Maruti S-cross: How I replaced boot struts for half the original cost

There is no need to change the hinges. Besides that, removing and reinstalling it is more difficult than changing just the gas struts on either side

BHPian sudeepg recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Rear Hatch Gas Strut Replacements

The gas struts holding the rear tailgate when opened were long gone. It was the case in the DDiS 200 and the same in DDiS 320. Initially, I ignored this problem until I injured myself when working on the car. I usually leave the tail gate open to access tools when working on the car. While cleaning the exteriors on a Sunday, I was wiping the rear bumper area when I got up to take a microfibre cloth from the boot. Just a while before that, I had cleaned the tailgate and not fully raised it back since the gas struts were beyond their life. I hit my head and had terrible pain and headache after that which spoiled one of my weekends. There's a reason why there's a saying a stitch in time saves nine!

Made the decision to get the part replaced and looked up boodmo site. They were running a free delivery on a weekend campaign (They do this every weekend!) )

Decided to go aftermarket this time for the following reasons:

• Skeptical about some OEM parts in general based on mine and peer feedbacks
• Cost: OEM cost is 550 + Taxes per piece with an installation cost of 350 (As quoted by Bimal). Part numbers: 81860M64M00/81850M64M00
• Part Number: AM-G81585
• Origin: After market
• Class: Gas Spring
• Make: Gabriel
• Cost: 351 per piece (works left side and right side)

So why is OEM part almost twice as expensive?

I believe the OEM part comes with the side hinges besides the gas struts and is specific to a side (RH/LH).

There is no need to change the hinges. Besides that, removing and reinstalling it is more difficult than changing just the gas struts on either side. It takes less than 5 minutes with a simple screwdriver.

Trivia: It takes a lot of force to push in the new struts. It may appear stuck, but that is how it is!

WARNING: The tail gate is very heavy and if the gas struts are not supporting it, it will come crashing on your head. So ensure you have someone to assist you in holding up the tailgate when changing the struts. You can alternatively, use your head and with one side strut holding the weight at a time to manage if you have no one to assist.

Some folks recommend using a wooden log to support the side being removed. I don't recommend this unless you are sure that the log won't get dislodged and come crashing on your head.

Steps to Install

1. Raise the tailgate completely.
2. Have a friend support the tail gate.
3. Using a flathead screwdriver, pry open the locking clips on one side of the strut.
4. Pull the strut out from its ball joint. (Note: The moment you do this, the tailgate is free and the weight is supported by your friend)
5. Clean and grease a bit for smooth operation.
6. Open the new gas strut and push insert the side that corresponds to the side you just removed. This is important. You should not interchange the sides.
7. Repeat on the other side.
8. If you started from the left strut, repeat on the right side or vice versa.

Pictures of the Installation

Just prior to doing this, me and one of my closest friends (Jaunthead on this forum) upgraded the headlamps on his car from D2S to D2H just like I did mine. See this post for details.

I also tricked him into upgrading his fog lamps to Bi-LEDs, just like mine. Below is a teaser from alignment testing

I also got new gas struts installed for the tailgate on his car.

We had a fun weekend!!!