replacement rear tailgate struts for 2008 Micra NISSAN

@user_330734

24.04.2021 02:40

Member

How do I go about replacing the struts on the tailgate. I have the new struts but is there an easy way to take out the old ones

Started

24.04.21

Latest reply

17.11.25

Replies

Views

544

@Anna Johnson

26.04.2021 15:26

AUTODOC expert

You should begin with removing the old ones.
To do this, support the trunk lid with a stop of the desired size.
Starting from the upper part, pry the retainer with a flat screwdriver, there is room for it, but pulling it out completely and remove the upper part of the shock absorber from the spherical trunnion.
Lower it down and do the same with the lower part of the shock absorber.
Put the new ones in the reverse order, first down, then up.
@DavidJones78

15.11.2025 16:27

Member

Pop the metal clip up with a flathead, be gentle tho so you don't scratch the paint. Once the clip's raised, just pull the strut end off the ball joint. Do both ends and the old one comes right off 👍
@peter.wiLLiams92

15.11.2025 17:02

Member

I did mine last year on my wife's Micra - took like 15 mins total. Clean the ball joints with a rag before putting the new ones on, the new struts already have grease on them
@michael_brown

15.11.2025 17:39

Member

@peter.wiLLiams92 Exactly! And don't forget to replace both sides together, even if only one is knackered. Learned that the hard way when the second one failed 2 weeks later lol
@ANDREW_TAYLOR'71

15.11.2025 18:15

Member

Make sure someone holds the tailgate while you're doing it! My neighbor tried alone and the gate nearly smacked him in the head when the first strut came off 😅
@christopherW828

15.11.2025 18:40

Member

@ANDREW_TAYLOR'71 haha classic mistake. I used a broom handle to prop mine up when I did it solo, worked a treat
@J.E.E.J.

17.11.2025 10:57

Member

The clip can be a bit stubborn sometimes. If it won't budge, try wiggling the screwdriver gently side to side while lifting. Don't force it too much or you'll bend the clip
@R.T. ⭐️

17.11.2025 12:19

Member

@user_43862 Just to add - the strut pops onto the ball joint when installing, you'll hear a little click. Make sure both ends are properly secured before you let go of the tailgate
@PaulRoberts42

17.11.2025 15:50

Member

Easy job for a Saturday morning. I've done it on 3 different cars over the years, basically same process for all of them. Your new struts should come with instructions too
@Oscar P.

17.11.2025 17:24

Member

@michael_brown +1 on replacing both. My mate only did one side on his old Clio and the tailgate was lopsided, looked ridiculous until he sorted the other one out
@LukeOnTesla

17.11.2025 18:26

Member

Watch out for the old grease on the ball joints - it gets everywhere. Keep some paper towels handy and wipe them clean before fitting the new struts, makes installation much smoother
@peter.wiLLiams92

17.11.2025 18:58

Member

@LukeOnTesla True that! Got grease all over my jacket first time I did it, wife wasn't happy 😂