damonoresky

I need to replace the rear hatch shocks, I have the new parts but was wondering how to remove the old ones. Do you just pop them off with a screwdriver? I don't want to damage anything so I figured I ask! TIA.

Damon

SeanR

If they are original, there might be a small metal ring that is around the shock part by the ball.

If not, then shoot some WD-40 in the ball area and pry gently.

damonoresky

Thank you, I'll give that a try.

WallyP

If there is a tiny round ring near the bottom of the ball socket, that ring is on the end of a snap ring that goes around the ball socket. Use a pointed tool to snap the ring off of the ball socket, and then pull the pin that is part of the snap ring out of the hole thru the ball socket. This will release the ball socket from the ball. Lift on the hatch to help take the pressure off of the ball.

If there is a flat ring snapped around the ball socket, use a pointed tool to snap the flat ring off of the ball socket, releasing it from the ball.

Brute force is NOT a good option. If you break the ball off of the car, you have a problem...

StratfordShark

If they're original or OE replacements they will have a thick metal band running behind the socket.

Just put a big flat screwdriver blade behind the band and pull it out a little (you can remove entirely if you're changing the shock anyway). Just wiggle away from the ball and it will come off.

To attach new shock just pull band back a little and push it on the ball.

If you have the thin wire type ball retainer there are good instructions above.