as I was about to replace the left side front hood strut after looking at the do it yourself list it said to use a long screwdriver to pry on the strut in an attempt to pop it off the ball...well on looking at it I noticed there is a possibility of some serious scratching from the screwdriver on the painted surfaces (evidently already done to my car once....thank god for touch up paint) I have come up with a MUCH easier solution and its cheap to boot!!!


remove the strut from the upper mount as described...lift hood to take out of hood socket so that the strut moves free...move strut to your left (you are facing the windshield)...take a dowel rod (its perhaps 1/4 inch wooden dowel) and place it as shown between the strut and the metal wall near the lowest end(close to the ball) ...move strut to the right (as you are facing the windshield) and it will pop right off...easy simple and done quickly








picture is after strut was replaced but shows where to place the dowel rod and the right angle for reaching the ball end of the strut



smokey
1990 carrera 2 california coupe

 

Nice idea... I wish I knew this before I did mine a month or two ago

 

When replacing mine, I found it easier to get the bottom of the strut secured first, then moving the hood up and down to line up the hole for the pin & clip.

 

round sticks in deep holes...

man, a lot of times my 964 diy's don't take me far from termite-fishing.

 

Thanks for the good info
- I need to do this!

Is 1 x new strut able to support the hood ok?

 

one will not support the hood but replace the passengers side first theres lots more room and it's by far the easiest to do. the hood will be easier to manipulate with your shoulder with one done. drivers side was the hard one to change due to barely enough room for anything.


smokey
1990 carrera 2 california coupe

 

I would change both. While your in there...

 

by the way sorry about the horrid picture quality it's from an iphone 4 . I should have used the good camera


smokey
1990 carrera 2 california coupe

 

Thx again - this job is getting towards the top of my "To Do" list...

 

Great info. Just replaced mine last week using your tips. Works excellent. thnx

 

Just changed both today. My first project on my first Porsche. Thanks very much for the tip. Worked like a charm.

 

So I have a question; I obviously did something wrong while changing the struts. I must have jostled a wire or some connection loose in those small spaces, because since the new struts have been in, something is draining the battery. I charge the battery back up and everything works great, but within two hours it's dead again. Anyone have any ideas as to where I should start looking/testing? Thank you.

 

On the passenger side of the trunk opening, near the hinge point, there is a switch that turns on the trunk light. Double check that you haven't moved or bent the metal bracket that the switch touches when the trunk is closed. My guess is its bent or moved and your interior & trunk lights are staying on and draining the battery.

 

It's easy to tell if the trunk light is on with it closed.....the hood will be "hot" on the outside surface, right above the light.

 

Thanks very much. I'm out of town, but when I get back I'm going to check that. Appreciate the help and I'll let you know what I find.