Your trunk or boot is operated with a gas strut, which allows you to close and open the lid with ease, but these can eventually wear out or break, which causes problems when you’re trying to move things in and out.
Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to fit a new strut; you don’t need any specialist knowledge, and it won’t take long either. Here’s what you need to do:
- ·Source the Right Replacement
The first thing to do is get the correct replacement.
Not all Kias will use the same strut, because they’re all different lengths, depending on the size of the car.
SGS Engineering have a large range of struts for most Kia models, so that’s a good place to start. Replacement shouldn’t be expensive.
- ·Remove the Old Strut
Actually removing the old strut is a simple process, but you must bear safety in mind.
It’s not safe to rely on a single strut holding up the boot, which means that you should have someone with you to hold it open. A falling boot can easily trap fingers, hands, arms, or even your body if you aren’t careful.
Nearly all struts are attached with ball sockets, and all you need to remove them is to pull a metal band on the joint to make it come loose.
This usually needs to be done with a flat head screwdriver. Some struts will be different slightly in that they have a pin that must be removed in order to take the socket off. This is a similar process, and will be obvious when it comes to removing it.
- ·Attach the New Strut
Fitting your new strut will be the reverse of removal. If it’s a plastic push-fit style, then all you need to do is push the socket onto the ball until it clicks.
If there’s a pin, then put the strut in place first, and then replace the pin.
Always do the job by hand where possible. You should not grip the strut with pliers or clamps, as the metal can easily be bent or damaged, rendering it useless. If things are a little stiff, you may be able to use grease on the ball joints to make things easier.
If your boot is starting to get difficult to open and close, whether it’s stiff or too heavy, then it might be time to replace the strut.
Always remember that a great many Kias have long warranties, so you might actually be covered for a failed strut, unless you’ve accidentally damaged it.
