Trunk struts... go bad often?

86mcss · #1 (**permalink**) 03-22-08, 07:58 PM

Do trunk struts go bad often on these cars? My girls trunk struts went out a couple days ago and now I have to replace them

Where is the cheapest place to get them? Autozone? On my way to work and just wanted to vent.

se7enone8ight · #2 (**permalink**) 03-22-08, 09:32 PM

dunno know about them going bad but the trunk lid is heavy as hell from factory, u might wanna hit the dealer for the upgraded versions, i believe they're even available on ebay now, of course since we here at the cadillacforums have pioneered pretty much everything CTS there is a thread about replacing/installing them here, if im not mistaken they require a lil modification but give it a search im sure u'll find it ...

crazybuffalo · #3 (**permalink**) 03-23-08, 01:18 AM

yeah, my 03 did the same thing, it wants to fall on you.lol. ive toyed with the idea of using a linear actuator or something similar to just push it up when i wanted it up, but never had time or anything to do it with

86mcss · #4 (**permalink**) 03-23-08, 06:23 PM

thanks for the help

kramcard6 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-23-08, 07:44 PM

Mine 04 is bad now! I went by the Cadillac dealership Thursday and they want $78 each! OUCH! Also if you want to add a spoiler to your car you've got to buy the stronger ones! Guess what! $98 each! How ever if you pay GM $470 for the factory spoiler u get the stronger struts!

B Hoth · #6 (**permalink**) 03-27-08, 01:44 AM

Recheck with your dealer. I just bought a set from Massey Cadillac here and they were $60 for the both of them. My original ones won't even lift the lid off the seal when popped, and will damn near decapitate you if you don't make sure that the lid is all the way up. I couldn't find any aftermarket listing for the part. Lindsey Cadillac might have a better shipped pricr. Try them as well.

kfx · #7 (**permalink**) 03-27-08, 05:16 PM

Yeah, just get a hold of luke @ lindsey cadillac. I got a pair of the improved, stronger struts for $64 shipped. I can open my trunk with my finger tips now and it stays open, doesn't drop on your head.

Word of warning, the new struts are a pita to put on the old existing mounting brackets because the strut is about 1/4" longer so you have to compress the strut a little to get the ball & socket to line up. You wouldn't think compressing it a 1/4" would be tough, but it took a pry bar, a lot of elbow grease & some salty language to get it on. If you order the upgraded trunk brackets that problem goes away, but I think they are kinda pricey.

Black4drCTS · #8 (**permalink**) 03-27-08, 05:33 PM

The dealer is replacing mine under factory warranty as we speak, i dont know if they were completely shot but the slightest breese when the trunk was open would bring it crashing down on top of my head.

blaausl10 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-27-08, 05:59 PM

Same thing would happen to me. The dealer also replaced the struts under warranty for me. I now feel safe leaning into the trunk to grab something.

CaddiLackin · #10 (**permalink**) 03-27-08, 06:22 PM

I really need to replace mine aswell, I dont think I would enjoy my head severed from my body. I come close everytime i go into the truck. On the bright side, I got some big muscles now from working out (lifting the trunk lid everyday) *BeefCakes!*

Coma · #11 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 01:32 PM

The struts on my 06 are very weak. The trunk has no problem staying up, but I have to push it open manually because the struts don't have enough power to lift it on it's own. I am not sure if this is the design they had in mind, but it doesn't seem right. I refuse to spend any money on it though, since the trunk still works anbd I rarely put stuff in it. Just thought I'd share.

FL01SS · #12 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xocomaox

The struts on my 06 are very weak. The trunk has no problem staying up, but I have to push it open manually because the struts don't have enough power to lift it on it's own. I am not sure if this is the design they had in mind, but it doesn't seem right. I refuse to spend any money on it though, since the trunk still works anbd I rarely put stuff in it. Just thought I'd share.

You should take it in to the dealer & have them replaced under warranty!!!

josney · #13 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 06:01 PM

I've got an '03 and just picked a pair of these. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USA-M...41163597QQrdZ1. They went on without a problem. The shipping was very quick.

SvB4EvA · #14 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kfx

but it took a pry bar, a lot of elbow grease & some salty language to get it on.

Smokin' 04 CTS · #15 (**permalink**) 03-28-08, 11:27 PM

I think there was a recall on them or something. My dealer has them on order for me under warranty. I also had them replace the torque converter and steering shaft (there was a rattle). Gotta get all the bugs fixed before the warranty expires!!

How much to extend it out to 100K?