Hatch door struts (shocks, springs, openers, whatever you want to call them)...

[UptownVibe]

So I just want to report in and let folks know that replacing the struts that hold open the hatch door is super easy. If you can change a headlight bulb you can do the hatch struts very easily.I went to pep-boys and they wanted $56 each and it was a special order that I'd have to go back and pick up. Then I looked online and found some places with ONE (the drivers side) for $17, but it was only one. Then I found a guy on Amazon that had them as a set for 44. Sold! They came in the mail in a few days and got on my car within an hour of the UPS guy waking me up (we'll the dog is what really woke me up). Now my dogs door doesnt hit me in the head anymore. Waatch it willprobably catch me in the chin since I'm not used ot it working as good as the new struts.Also, are these really two different parts? Mine have stickers on them that both say 4079 and they were packaged separatly in two different sleaves that were not labeled vibe or matrix.Now that I have your attention... Anyone know how I could try to do an auto open kit? I have not seen aftermarket hatch lifters like the SUV's and mini-vans come with now. But if they existed, that would be super cool. I'd even more rather a hatch glass opener/closer so I can get tthe cross breeze on summer days w the sunroof open.So for degree of difficulty I'd say a 3 on a scale of one to ten. As far as being worth doing? I have a 2003 and am about to leave on a multi-month roadtrip, so you bet ur a$$! Can you see me trying to get the spare tire out with the hatch door laying on my back, middle of night, bugs, etc... Ok, well now I can at least subtract the "hatch laying on my back" part of that thought

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[BlueCrush]

I haven't replaced them on my Vibe yet, but I have replaced them on my wife's Aztek and was surprised at how easy it was.

[bull77]

Can you post the amazon link? I need to replace the struts in the spring

[UptownVibe]

Again, I would reccomend anyone with an older Vibe to consider this if they want their hatch door to lift up reliably to its maximum height. I would say this would even be more important if you are used to having a trunk lid covered in heavy snow/ice.---Here is the link for the 2003 pair.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O10IOC/I don't know what years are different from each other, but I believe there was some variation along the way of the Vibe's evolution.

[lovemyraffe]

Mine have been fine until this year. I've been considering rebuilding them, but for this price, why not buy new ones.

[UptownVibe]

How would you rebuild them? That sounds like quite a project. I threw my old ones out as soon as the new ones were on.Also, what type of lubricant should/could be used on the shaft portion of the strut?

[lovemyraffe]

I was assuming that you could rebuild them like any other hydraulic stuff. You basically have to pull it apart, put new seals on and make sure it works. I don't know if it is possible with this, just a thought.

[Herb]

I've noticed that in the winter my struts don't hold up as well, also when I added the spoilers it definitely had an impact as to how high and how quickly the hatch openedI've thought about replacing them, but wanted to find a stronger than OEM set first

[ou.grizzly]

When or if I have time, add this to the list on what has to be replaced on the 2004; along with new lots of other things.

[06pvibe]

Quote, originally posted by Herb »I've noticed that in the winter my struts don't hold up as well, also when I added the spoilers it definitely had an impact as to how high and how quickly the hatch openedI've thought about replacing them, but wanted to find a stronger than OEM set firstOften, parts stores have universal gas replacement struts. You would need to size the ones you need and likely have to reuse the factory ends, but that too can be a good alternative and they might be stronger than the OE's are.I am less-than-impressed w/the factory struts on our '06 too, but they do the job for now.

[bull77]

Quote, originally posted by UptownVibe »Here is the link for the 2003 pair.http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001O10IOC/thanks! Add these to the Gatorback belt I need to buy. Looks like I'll be heading to upstate NY soon

[Whelan]

Stabilus part # W0133-1624529$39.75 eachhttp://www.partsgeek.com/catal....html

[UptownVibe]

Hey,I'm glad to see that this thread has peak some discussion in this rather ignored area of our cars.Whelam - The link you posted above is a coprrect replacement oiption, but the amazon link I posted above was 44 for the pair, whereas Parts Geeks (your link) wants 40 each.

[bull77]

thanks again UptownVibe! --- I just placed a order for these

[vibolista]

Wondering how good the OE struts were. We didn't have an overly cold Winter here, and noticed the hatch was less than perky going up, even under moderately cold conditions.

[bull77]

my struts were acting like that last winter. I would have to push it up during the winter but at least it stayed there. this is the vibes 5th winter and it didn't stay put for longer than 10secs. even with the really mild weather we've been having it'll only stay up for <1min.

[Psychobroker]

Quote, originally posted by bull77 »even with the really mild weather we've been having it'll only stay up for <1min. that's what she said. sorry

[bull77]

Quote, originally posted by Psychobroker »that's what she said. sorry lol -- i was expecting someone to say that and tried to word my post without using "up"

[A Psycho Martyr]

I only had one go out. The one on the right 8( and it leaked oil all down the inside of the hatch and got on my sub enclosure. "Say NO to schmelly greezy oil!"

[UptownVibe]

So there you have it... Another reason not to delay in doing this very simple car project (the older the vibe the better, I'm driving a 2003 so it was a nobrainer for me). You will eventually have it done, its just a matter of if you are going to have an oily mess to clean up or not. Don't delay... So on another note... I'm on a cross country adventure right now. I can't afford to suffer a self inflicted head injury (most likely at night)! If you are at all a clutz like me, you'll appreciate that 40 bucks is a lot less than your emergency room co-pay, LOL.

[Esteban]

An old mechanic's tip, to keep from a hood slamming on your head, because of a weak strut. Open & clamp a "Vise-grip" to the strut's inner rod where it won't close. Better than a broomhandle !! Works til you can buy new ones.

[bull77]

installed my hatch struts last night -- now the hood pops open the swooooeessshh sound made me smile

[lovemyraffe]

Just ordered some for me. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...ories