Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
86 21... Removing Gas Spring
Only remove the gas spring while the lid is open. The gas spring will then not be subjected to load and the spring piston will not jump out of the spring housing. Prop the lid open with one hand to prevent it dropping closed. Remove the gas spring with your other hand.
Side lids are each fitted with a gas spring. Rear lid is fitted with two gas springs. The following text describes how to remove the gas spring at one mounting point as an example. Proceed in the same way for all other mounting points.
Rear lid:
Replace gas springs in pairs only.
Lever out retaining clip (1) in recess (2) and push on gas spring head (3) in direction of arrow. Detach spring head (3) from ball pivot.
Installation:
Push retaining clip (1) back into its original position.
Press spring head (3) onto ball pivot until spring head (3) snaps audibly into place.
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.