The hood support struts hold up the hood of your vehicle. This allows you to access the engine compartment without holding the hood up by hand or with a prop rod. Failed hood struts can be both dangerous and annoying as they could allow the hood to fall on your head.
Part 1 of 2: Removing the old hood support struts
In order to safely and efficiently replace your hood support struts, you will need a couple of basic tools.
Materials Needed
- Flathead screwdriver
- New hood support struts
- Prop for the hood (a piece of wood or pipe)
- Protective gloves
- Ratchet and sockets
- Repair manuals (optional); you can buy these online through Chilton, or Autozone provides them for free for certain makes and models
- Safety glasses
Step 1: Support the hood with a prop. Open the hood and support it with a prop such as a length of wood or pipe.
Alternatively, you can have a friend assist you and hold the hood open for you.
Step 2: Remove the hood support strut retaining clips. Remove the support strut retaining clips using a flathead screwdriver.
Step 3: Unbolt the fasteners. Unbolt the fasteners that connect the strut to the body.
Typically, this is done using a ratchet and socket of the appropriate size.
Step 4: Remove the strut. Pull the strut off the ball joint and remove the strut from the vehicle.
Part 2 of 2: Installing the new hood support strut
Step 1: Mount the new strut. Put the new strut in place and loosely install the mounting hardware, but do not tighten it down.
Step 2: Push the strut onto the ball joint. Place the strut over the ball joint and use your finger to apply pressure until it pops into place.
Step 3: Tighten down the fasteners. Tighten down the fasteners until they are snug.
Your hood strut replacement should now be complete. However, if you would prefer to have a professional do this job for you, the certified mechanics at YourMechanic offer expert hood strut replacement service.
