The back glass lift support, also known as the rear window strut or hatch glass strut, is a crucial component in vehicles with lift-up rear windows. This gas-charged device assists in raising the rear window and holds it open, allowing easy access to the cargo area. Without a functioning rear window lift support, opening and securing the back glass becomes difficult and potentially hazardous.
Over time, back window lift supports can wear out due to regular use and exposure to temperature changes. Signs that your rear window gas spring may be failing include:
Rear Glass Doesn't Stay Open: If the back glass closes unexpectedly or cannot remain open without support, the lift support may be losing pressure.
Difficulty Lifting: Increased effort is required to open the rear window, indicating the strut is not providing adequate assistance.
Slow Movement: The rear glass rises sluggishly rather than with smooth, even motion.
Noisy Operation: Unusual sounds like hissing or clicking during operation may signal internal issues with the lift support.
Rear Glass Doesn't Stay Open: If the back glass closes unexpectedly or cannot remain open without support, the lift support may be losing pressure.
Difficulty Lifting: Increased effort is required to open the rear window, indicating the strut is not providing adequate assistance.
Slow Movement: The rear glass rises sluggishly rather than with smooth, even motion.
Noisy Operation: Unusual sounds like hissing or clicking during operation may signal internal issues with the lift support.
Replacing a faulty hatch glass strut is essential for:
Safety: A weakened lift support can cause the rear window to close suddenly, posing a risk of injury.
Convenience: A properly functioning rear window strut allows for effortless access to the cargo area without manual holding.
Vehicle Integrity: Addressing the issue prevents strain on other components and maintains the overall functionality of the vehicle.
Safety: A weakened lift support can cause the rear window to close suddenly, posing a risk of injury.
Convenience: A properly functioning rear window strut allows for effortless access to the cargo area without manual holding.
Vehicle Integrity: Addressing the issue prevents strain on other components and maintains the overall functionality of the vehicle.
Installing a new rear window lift support is typically straightforward. Here are some tips to ensure a successful replacement:
Support the Rear Glass: Before removal, prop up the rear window securely to prevent it from falling.
Remove the Old Strut Carefully: Detach any clips or bolts holding the old lift support in place, following the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines.
Install the New Lift Support: Attach the new strut by securing it to the mounting points. Ensure that it clicks or bolts into place firmly.
Test the Mechanism: Gently open and close the rear window to verify smooth operation and that the glass stays open on its own.
Support the Rear Glass: Before removal, prop up the rear window securely to prevent it from falling.
Remove the Old Strut Carefully: Detach any clips or bolts holding the old lift support in place, following the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines.
Install the New Lift Support: Attach the new strut by securing it to the mounting points. Ensure that it clicks or bolts into place firmly.
Test the Mechanism: Gently open and close the rear window to verify smooth operation and that the glass stays open on its own.
To extend the life of your back window lift support:
Regular Inspection: Periodically check the strut for signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage.
Keep It Clean: Wipe down the lift support shaft to remove dirt and debris that can damage the seals.
Avoid Overloading: Do not place additional weight on the rear glass when it is open, as excess weight can strain the lift support.
Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or garages to minimize exposure to extreme heat or cold, which can affect gas pressure within the strut.
Regular Inspection: Periodically check the strut for signs of wear, corrosion, or leakage.
Keep It Clean: Wipe down the lift support shaft to remove dirt and debris that can damage the seals.
Avoid Overloading: Do not place additional weight on the rear glass when it is open, as excess weight can strain the lift support.
Protect from Extreme Temperatures: Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or garages to minimize exposure to extreme heat or cold, which can affect gas pressure within the strut.
When selecting a replacement rear window gas spring:
Ensure Compatibility: Choose a lift support designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model for proper fit and function.
Consider Quality Materials: Opt for lift supports made from durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality alloys to resist corrosion.
Check Customer Reviews: Look for products with positive feedback regarding longevity and performance.
Ensure Compatibility: Choose a lift support designed specifically for your vehicle's make and model for proper fit and function.
Consider Quality Materials: Opt for lift supports made from durable materials like stainless steel or high-quality alloys to resist corrosion.
Check Customer Reviews: Look for products with positive feedback regarding longevity and performance.
Having a reliable hatch glass strut provides several advantages:
Enhanced Safety: Prevents accidental closure of the rear glass, reducing the risk of injury.
Ease of Use: Facilitates smooth opening and closing of the rear window, making loading and unloading more convenient.
Vehicle Value: Maintains the functionality of your vehicle's features, which can be beneficial for resale purposes.
Enhanced Safety: Prevents accidental closure of the rear glass, reducing the risk of injury.
Ease of Use: Facilitates smooth opening and closing of the rear window, making loading and unloading more convenient.
Vehicle Value: Maintains the functionality of your vehicle's features, which can be beneficial for resale purposes.
A well-maintained back glass lift support is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your vehicle's rear window. By recognizing the symptoms of a failing rear window strut and addressing them promptly, you ensure continued ease of access to your cargo area and uphold the overall safety standards of your vehicle.
