Removing hatch strut
 

Hi all - I ordered some Strong Arm replacement struts for my hatch as the ones in there are weak. The struts in there now are KYB brand and they do not have a clip to remove or any sort of metal band, etc., to pry up to release it from the ball joint on the car. I am talking about the mounting point that is part of the cars pillar, not the one on the glass. How do I release the ball joint end; does this require a special tool, or do I just wedge a bar in there once I disconnect from the glass and lever it off? I have seen YouTube videos of the stock strut being removed but it had a plastic cap that got removed first.

If it's just a twist and lever action that's cool, if there is a tool I need so I don't damage any interior panels please let me know.

TIA

Mine came with new ball ends, if I remember rights you want to unthread the old ball end from the body.

Confirmed, the ball ends are part of the assembly and are unscrewed via flats at the threaded portion of the ball. These thread into welded nuts on the body. DO NOT attempt to simply pry them off, or youll damage the thread mounts.

Thanks all - any other tips

I've tried 1/2, 7/16, 10mm, 12mm on the nut and none are right.

Do I just hit the old strut with a BFH?

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try a small adjustable wrench or vice grip pliers.

I just tried mine and it's 12mm