How do I change out my hood struts?

[GrahamPhotog]

I have a 2000 Q45, and all the fluids have leaked out of the hood struts. I have received the replacement struts, but I can't figure out how to remove the old ones and install the new ones. It looks I should start at the bottom "ball joint" first. I thought perhaps they could be popped off but I don't want to do anything that will cause damage. There is a nut at the bottom end which holds the thingy that the struts attach to. I tried removing them but the guy at the auto parts place told me that the nut is welded on. So, what do i do next?

Thanks.

[loystock]

Make sure the hood is firmly supported. Then start from the top - remove 3 mounting bolts for the bracket then disconnect the lower part of the strut. Once you have taken out the bracket, then you can disconnect the upper part of the strut from it.

As for the replacement strut, non-OEM is straightforward as it is a complete set. But if you bought OEM one, you have to cut the tip the strut to separate the ball nut so you can re-use it during installation.

[GrahamPhotog]

Okay, I see the 3 mounting bolts which look straightforward enough. My replacement parts are original Nissan. I'm not quite sure I understand what you mean about having to cut the tip of the strut. Could you elaborate a bit on that? Are you referring to cutting the tip of the old strut?

Thanks!

[loystock]

Unless Nissan/Infiniti has changed the hood strut assembly, that's what I did (cut the tip of the strut to release the ball nut).when I installed mine some time ago. Since then, any strut I need I go aftermarket (Tuff Strut and the likes) which provides a complete set and are cheaper. I have replaced the hood struts in the 99I30 and 97Q45.

[GrahamPhotog]

I expect it will become clearer to me once I have removed the old strut. Wish I had asked about non OEM struts before I bought my new ones. Could have saved time and $.

[GrahamPhotog]

I was able to remove the entire strut assemblies from the hood, but it took a little more brute force and ignorance than I have to separate the struts from the ball joint (I am not short on ignorance ), and so I stopped by a Nissan dealership where they popped out the old struts and connected the new ones. I could see them struggling, and they were a lot younger and stronger than me. They didn't even charge me which I thought was very nice.

I have now re-connected them to my hood and everything is working fine except I lost one of the bolts from the top flange. It's holding OK with the remaining two, but I will need to find a bolt before too long.

Thanks for your help.

[NightRiderQ45]

Struggle? They shouldn't have. I was able to change both in 20mins after reading the write up on this site.