Honda Hatch Strut Repair

The rear hatches on Hondas -- and most cars -- are held open with a pneumatic strut on either side of the hatch. When you open the hatch, the struts raise and support it so you can load or unload the trunk without unexpected head injuries. Eventually, the struts can fail from repeated use and leave the hatch unsupported, which can lead to you using a baseball or similar object to keep the hatch open. Replacing the struts on a Honda hatchback is quite easy.

• 1

  Open the hatch. Support the hatch with a baseball bat or similar tool while you replace the struts. Start at the bottom of the strut. Remove the nut or bolt that holds the strut to the bodywork with a wrench.

• 2

  Move to the opposite end of the strut. This end will be held in place with a socket on the end of the strut that clips over a ball mounted to the vehicle's hatch. Examine the ball and socket closely. You will see a small metal clip that seats against the ball on the strut. Press the clip with a flathead screwdriver to release the ball from the clip. Set the strut aside.

• 3

  Install the new strut by first bolting it to the bodywork at the bottom end. Install the opposite end of the strut by clipping the ball into the socket. It may slide right into place, or you may need to use the screwdriver to press the clip to allow the ball to seat into the socket. Repeat for the opposite side. Shut the hatch.