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Hi,
I know this is an old post, but hope this could be useful.
I am replacing my 97 x300 boot/trunk lift support struts and can confirm that this is tricky without a long pry bar to force the left side strut to release or by removing the tank. Particularly for the left side struts inner clip.
The right hand strut can be easily released with a screwdriver, but I could not access the inner clip on the left side strut and was wary about using a pry bar around the fuel pipes with limited access.
Using a wire clothes hanger I made a tool to allow the easy release of the left side inner strut clip. This can be used to pull and lift the clip from behind. Once the clip is lifted the strut can be moved away from the ball connector.
Please see the attached photos. I hope this will help anyone doing the same job in the future with limited access to the strut clips.
The clothes hanger wire stretched out Hook sanded flat (2m job) Clip lifted. Works from the other end with limited access Lifted clip close up
Just wanted to thank you for this post. I spotted this post and remembered it. Did my struts yesterday and made something similar out of welding filler wire. Turned what could have easily been an utter ***** of a job into 10 minutes of fishing each side and a simple process
It made my day to hear you were successful with the strut change.
Also a tribute to the shared knowledge of the forum.
Nothing like a tough job made easier. Must be beer o'clock
