Trunk Electric Strut Support Replacement DIY
Power lift gates have become widespread in SUVs, Crossovers, minivans, and sedans. These gates are either fitted with hydraulic struts or electric ones. Buick and some GM cars used electric struts to power the electric liftgate (trunk).
Buick electric struts, like other things, do not last forever; they would fail after some years of service. Fixing your Buick’s electric struts is relatively easy; you may follow our instructions below to replace your electric trunk or boot struts. This guide provides instructions on replacing electric boot struts or trunk struts.
What you will need
Tools
- Flathead screwdriver
Parts
- Electric Support Liftgate
Procedure
- To open the trunk, be sure that the doors are unlocked. There are many ways to open the box. You can press the touchpad under the Buick emblem. You can also open the trunk by pressing the release mechanism on the trunk handle. There is also a release button on the driver’s console. And finally, you can open the trunk using the FOB.
- Lift the box with your arms if the trunk is unlatched but fails to extend completely.
- Have a friend keep the liftgate open.
- Find the electric trunk strut. On the trunk side, you would find a long black bar resembling a shock absorber that extends from the car body to the liftgate.
- Find the electrical connector terminal on the body, push the tabs, then pull the connector out.
- To remove the electric trunk strut, remove the connection from the trunk first. A metal clip will lock the electric trunk support strut to the box. Twist the clip using a flathead screwdriver. Once the lock is released, you can pull the brace sideways towards the outer side of the car.
- Find the other end of the strut; there will also be a metal lock on this side; flip it using the flat head screwdriver; once the lock is released, you can pull the strut sideways towards the center of the car.
- Prepare the new strut and compare it with the old one; it should look the same.
- Install the side of the strut bound to the body by guiding the strut’s slot to the strut frame.
- Extend the trunk to fit the length of the strut, and press the other end of the strut’s guide to the strut’s frame on the trunk.
- Reconnect the electrical connector.
- Repeat the same steps to remove and install the struts on the other side.
Do not connect the electrical connector while the Trunk Support is not yet installed properly. If you install the electrical while the Trunk Support Strut is not yet secured, there will be a risk of ruining the electrical strut support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do power liftgate struts work?
A power liftgate is a motorized hatch that opens and closes electronically. You can activate the system by pressing or holding a button inside the car, key fob, or hatch itself.
How long should trunk struts last?
On average, if your car has been used gently and the trunk is not used regularly, you can expect your trunk struts to last about ten years. Five years is probably all you can expect if you have used your car as a workhorse.
How much to replace the front struts?
On average, expect to pay between $450 and $900 to replace a pair of struts. An individual strut assembly will cost about $230 to $300, so you’re looking at around $300 to $600 for parts only. Labor will set you back about $150 to $300 for the pair.
We hope you find the Trunk Electric Strut Support Replacement DIY guide helpful. Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your GM and Buick.
