98 V70-XC hatchback support shocks

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jan 2017, 00:09

Hello Fellow Volvo Owners,
I've had my 1998 V70-XC for about two years. The hatchback kept falling down on me, so I recently had the "rear hatch support shocks" replaced. The cost was $102.80 for the shocks and $96 for the labor. My mechanic tells me he gave me a discount price on the shocks. They work fine. The hatchback pops up and stays up. The problem is that now I can't close the hatchback by myself. I'm an older woman with back & shoulder issues. I've tried twice, and I can see I'll be injuring myself if I try again. I went to see my mechanic and asked him to adjust the tension on the shocks. He said that is not possible. This means I have a station wagon that I can't use for all the station wagon type of things I love to do. I can't imagine how I would be able to arrange having someone around to close the door for me every time I wanted to use my car. Does anyone have any suggestions? What if I ask my mechanic to remove one of the support shocks? Would that be ok for the car? Are there other support shocks that are less strong? I'm sure my mechanic has thrown out the old parts by now. In some ways, it was easier having a hatch that didn't stay up than having one that won't close. Thanks!

Post by **SonicAdventure** » 17 Jan 2017, 00:26

I also have a 98, but mine is just a regular V70. I did the rear hatch shocks on mine last summer and while I am not having an issue closing it, I can understand the point you are making - the new shocks def. prop the door up with force.

I removed a rear hatch at a junkyard once and I tested the door with only one shock just to see if one would hold the door up. It didn't. Now, I don't know long old the shocks were on that car.

You might try asking the mechanic if he could reinstall one of your older worn out ones. Maybe the combination of a new one and an old one might have enough power to keep the door open but easier to close. If he tossed your old ones, maybe someone here on the forum has an old one that they can get to you in the mail.

The rear tailgate and glass assembly is quite heavy; you don't want to do anything that would cause it to fall on you!

Is your mobility hindered due to an injury or do you just not have the strength to reach up and get it down? Would it be easier if you had your mechanic bolt a piece of rope with a knot in the end of it to the steel door frame so you could get it started coming down easier? And then once you have it 3/4 of the way you could tuck the rope inside and use both hands to shut it?

Just some suggestions. Do what your mechanic and your doctor recommend! Good luck to you -

PDXHemp · Post by **PDXHemp** » 17 Jan 2017, 00:27

Hi,
I replaced the hatch / lift gate struts on my 98 XC about 2 months ago. At first, I thought I was going to have the same problem as you. The lift gate was extremely fast to pop up and was very hard to close. I too was seriously considering replacing one of the brand new struts with one of the old worn out ones. But, it only took about 20 open/close cycles before it settled down. It's now perfectly balanced, easy to open without that 'flying into my face' that it had when the struts were first replaced and closes one handed vs. the initial 'I'd better get both my Labs to climb on here with me or this is never going to close'. I'm now glad that I waited and just used the lift gate enough to 'break in' the new ones.

I hope this provides some reassurance. Use your lift gate several times and the new struts will settle down.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jan 2017, 01:55

Thanks for the suggestions! I will talk to my mechanic again.

Post by **rspi** » 17 Jan 2017, 03:27

I can ship you a used support if you need one. I do feel your pain. I had a new set of those supports and they were very strong, pushed the hatch up with some good force.

I think the one new / only older mix would be best. Or install a used set that will do the job but not as strong. I have a good used set that I can ship you. Let me know.

Post by **abscate** » 17 Jan 2017, 05:00

Chai wrote:Hello Fellow Volvo Owners,
I've had my 1998 V70-XC for about two years. The hatchback kept falling down on me, so I recently had the "rear hatch support shocks" replaced. The cost was $102.80 for the shocks and $96 for the labor. My mechanic tells me he gave me a discount price on the shocks. They work fine. The hatchback pops up and stays up. The problem is that now I can't close the hatchback by myself. I'm an older woman with back & shoulder issues. I've tried twice, and I can see I'll be injuring myself if I try again. I went to see my mechanic and asked him to adjust the tension on the shocks. He said that is not possible. This means I have a station wagon that I can't use for all the station wagon type of things I love to do. I can't imagine how I would be able to arrange having someone around to close the door for me every time I wanted to use my car. Does anyone have any suggestions? What if I ask my mechanic to remove one of the support shocks? Would that be ok for the car? Are there other support shocks that are less strong? I'm sure my mechanic has thrown out the old parts by now. In some ways, it was easier having a hatch that didn't stay up than having one that won't close. Thanks!

Chai..a piece of line with a foot loop might work well to use leg weight to pull the tailgate down, then tuck the rope into the back.

Or, attach it to the license plate and clip,it to the rear wiper when done..you don't need that in SC anyhow

Post by **cn90** » 17 Jan 2017, 08:59

I had the same issue when I used to own a wagon, new Stabilus tailgate struts were too stiff.
After a few months, they settle down.

So avoid using the tailgate for a few months.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jan 2017, 16:20

Thanks! I may take you up on that offer!

rspi wrote:I can ship you a used support if you need one. I do feel your pain. I had a new set of those supports and they were very strong, pushed the hatch up with some good force.

I think the one new / only older mix would be best. Or install a used set that will do the job but not as strong. I have a good used set that I can ship you. Let me know.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jan 2017, 16:24

cn90 wrote:I had the same issue when I used to own a wagon, new Stabilus tailgate struts were too stiff.
After a few months, they settle down.

So avoid using the tailgate for a few months.

I asked my mechanic that very question. He seems to think it will take years for that to happen.

Chai · Post by **Chai** » 17 Jan 2017, 16:27

abscate wrote: Chai..a piece of line with a foot loop might work well to use leg weight to pull the tailgate down, then tuck the rope into the back.

Or, attach it to the license plate and clip,it to the rear wiper when done..you don't need that in SC anyhow

ha ha ha Have you seen our weather?
Thanks for the suggestion, which, sadly, I do not think will work for my back issues.