2001 Chevy Blazer, 250,000 miles

The 22-year-old Chevy Blazer came due for some more minor maintenance. The lift struts for the rear window have become so weak that they don't hold it up very long any more. It waits just long enough for me to lean in to get something, and then the window comes swinging down and whacks me on the head.



I figured out the correct replacement parts needed, which included specifications like the overall extended length, compressed length, rod length, sleeve length, bottom fitting type, top fitting type, newtons of force, damper travel length... Sheesh, who knew this would be so complicated? Take lots of measurements to make sure you get it right. Then I found the faded part number on the old original struts, so that ensured I'd get the correct replacement. $37 for a pair. One on each side. I guess 20 years is pretty good life for a compressed gas system. Seals don't last forever.



Bottom fitting, a ball and socket joint. Pry that metal clip out a little, and it pops right off. Easy peasy.



Top fitting, a pin through an eyelet held in place with a push nut. The push nut was difficult. You have to slip a knife blade under there and pry it off without breaking it. And it wants to go flying off where you'll never find it. They ought to just give you a new one in the package with the strut, but nope. That would cost a penny. Better to make the customer drive to the auto parts store to buy a new one. I managed not to lose one, but they sure tried.



Then testing. It works! No more getting whacked on the head. These struts are so powerful, that I just push the button to release the latch, and the window goes all the way up by itself. I don't even have to pull the handle out a little to get it started.

- John Rich

 

Good job on finding the replacement parts and sharing a good write-up of your fix.