Hi Guys, I am replacing the hood struts on my 02 X type. I have some Monroe 901806 struts that I have been told can be used to replace the existing ones. However there is a slight issue when it comes to the installation, the Monroe struts are longer then the exisiting ones in the car. The main body is the same size on the new and the old struts but The Monroes appear to have the rod fully extended and I can't push them in to match the length of the ones on the car. Unfortunately all the installation videos that I have looked at the new and old struts are always the same length. Either I have the wrong struts or there is something I need to do before I can install the struts. Appreciate any ideas that you may have.

 

Correct length is 15.4 inches (391.16 mm).

C2S1927

 

Okay, so research shows the Monroe's will fit. Here's my question. Are you assuming the rod length is too long by measuring the new rod next to the old one?

If so, obviously you do not know how to replace them. ALL new ones will appear longer than the old installed ones. That's because they are slightly compressed. The hood WILL go slightly higher with the strut removed. You remove one side at a time, install the bottom of the strut first, slightly raise the hood to install the top of strut. Repeat on the next side and DONE!

 

 

Hood struts never lift in the sense of "springing up". They do assist in lifting the hood. If you want to check this out, remove both struts, then lift the hood. There will be a significant difference in the weight you lift. That's why I said do one side at a time. Otherwise you need to prop it open with something. The downside of that is when you lift the hood to install the top of the strut, your prop will fall over or in.