What is the Trunk Lift Support Shocks all about?
When you want to access the trunk to insert or remove your belongings, you need the trunk lid to stay open on its own so you have both hands free. Some trunks use tension bars to spring the trunk lid open, but they can be difficult to close, and a broken tension bar can cause bodily harm. Another method used by auto manufacturers to hold a trunk lid up is a pair of trunk lift support shocks. They are a gas-filled cylinder that puts a precise amount of pressure on the bottom of the trunk lid. When the trunk is released and lifted approximately halfway, the trunk supports lift the trunk lid to the fully open position and hold it in place, leaving both of your hands free to load or unload your trunk. The amount of force required to hold the trunk lid open is carefully matched between the gas shocks and the weight of the trunk lid. When closing the trunk lid, there is minimal resistance applied, making closing the trunk easy and safe. When the trunk lid no longer opens easily, doesn’t stay open on its own, or drops suddenly when closing, the trunk lift support shocks may be weak.
Keep in mind:
- If your trunk lift support shocks are too weak to hold your trunk lid or liftgate up, the lid can fall on you and cause injury.
- Trunk support shocks are gas-charged. Puncture or incineration of your old trunk supports can cause injury or death.
- Always have your trunk supports replaced as a pair.
How it's done:
- The faulty trunk lift support shock is identified
- The trunk is manually supported and the defective trunk lift support shock is removed
- The new trunk lift support shock is installed and manual support is removed
- The trunk is checked for proper operation of the trunk lift support shocks
- The trunk is opened and closed to check trunk lid operation and that the lift supports hold trunk in the up position
Our recommendation:
If the trunk lid doesn’t remain open on its own, is difficult to lift up, or falls on its own, you may need to replace your trunk supports.
What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Trunk Lift Support Shocks?
- Trunk lid doesn’t remain in open position without assistance
- Trunk lid is difficult or heavy to lift from the closed position
- In cold weather, trunk supports will slowly let the trunk lid drop
How important is this service?
A falling trunk lid can be dangerous to an unsuspecting person using the trunk. It can cause bodily harm, and as such, should be replaced as soon as a fault is noted.
