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H3 Bay Door Strut Replacement Question
Has anyone replaced bay door struts on an H3?
I replaced the three on my engine compartment door about a month ago and it was a super simple job so I ordered, and received today, 10 more to replace all bay door struts, yet upon trying to install the first one, I found each must be compressed about an inch (unlike the engine door struts) and I don’t have the strength to budge them as they are rated at 200 pounds.
I went to Harbor Freight and purchased a ratcheting tie-down but that would not do it either. The “problem” is that my bay doors do not open far enough to simply slip on the new struts… Any ideas? THANK YOU!
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8 Replies
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I supported the Bay door before removing the gas shocks. Then drilled a dimple in typical pipe clamps ends. Using the pipe clamps I was able to compress gas shock and snap them on to the shock pins, as per attached pictures.
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Great idea!!!!
But be sure both ends are securely in a dimple. There is an enormous amount of stored energy in the strut when compressed. If you compress and one end slips out, someone could get hurt.
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Jeff:
I used a ratchet strap (strap about 1″ wide & 6′ long). Put the strap around the gas cylinder BEFORE I installed it, compressed the cylinder, installed then released the strap.
Couple of lessons learned while replacing the 10 cylinders (of course I had it figured out by the time I got to the last one LOL)
Measure the length of the cylinder installed so you know how much the new one needs to be compressed. Lay the new one flat on the floor/work bench and compress it to the measured length, install it, release the strap, done.
Make sure the ratchet is positioned at the bottom front side when installed. If it isn’t you will have trouble removing it and may have to take the cylinder off and relocate the ratchet (don’t ask me how I know).
Chuck
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Bar Clamp with dimpled ends… my method exactly. Not perfect because many things tend get in the way, plumbing ,cabinetry ,etc. H-3.
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WOW! GREAT ADVICE!
Thank you so much!
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l just replaced mine easy loser mob in back in side it give anough slack to tap other end in place tighten back up easy
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Success! I went to both Home Depot and Harbor Freight in search of a metal clamp bar, yet only cheap plastic stuff was available, so went back to Harbor Freight and purchased a package of 1″ ratcheting tie-down straps.
It was a slow and arduous process but got it done. Thank you again to all!
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This may not be the best way but I found it very easy to do. Using a LARGE pair of channel lock pliers. First I put the shaft side on then with the pliers lower jaw on the socket a little squeeze and pull on the pliers it pops right on the ball.
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