Rear Window Struts/Installation
 

My '96 Blazer S-10/2-door: I just bought two new rear-window struts to replace the ones that have now failed. The window will no longer stay up by itself.

I had been figuring it'd be an easy replacement but there are metal C-clips on the failed struts (which hold the ends in) that are making them difficult to get off; i'll need to spread the clip open somehow to free them from the plastic holders; tight space to work in so I don't know how a screwdriver will help me.

If any of you have replaced these struts before, what's the easiest way to get the old ones off and the new ones on?

Very small screwdriver, pry the old clips off, directly opposite where the stud is, right in the middle of the clip. On the new ones, slightly raise the clip and put the strut on the ball stud. The clip will probably snap back on where it belongs all by itself! If not, push it down with your thumb. Piece of cake ;) Quicker than replacing wiper blades!

Okay. Appreciate it. I'll give that a try.

Damn little things will bite your fingers if you ain't careful ;)

Ha. Yeah, I bet. They seem like pretty strong clips. I was trying to tap one of the struts loose with a hammer; wasn't working. Kind of stupid looking back on it now. Don't think I did any damage to the metal stud though.

So just to make sure I'm clear on this...

I need to slip a really small screwdriver underneath the back/center of the clips and pry the clips up enough so they'll expand away from the metal balls/studs below, freeing them.

And then I need to pry up the clips on the new struts as well to get them to slip over the studs.

Right?

Yup, perfect. Might want to have an assistant hold the hatch up, won't feel good crashing down on your head.

Thanks a lot, my friend.

My "assistant" will be a 47" 2 x 4.

some supports require reusing the little metal clip so check the new ones before you let fly


If I remember correct there is a little indent to slide the screw driver under


the new support just snaps over the ball stud

The new struts came with clips. Thanks, though.

Now that I've done this once (thanks to help from Captain Hook), it'd be easy to do the second time. Got 'em in and they're working like new. And yes, you're right--the clips have indents. And the smaller the screwdriver the better for getting under them. I used a tiny one, almost jeweler-size.

Only one of the struts had failed, apparently, but I'm glad I replaced both of them anyway. $26 each from a local auto parts store; an okay price, I guess.