Thank you so much for this video, it was my very first time to try to install hood struts. I bought 2pcs vepagoo lift support on amazon. It's cheaper than some dealer, but I won't install it. I hate endeavoring on projects that I'm not familiar with. After we found thIS video, I started with the bottom first, then the top. Old struts came right out. Installed the new struts top first, then bottom. Took me all of five-minutes, and that's without anyone assisting. I used a paint extension pole to hold the hood up. Niceeeee video!!!
Wow! So glad I found this since I have an older Infiniti (Nissan, basically), and couldn't for the LIFE of me figure out why the strut/support/shocks couldn't just pop/pry off! Just hope I can find the threaded ball fittings at my local auto shop, and with your instructions, I'll be off to the races! THANKS!! (love that you kept the "blooper" at the end, too!)
Useful video. I noticed after I installed the first one I had it on backwards. Look at the opposite side and see which side has the stainless rod down. If it happens to you, just pop off the top side, should be easy, the end tied to the inner fender might require using a screwdriver or if you have space you can put the support at a sharp angle and it'll likely pop off. If not angle it as much as you can then pop it off with a screwdriver or over type tool.
!Add "Toyota" and "4runner" (and others I'm sure!) to your title or keywords!!! Perfect. Nothing new to me-- almost.... I've done a dozen of these in the last 10 years... hoods, tailgates, hatches... simple. Right? Went to do my 4Runner hood today and scratched my head. Almost took a mallet to it after trying to RU-vid this *peculiar* ball hinge. Thanks for having pretty much the ONLY video that shows these non-releasing joints. Kept me out of a bit of trouble.
Same for me but on a 2001 Tundra with original struts still installed and one of them failed this week. This is the only video that explains you have to remove the ball studs in these situations, no clips on the OEM parts on the ball joint end.
I always recommend having an additional support on the other side of the hood when doingvthis kind of task. Security is always first. Also recommend someone else holding the hood too if possible.
Do they make universal hood props like the ones in Golf Rs? They only have one hood prop that supports the entire hood. I've found some from RedLine Performance I believe is the name that use two in the same position shown in this video.
I suggest that you prop up the hood on the OPPOSITE side of the engine compartment away from your work zone. You are risking inadvertently knocking that prop rod out and dropping that hood on your head.
Nice video, good job! I did this to my Nissan Titan, same procedure but when I closed the hood it did not align all the way down. The struts I bought were for my make and year. I noticed that the top part of the strut does loosen and tightens. Is this for adjustments? Any help, thanks.
Robert Flores we have a Titan we r going to do this on very soon and we will try to figure that out, it is very possible the supports could have an adjustment but it is also very important to inspect the hood hinges and the hood latch, many vehicles allow the hood latch to have a small adjustment, we will update once we do the video
Lol..you almost did it. We all mess up..lol. Well. I brought some for my Excursion...and remember how you showed that these have no give? I assume it would be even more pressure not to give...due to my vehicle right? I actually leaned pushing down...and it never uncompressed? Hope I use the right word. So I am lost...lol. Is the lifter bad?
I was about to pay someone to put my new struts on my 1999 Ford Explorer which need the ones on both the hood and rear hatch replaced. Now that I see how it is done, I can do it myself once I can get my hood opened.
It is possible, but would need some customized installation, (ie: Welding brackets for the hood struts to the hood). Depending on the car, someone may even make a conversion kit. I know for example, you can buy the kits for Ford Mustangs and other cars that people frequently customize.
How do you remove and install the two metal brackets (0.47 shown two 10mm bolts) holding onto the hood? Mine two metal brackets holding the hood are deformed & wrapped and the hood will not close down fully.
+angelisone If the hood hinges are bent up causing the hood not to close. I would suggest replacing the hinges, trying to unwarp them may turnout to be time consuming and possible undo-able
+Auto Parts Direct To You You are not kidding. Lots of time doing that. I can't hold the hood and remove those those bolts by myself. That hood is heavy to hold for a woman like me.
I've changed mine and my hood still won't hold up securely it falls back down with the slightest movement. Any suggestions. It is for a 2012 Dodge charger se
Proper installation orientation of the lift support is very important. It ensures that the oil in the lift support travels correctly through the piston assembly for cushion/support while also protecting the shaft and sealing components by lubricated them with every stroke.
Because the OEM ball joint ends will not pry out. You could keep trying until the end of time. Unless you cut the ball joint housing apart with a Dremel or something they will never come apart without a damaging amount of effort. And you risk injury doing that. So better to just buy replacement ball studs in my opinion, but do what you want.
My wife was checking the fluids in her truck and the hood is heavy, the hood stayed up for maybe a minute when it slammed down on her back, she has to climb in the engine just to look at the antifreeze because she's so small, so she went to the doctor and of course they gave her pain pills. Her back is so messed up now, she can barely get out of bed.
The way you're working around that orange rod looks very dangerous - especially when you had a hand on either side of the rod as part of your presentation. If you had knocked that rod, and the hood had dropped, you'd have lost a hand. You really need a reliable support on both sides of the hood while replacing struts. And only put your hands in there when you really need to, until you get the new struts on.
My search was how to install hood struts on cars that didn't come from factory with ones....and he did not install them, he just replaced them, big difference.
I would need glasses at 10 inches. You had the camera 15 feet away. OK. I know what a hood is. And, I know what a screw driver is. If no close-up then, no need for video
Too bad all prop rods are made like crap and fail after a few years , the old spring coils were good for a lifetime .These items are about twenty bucks but a shop will charge you through the nose to replace them , Minimum 0one hour . Thats why people hate garages and think all mechanics are thieves .
