How to Replace Your Car's Hood or Trunk Lift Struts in 15 Minutes

The Problem: A Heavy Hood or Trunk That Won't Stay Up

If you've ever had your car's hood or trunk lid slowly creep down or suddenly crash onto your head while you were loading groceries or checking the oil, you know how frustrating—and painful—failing lift struts can be. Over time, the gas-charged cylinders that support these heavy panels leak pressure and lose their lifting power. Fortunately, you don't need to pay a mechanic $100 or more in labor to fix this. Replacing your car's hood or trunk lift struts is a straightforward, beginner-friendly DIY task that takes only 15 minutes and requires just one basic tool.

Tools and Materials Needed

• Replacement lift struts: Buy a matching pair designed specifically for your vehicle's make, model, and year. (Always replace them in pairs, even if only one is failing).
• A flathead screwdriver: A small-to-medium flathead is perfect for releasing the metal retaining clips.
• A sturdy support prop: A broomstick, a piece of wood, or a helpful friend to securely hold the hood or trunk open while you work.

Step 1: Prop the Hood or Trunk Securely

Car hoods and trunks are deceptively heavy. Before you touch any tools, lift the hood or trunk to its fully open position and support it securely. Position your broomstick or wood prop in a stable spot where it cannot slip, or have your helper hold the lid firmly. Never rely on the failing struts to hold the weight while you are working on them; once you remove one strut, the remaining one will instantly lose all holding power.

Step 2: Locate and Inspect the Retaining Clips

Look at the ends of your new and old struts. They connect to the car via a ball-and-socket joint. On the back of each socket, you will see a small, curved metal spring band (the retaining clip). This clip wraps around the socket to lock it onto the metal ball stud mounted on your car's body. To remove the old strut, you simply need to pry this clip slightly outward.

Step 3: Release the Old Strut

Start with one side. Insert the tip of your flathead screwdriver under the metal retaining clip on the upper socket of the old strut. Gently pry the clip outward—you do not need to remove the clip entirely; just slide it out about a quarter of an inch to release the tension on the ball joint. Once the clip is pried loose, pull the socket away from the ball stud. Repeat this process for the lower socket on the same strut. The old strut will now slide right off.

Step 4: Install the New Strut

Grab your new matching strut. Do not pry the clips on the new strut. Modern lift struts are designed to "snap-on" easily. Align the socket of the new strut with the ball stud on your car. Push the socket firmly onto the ball stud until you hear or feel a solid click. The internal spring clip will automatically expand and lock itself around the ball. Repeat this for the other end of the strut. (Tip: If the new strut is slightly too long or short to align with the stud, have your helper lift or lower the trunk slightly to match the length).

Step 5: Repeat on the Other Side and Test

Now that the first new strut is installed, repeat Steps 3 and 4 on the opposite side of the car. Once both new struts are securely clicked into place, carefully remove your safety prop or have your helper step back. Slowly lower the hood or trunk to ensure it moves smoothly, then open it again. It should lift easily and stay firmly in the fully open position without any sagging.