Replacing Hood Struts on 97

[lpreston]

I used the Tuff Support brand, part number 612935. These instructions are based off this part. A cross referenced brand may vary slightly.

The ball mounts on the stock part are permantly attached to the strut. Your replacements will require replacement ball mounts. The Tuff Supports included them.

Tools required: 12mm open end wrench. 13mm wrench.

You are going to need an assistant or something to prop the hood up while you are replacing the struts.

1. Remove the bottom strut mount by using your open ended 12mm wrench on the nut directly next to the strut. The one furthest from it is welded to the mount.

2. Repeat the process for the top is the same, except that the nut that holds the stud to the mount is NOT welded on. I was able to access it without removing the mount. You may need a second 12mm wrench to hold the nut stationary while you loosen the top ball mount. Retain the nut and discard the old strut.

3. The new ball mounts are the same thread pitch as the factory parts, but use a 13mm wrench. Install both ball mounts to the car.

4. Hold the strut so that the exposed portion of the strut is facing downwards (as were the factory struts). Start with the bottom first. Simply press the strut onto the ball mount. There is a spring clip that will move out of the way to get around the ball mount, then lock back into place once the ball mount is inside the strut.

Repeat other side and enjoy your hood not hitting you in the head.

[maxnix]

On both of my models, G50 and FGY33, I found it easier to disassemble the upper brackets when mounting the struts.

[lpreston]

I've got skinny fingers and a lazy streak....lol. Actually the nuts were not that hard to get at, but I do wrench all the time.

[NightRiderQ45]

pic of product...link?

[lpreston]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...witem=

[NightRiderQ45]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...witem=

Ok I saw this on ebay yesterday. So do they work pretty good? I was thinking about purchasing them.

[lpreston]

Absolutely. The struts are the right length and the replacement ball mounts that you need are included. The seller shipped very quickly as well. I'd recommend him!

[maxnix]

Used the Strong Arm on my FGY33 and Stabilus by Sachs on the G50.

Both worked as well as OEM so far. Used their mounting hardware on both.

[miata007]

That's cool that these struts work without costing an arm and a leg.

It's about time for me to change them since I get embarassed everytime I check fluids at the gas stations. I have to go to the trunk to get my wooden stick/pole use to keep the hood up.

007

[qship96]

Nah, one day that pole holding up the hood will come in handy as a club to ward off a would be car-jacker!!! Sharpen one end to a fine point and it becomes a multi-purpose weapon and hood prop in one!

[maxnix]

Don't forget the way those wilderness traps work!

Hood pole is also a trip device. Not worth damage to fingers and even arms from the heavy hood closing on them.

[NightRiderQ45]

On both of my models, G50 and FGY33, I found it easier to disassemble the upper brackets when mounting the struts.

I had to bump this thread because I'm about to purchase the hood struts. Maxnix are you talking about the bracket that has the two bolts? I know that my finger can't get behind the bracket to take the nut off so it seems like the best option is to take the two bolts off and remove the bracket.

[MinisterofDOOM]

That's what I did. Take the upper bracket off with the strut, then remove it from the strut while the whole assembly is off the car where you have more room to work.

[maxnix]

Yes, much easier for me to remove the bracket on the hood.

Be sure it is securely propped and don't hit the prop! The true meaning of props to you!

[NightRiderQ45]

Thanks for both replies fellas.

[ZMARKUS]

I

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...witem=

wondered would these be the right length because another seller had wrong length. Gonna buy now since I know they work.

[maxnix]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...witem=

It's would be nice if they would include the Sachs part number to confirm the fit.

[NightRiderQ45]

Actually this is the link that I was looking for. You are right, the seller ships very fast. I got it in two days but I haven't left any feedback since I haven't installed them in yet. I noticed that the seller did include their ball mounts.

[maxnix]

Ball nuts, washers, everything should be included.

[NightRiderQ45]

Well, washers wasn't included in my package but I got them installed yesterday! I'm glad that i can finally pop open my with no trouble again.