C5 falling taigate

[stu9]

An 03....when you put it up, starts to to fall, not right down but far enough that you've got to lift it to go in....I know there's springs either side, are they buggerd or is there hydralics or a bit of both, just started yesterday

[addo]

They are gas struts. The story is, you need to remove the headlining to release them for renewal or regassing. Locally quoted price all in was $800 at a dealer.

On a customer's car I fixed the glass tailgate instead (usual busted wire issue); she is happy with the cheaper compromise.

[stu9]

Sorry, should have said gas .....so will probably need to take the back half of the lining off to get to them, cheers

[addo]

I have an untested idea of making a tool to release the spring clip that holds the strut end onto the ball stud. If it worked, you could pop off the clip and fish it out with a magnet tool, removing the strut at the same time. Otherwise, cutting neat little windows in the roof lining would work.