New Hatch Shocks Sag In The Cold
 

Original owner, 2004 CS here.

A couple of months ago I had the local dealer replace the original rear hatch shocks. The hatch hadn't stayed up on its own for a while but it was one of those things I had been putting off. This past week it has been very cold here (well below 30F) and the hatch has pretty much stopped staying up again.

I was by the dealer's this morning for something else and asked the service writer to take a look. He said yep, it is sagging, and it is covered under warranty.

My question to the group: Is it unusual for new hatch shocks to stop working when it gets cold? Is there a known problem? Or, did I just get a bad shock?

Thx,

--Bob

Did they replace all 4, if the glass ones were not replaced, that will be your problem as they assist with the main hatch.

Cold makes the problem symptomatic.

I'm glad you asked. I just ordered the hatch struts and didn't realize the window struts aided the main hatch. I was able to add the window struts to my order before they shipped it out.

Thanks for the info.

cold does make it worse. unfortunately new shocks will only last so long and will become weak again.

I just looked at the service ticket. I was charged for only two 955-512-550-06 Gas Pressure Spring (a/k/a Rear Hatch Strut) so probably that is the problem.

Thanks!

--Bob

How much does replacing the shocks usually cost for a 955?

Replaced all 4 of mine almost a year ago. We've had temps in the 20's lately and my hatch seems to stay up fine so maybe it is the other two. If the dealer is willing to change the 2 hatch ones, just to be sure let them do it and ask to pay extra just for the other 2 window struts since they are already in there.

Been a while since I asked, but north of $500 back in the day for a dealer to do the work.

Pretty sure all 4 shocks are $100 or so.

Yeah. Local quote was $650. DIY seems straight forward but a pain. Probably 2 hr job for the dealer but I bet the book quotes 4+.

The gas shocks on my TT front lid didn't hold the hood up a week or so ago when it was below freezing. No problemo when the temp goes above freezing though.

The shocks run about $100 each.

http://www.ecstuning.com/News/Porsch...004_2005_2006/

$150 for all 4 plus foam. Don't know if that is the cheapest.

Definitely a PITA but well worth the cost savings. I did all 4 last month and it opens better than it ever has, even in our recent cold snap of 20F. Try not to snap the foam covers in half. Use a putty knife and apply soft even down pressure between the foam and roof frame until the adhesive gives. It remains sticky enough to reuse going back on.

Does anyone know if there is an upgraded version of the strut available? The Stabilus product is junk and it will fail again in due time. There should be a recall on this and Porsche should stop using this supplier.

Resurrecting an old thread but I've looked and can't find.... Does anyone have a write-up of how to change the hatch shocks?