Gobi lift gate strut failure PSA

[bjohnston115]

Hello all,

My wife was using my truck yesterday, loaded my daughter in her car seat, then put the stroller and the trunk and when she closed the lift gate one of the struts jammed and bent. This caused the strut to fly off the mounts and out onto the ground and then the lift gate fell down. I called gobi and they said they would send me a new set of struts so that is good. I am concerned now though because the lift gate seems warped and rubs on one side when closing. Not sure if this is because I only have one strut installed at the moment of if the failed strut caused damage. Only way to find out will be when I get the new ones.

Anyway, please beware all of you have these struts.

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[Simpleman74]

sounds like your liftgate caused damage to the strut..... check to make sure the hinge bolts are tight

 

[derryck]

Did this happen with the OEM struts or the 'upgraded' struts from Gobi?

 

[Simpleman74]

Did this happen with the OEM struts or the 'upgraded' struts from Gobi?

picture clearly shows a gobi strut:becky:

 

[ShaunStiffler]

I have a gobi rack, ladder, and struts on order currently. I've been concerned about this. More specifically, about the addition of the ladder putting too much stress on the lift gate and warping it. I've seen a couple write ups on the ladder installs in which a lot of downward force was needed to get the ladder to mount to the bottom of the lift gate. It seems like excessive compressive load on the lift gate could effect the way the struts tract and lead to their failure and also lead to alignment issues of the gate itself. Maybe I'm way off. Just something I've been thinking about while I wait on the rack to show up!!


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[Karzir]

I installed my ladder two weeks ago and didn't need to use force to install any part of it. It slid in at the top and hung down where it should. There is no contact or pinching anywhere. The only issue I have is one of my new lift supports squeaks when opening. I think it just needs a little grease in the ball socket but haven't had a chance to do so yet.


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[Simpleman74]

I have a gobi rack, ladder, and struts on order currently. I've been concerned about this. More specifically, about the addition of the ladder putting too much stress on the lift gate and warping it. I've seen a couple write ups on the ladder installs in which a lot of downward force was needed to get the ladder to mount to the bottom of the lift gate. It seems like excessive compressive load on the lift gate could effect the way the struts tract and lead to their failure and also lead to alignment issues of the gate itself. Maybe I'm way off. Just something I've been thinking about while I wait on the rack to show up!!


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thats because they are installing it wrong... I have had a ladder on mine for 2 years, have climbed up and down it hauling gear to the rack, kids have played on it and no issues at all. you don't need to apply downward force to install at all, if you don't mount the top plate right maybe but again that is an install error

 

[JeremyB]

I've seen a couple write ups on the ladder installs in which a lot of downward force was needed to get the ladder to mount to the bottom of the lift gate. It seems like excessive compressive load on the lift gate could effect the way the struts tract and lead to their failure and also lead to alignment issues of the gate itself. Maybe I'm way off. Just something I've been thinking about while I wait on the rack to show up!!

These type gas struts exert a near constant force no matter how extended/compressed they are. Completely different than a standard helical spring or air shock.

The strut should be installed with the rod down when the hatch is closed. This lubricates the nose seal.

http://www.indgassprings.com/HowDoGasSpringsWorkOverview.pdf

 

[ShaunStiffler]

These type gas struts exert a near constant force no matter how extended/compressed they are. Completely different than a standard helical spring or air shock.



The strut should be installed with the rod down when the hatch is closed. This lubricates the nose seal.



http://www.indgassprings.com/HowDoGasSpringsWorkOverview.pdf

Yes, just to clarify, I was referring to the gate being compressed by the ladder installation. I.e. An axial load on the gate itself. Not referring to added weight of ladder acting on struts or extension/compression of struts. But as other members have pointed out, forceful installation of the ladder should not be expected. Likely an install error


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