HOOD STRUTS

[bcredliner]

Certainly that would be a good precaution especially if it is a windy day in Texas.

[cn90]

FWIW,

My 2005 Volvo XC90 Tailgate Struts were replaced one year ago also by the Stabilus, which is OEM. This particular hood strut is made in N. Carolina, whatever it means in terms of reliability.
Guess what...one year later the tailgate struts are already weak, barely holding up the tailgate of the Volvo XC90, almost hitting my "coconut"...lol.

So, couple thoughts...

1. Stabilus reliability?
- The Honda people say "StrongArm" lifts for tailgate, the brand sold by Advance Auto, is very good.
- Does anyone know what warranty applies here, is it one year?

2. Environment issues: each year, millions of these hood/tailgate struts end up in landfill sites.
- The tailgate I can understand: lift it up, get your grocery and close it, so the struts are convenient here.
- The hood: very often we spend hours fixing things: the struts are fine (if they work), but it is much better to use broomstick or 2x4 wood or clamp etc. for safety reasons. From a design standpoint, Japanese cars (Honda Toyota) are simpler: they use a metal rod, nothing to break.

Anyway, no matter hold young your hood struts are, pay attention, protect your "coconut"...

[David.X5]

I also drive a 1st Gen MINI (R53) and the belt tensioner on that car has a Stabilus dampener which fails _all_the_time_. Since it also serves as the travel limiter, failures can also take out the pricey harmonic balancer...

Huge PITA for MINI owners.