My hatch lifts(supports) failed, I opened up the trunk in this crazy cold weather and they crapped themselves, literally. I see the options are basically OEM or "strong arm" Before they failed they were of course 18 years old, so they lost some pressure since they were put on. I'm wondering if the oem or strong arm supports will actually lift the hatch up once it is released? They make kits like this for VW hatchbacks. Do any exists for subaru? Or maybe the oem ones do? Figure I'd check before I go ahead and order stuff.
I used the StrongArm replacements on a couple of cars in the past (not Subaru). They were a very well made piece and operated as well as OEM when they were new. I think I bought them at NAPA.
Sad day for hatch struts in MN. I went out to the shop today to get 4 new tires. After diggin around in my hatchbay I found that my hatch struts had leaked out and stopped working. Ebay and car-parts has a few for older gen wagons from 10-30. Haven't checked napa or other part stores. Looks like an easy job! Until then, broken mop handle will have to do.
Hatch lift supports struts. I just replaced mine. Found an aftermarket set at the local auto parts store. The aftermarket ones cost $28 bucks, found online for as low as $15 each. Aftermarket ones are extremely easy to install. By far the biggest problem was removing the old lift supports. I ended up just unbolting the old set. A standard 12mm wrench gets the top one easily and on the bottom one there is a screw that needed to be removed, allowing you remove a small plastic piece before getting to the nut. Took a few minutes once I figured it out. This was a 2003 WRX hatch. I'd like to believe most Subi hatchbacks are similar.
