V70 Tailgate Lifter

[PDLarson]

I need to do the same thing. I found a V70 in a pick a part so I took the rear apart just to see how to do it without breaking any of my own plastic bits. Looks pretty easy, just start pulling on the plastic trim around the upper corners of the interior. The struts lay horizontally, parallel to the ground. On other applications I always do one at a time and assume that as soon as the first one is disconnected, the rear lift gate will fall down, HARD. Often, only one is bad but it is always recommended to replace both. Just take time and be careful with the plastic trim. I would not do this job in freezing weather.

I'm getting my struts from the stealer or Stabilus brand sourced elsewhere. The last cheapos I bought for a different application suck! Lesson learned I guess. I owe the guys at the stealer a favor. I found one guy who is very helpful, can do research, returns my calls, and knows me by name. I had him special order a part for me, it just came in and it turns out I don't need it, whoops. I'll apologize and tell them I will get the struts from them if they don't mind me not buying the part I no longer need.

Here are the instructions I found...

Interior seats dash remotes switches replace trunk struts a how to

Good luck to everyone who attempts this. I will be doing it soon.

[IanF]

I use plastic interior trim tools to reduce marring, but a screw driver should work if you're careful.

The DIY I followed had some pictures. I'm not sure where 1800ES found it. It mentioned the strut is sometimes retained with a pin clip. The struts on her car didn't have them, so simply prying off one end released the socket connection. The other socket pried off easily by levering the strut.

Yes - the hatch will come crashing down on you if only one strut is connected. That hurt a bit...

The new struts snap on to the ball connectors with frightening ease.

[PDLarson]

You need two of these struts AKA: support shocks / lift cylinders / gas springs. The P/N: is 9485548 and cross references with some other part numbers. Here are some links:

OEM Stabilus
http://www.volvopartswebstore.com/produ ... rm=9485548
OEM Stabilus at FCP
http://www.fcpeuro.com/products/volvo-t ... e-sg415009
Sachs from IPD
http://www.ipdusa.com/products/5778/103 ... port-shock

I cannot find the illustrated DIY but the IPD page has some photos, illustrations and a video.

[erikv11]

Here's a better DIY thread for a wagon:

https://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/forums ... f=1&t=8626

[rspi]

I found a set in the yard, $3.75 each. There were Volvo OEM and when I opened that gate it lifted the hatch up from 1/2 way. Very nice and strong. My guess is that the PO changed them within a year or so ago. That is a 30 minute job and on my 850 there is 1 screw that needed to be pulled on each side.

[PDLarson]

I just recently completed this job. Very simple, just need a 6ft or so piece of wood, a T25, a screwdriver to pry the old struts off, a warm day so the plastic is not as brittle and some patience. I used the Stabilus from FCP. As far as I knew it was OEM equivalant. Look at the difference in diameter of the shaft in the picture. Other than this, it is a perfect fit and works great. And yes, the door does try to decapitate you on the first lift!

[rmmagow]

https://www.amazon.com/Tailgate-Supports ... &carId=004

$60.00 for 2. Be sure to go to amazon via a link from this site.

[obayha]

Just ordered the struts. (Amazon)
That's what visa is good for.
The hatch was making a lot of racket and I could not figure out what was going on.
Until one day I opened the hatch and found one of the three screws that hold the hatch down just rolling around
on the bumper. All three got tighten up and no more noise.(from That).
So as a reward, I ordered new struts,and will remove broom soon.
Best
Shane