Rear liftgate bad struts

[gpres]

My 2000 4Runer rear lift gate only goes up part way when cold and always has been this way. Toyota replaced them once (or at least said they did) under warranty but no difference. When I complained again they said "That's normal and if they were any stronger it would be too hard to close when warm". I bought this originally but now that it's getting cold and I'm bumping my head again, I think they gave me a line. I can't find aftermarket replacements except from Toyota for $150 each and they can't assure me they are any better. I can't be the only one with this problem(can I?). Any suggestions or ideas appreciated. Someone told me there may be people who rebuild these and make them stronger??

 

[sharp4runr]

Try going through a junkyard. The vehicles there may have perfectly good liftgate struts adn they'll probably let them go significantly cheaper...

 

[pbm317]

I believe your dealer is right. Cold weather always makes the lift struts less effective. This has been true on everything I've driven. Lexus LX, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Sienna, and the hoods of all the cars, all require an extra manual push up in the winter.

 

[bulldog-yota]

I took my 03 back for the same issue. They are ordering new struts so lets see if they are better.

 

[XC-runner]

I think it is the cold weather.
Mine are slow at going up and sometimes I have to push it up with my own force. I guess some could be bad, but mine seem to be the cold weather.

 

[lin]

I started a similar post in the Maintenance forum a couple of weeks ago. Someone recommended partznet-- they have the lift supports for $117 each. I checked with Monroe, Delco, StrongAram and every other gas support co. I could find and I'm pretty sure there were some after market alternatives for a 2000: http://www.arvinmeritor.com/products/mcs/aftermarket/strongarmcatalog.asp

I am looking for lift supports for a 2001 and I may be stuck with OEM parts--

One auto parts dealer recommeded lifiting the hatch all the way up and slightly crimping the lift rod to create a kind of stop so my hatch would at least stay all they way up when I raised it past that point-- I'm not sure I want to do that, but who knows--

 

[ToolmanJohn]

I've seen some funny fixes

A guy who comes to the mountain biking club ride on Mondays has an older hatchback car, and he has a piece of 2 by 2 hardwood deck railing cut just tot the right length for a prop when he wants it open. He won't pay the money for a new one. It does what he wants (keeps the hatch open) and he's willing to live with it like that.

Personally, I'm a nitpick when it comes to proper function of my vehicles. I would buy a new one. But the previous idea mentioned by some one about getting one from the junkyard is a good suggestion. Just make sure the junkyard will allow you to bring it back if it is no good for a replacement. Most junkyards have that policy.

 

[Duc Hunter]

It may be the cold weather as everyone is stating. My 2004 does the same thing. Of course since it is new, under warranty and I now bash my head on it because it does not go up the last 3 inches or so mine is going into the dealer with a big complaint! They need to fix mine, period. IT is silly that a brand new, $44k sticker price SUV cannot lift its tail gate all the way up in weather below 50 degrees. It may be the cold weather as everyone is stating. My 2004 does the same thing. Of course since it is new, under warranty and I now bash my head on it because it does not go up the last 3 inches or so mine is going into the dealer with a big complaint! They need to fix mine, period. IT is silly that a brand new, $44k sticker price SUV cannot lift its tail gate all the way up in weather below 50 degrees!

Anyone know how the automatic lift works on the 2003-up's?