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Well, Winter is here and colder temps apparently have affected the resistance strength of our gas struts. Time to replace both so the bonnet doesn’t fall on my head (again!).
I don't know why but I always find replacing bonnet and boot struts to be very rewarding. Maybe it's the way they don't come down on the back of my head anymore....
Replaced the struts yesterday. 5 minute job.
SAFETY TIP: Be sure to brace the bonnet open before you remove the strut. This prevents annoying “head taps” while performing this simple task. An adjustable hiking pole works well!
I was browsing pricing for bonnet supports and there is a pretty large variance--ranging from about $30 each to $60 each. The higher price are for Stabilus HJA2500AB which are the ones on there now and the lower price is for StrongArm. I had previously bought supports for the trunk (boot) from Lift Supports Depot that I guess were by StrongArm and seemed to have worked well. Is there any particular reason to stick with the Stabilus at twice the price?
The StrongArm stuff seems to vary quite a bit. I use them on my Mustang trunk (boot) lid and they work great. I used them on one of my BMWs and they failed within about a year. I started using Stabilus exclusively, except where unavailable (like the Jag trunk) and they work much better and last much longer. You seem to get what you pay for in this instance.
I bought these in January and they are perfect so far. Only had the bonnet up and down about ten thousand times since I replaced the old ones though lol. The name is A premium so they must be good right?
The price is in Canada funds btw.
Last edited by Firechicken; Jul 5, 2025 at 03:39 PM.
Decisions decisions. I recall someone noting there was some slick feature with the Stabilus in that the pressure is released in the strut when closed and as far as I know the Stabilius ones in my vehicle now are the same ones that came with the car.
Decisions decisions. I recall someone noting there was some slick feature with the Stabilus in that the pressure is released in the strut when closed and as far as I know the Stabilius ones in my vehicle now are the same ones that came with the car.
I have replaced the hood/bonnet struts on both my 99 and 98 XK8's in the last few years, Most recently the 98 in May 2025. Both sets are no longer able to hold the h/b open. I could not find where I purchased either set, but both sets are stamped, "LIFT-O-MAT" and "STABILUS HJA 2500 AB". I usually buy this kind of parts on Rock Auto or Amazon. Guess I'll have to try another brand. In the meantime I keep a red screw on lift lock in the console–$8.99 a pair.
I have replaced the hood/bonnet struts on both my 99 and 98 XK8's in the last few years, Most recently the 98 in May 2025. Both sets are no longer able to hold the h/b open. I could not find where I purchased either set, but both sets are stamped, "LIFT-O-MAT" and "STABILUS HJA 2500 AB". I usually buy this kind of parts on Rock Auto or Amazon. Guess I'll have to try another brand. In the meantime I keep a red screw on lift lock in the console–$8.99 a pair.
What is a lift lock? I assume something you attach to the shaft of the strut to keep it extended? If so that could be an easier answer in the short term.
Here you go, as low as 6.99 a pair on Amazon. There are other styles available on both Rock and Am. I like to have one on whenever I'm working under the hood longer than momentarily, just in case. Installed
I have several different makers/styles of that type of holding device and I rounded the bolt end on that one to minimize the chance of damage to the rod.
The other styles already have rounded bolt ends so I copied the idea.
Sounds good to me! I saw one on Am that looked like it might be a cam-lock style that would be easier to fasten with one hand while holding up the hood with the other, and one on Rock that was described as "magnetic".
The XJS later style lift supports have a left side 2 stage type of lock where you open all the way and it latches, then open AGAIN (lift UP) and it UNLATCHES to allow the bonnet to go down.
When the gas system fails, you at least have the latch/unlatch lift support on the left one.
Bonnet struts
