Guys My engine lid shocks are no longer strong enough to support the lid in the up position. I thought I read sometime ago on the forum, that there is aftermarket shock that is available at a local parts store??? Thanks GQ
There is a sticky at the top of the threads on parts interchangability but here's what you're looking for. I've used the Ford Focus struts and they seem to work fine after about two years. 7. Stabilus factory OEM gas struts for engine lid and front trunk lid Part #SG437007 - $26 www.rockauto.com Stabilus gas struts from Ford Focus Slightly more pressure, they do not appear to last much longer than the oem gas struts. Part #SG404018 -$10 www.rockauto.com
Me too, 14.99 a piece.... Pep Boys part # SG404018. FYI, the same struts work for the front bonnet too.
I have been using the Stabilus ones for the Ford Focus for about three years now...they don't appear to last much longer than the oem ones, even though they are slightly higher rated. When new, the engine lid literally flies open. But after about 6 or 8 months of use they settle in and work much like oem. During winter months they no longer open the lid by themselves, but will during the hot summer months. Regardless, once raised, the lid stays up, winter or summer. I suspect by this winter I will be due for changing them out again for the engine lid. I am watching for the lid to not stay up anymore. Surprisingly, the front hood ones seem to last forever. I have only replaced them once, and the ones that came off had dates that made them obviously original to the car.
Wrap those puppies in any type of heat insulation and you will get a longer life out of them. Wont take much material. You can use the manifold heat wrapps sold on ebay for under $ 20.00 a roll. Below is a sample link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DEI-010129-2-x15-Titanium-Header-Exhaust-Heat-Wrap-/390339504882?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5ae20c2af2
Such an easy job swapping those out for the Stabilus'. Yup, Rockauto. Cheapest and easiest job I have ever done on my F355. Took literally 5m. -Billy
When using some of the substitute shocks noted.... Only install one if that is enough to hold the lid being dealt with. We are now having to fix broken hood framework from them flying open when two are installed.
I can certainly see how this could happen. My engine lid will fly open if the engine is hot. My method to open: open driver door, extend both arms fully, pop engine lever with left hand, then catch the lid with right hand (before struts & lid bear the pressure of flying open).
Funny you say that! I pull the release latch and immediately reach back to block the decked from flying into the end position. -Billy
I also do the same for the engine cover since fitting the new struts. The trunk is fine though, I have to pull that up into place.
Found it 2004 ford fucus truck lid with a spoiler. they one wiothout spoiler that might not be as much pressure for you guys that replace both of them. part# SG404018 WITH SPOILER part# SG304071 WITHOUT SPOILER These are at either at PEPBOYS or CarQuest made by Sachs
Thanks Dave! Back to oem for the engine lid for me then. The substitute ones should still be fine for the front trunk...in fact I recommend them, as otherwise the slightest wind will close the lid on you...usually when my head is under it!
Good info, perhaps someone can list the NM rating for oem, the "18" and the "71"? I have a spare set on the shelf of the higher rated Ford Focus SG404018 waiting for when my engine lid ones give out...I replaced the front trunk ones about a year ago. What I will probably do, is move the now slightly used front trunk ones to the engine lid, and install the new ones on the front trunk.
Thanks for all the help. Got them from Pep Boys. Works like a charm. As always this forum is the BEST!!!
As Dave suggested try installing just one higher rated strut on the engine lid and leave the other "old" strut. This should be enough to hold it open without throwing it open.
I did the one strut thing, I just never liked the torque placed on the decklid being strong on one side. But right now I more don't like getting hit in the head working on the car, so I'm getting a new strut tomorrow
Just changed the shocks for the front hood, just $25 with shipping from RockAuto, and all is well again.
