanks!

pedaltone
portland, or

 
Rep Power: 291

Take a picture of what you have to work with. Maybe that would help you get some answers a little bit quicker.

 
Rep Power: 318

if the ball part is connected to the car, i would think you could just yank it off.... and use a small hammer to tap the new one into place....

 
Rep Power: 235

there is a metal locking tab that you need to out a small flat screwdriver in and lift it up a little and the strut will release from the ball. and yea a pic would make it easier. ill see of i can take some pictures tomorrow and work. ill just grab a car and show you if i can. its very simple.

 
Rep Power: 0

(accidental duplicate)

 
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http://www.flickr.com/photos/polvao/3200417659/

What looks like it might be a screwdriver-hole right smack in the middle of the side of the ball facing the camera is a scratch from me hauling on it with pliers..

There is some kind of insertion point on the cylinder under the socket that appears to be if you want to remove the socket from the inner strut shaft. That would be cool as long as I can take the socket off the other strut, too.

There is a divot in the center of the flat top, but I didn't see any means of entry there.

 
Rep Power: 0

Update: There does not appear to be any screwdriver hole on the cylinder part of the socket of the existing strut, nor does there appear to be any way to remove the socket from the new strut.

I hauled on it for a while with a hammer and either screwdriver or wrench. It didn't budge. Unfortunately, the bracket that mounts the ball to the hatch inevitably absorbs some of the hammer's impact.

see pics of new strut attached.

Apologies for the miscategorized post.





So, I'm still at square one..

 
Rep Power: 235

uhhh i dont know how to add pictures otherwise i would show yo where to put the screwdriver..how the hell do i add pictures. it keeps asking for a url god damit i just want to copy and paste something........