Liftgate strut lubrication?

huricane · May 3rd, 2005, 01:55 AM

Hello, I drove to Vegas with my liftgate window ajar, it seems that the struts lost some juice. I'm thinking maybe the combination of desert heat and dust dried them a bit. I used a bungee cord to keep it from being all the way open. Why is driving with it open so bad for these struts and what kind of lubricant can I put on them?

- San DIego 99 nissan pathfinder

cryption · May 3rd, 2005, 01:15 PM

WD-40? That might help at least so see if it helps. You could also try some grease on there

**88pathoffroad** · May 4th, 2005, 03:01 AM

They don't "dry out", and lubing them probably won't help. Heat isn't really a problem usually, but if they don't hold your window up anymore, I suppose it's time to get new ones. They usually run about $30 each or so at parts stores.

huricane · May 4th, 2005, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 88pathoffroad

They don't "dry out", and lubing them probably won't help. Heat isn't really a problem usually, but if they don't hold your window up anymore, I suppose it's time to get new ones. They usually run about $30 each or so at parts stores.

If I get new ones, will leaving the window open wear them out faster? I really like the airflow when the back is open, i have a black suv without power windows!

cryption · May 4th, 2005, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huricane

If I get new ones, will leaving the window open wear them out faster? I really like the airflow when the back is open, i have a black suv without power windows!

i wouldnt think it would wear them out much faster, your suspension is a similar concept