Tailgate struts!

[sidepod]

So when the van arrived the tailgate struts were stiff and squealing loudly.
It went back and they were replaced. Sorry, i meant I was told they were replaced!

Still squeaky but unbelievably stiff.
There is no bike rack installed but, to close the tail gate it’s almost a two man job!!
On opening, once the latch is released you need to be quick and jump back out of the way!

This can’t be right. ? Absolutely no point trying to get the dealer involved again.

Part no is 7E7 827 550E

 

[dartmoordingoe]

I don't know the answer to this but I do know that struts vary and some are much more powerful especially if a bike rack had been fitted previously ... actually I am selling my bike rack so looking to find out how easy it is for a real amateur to replace the tail gate struts!!! as after removing the bike rack I am told that the TG will be difficult to close with the bike rack weight removed!!Good luck

 

[WelshGas]

So when the van arrived the tailgate struts were stiff and squealing loudly.
It went back and they were replaced. Sorry, i meant I was told they were replaced!

Still squeaky but unbelievably stiff.
There is no bike rack installed but, to close the tail gate it’s almost a two man job!!
On opening, once the latch is released you need to be quick and jump back out of the way!

This can’t be right. ? Absolutely no point trying to get the dealer involved again.

Part no is 7E7 827 550E

I believe standard California tailgate struts are 1250/1270 Newton's. Pressure normally marked on strut.
Normal Transporters are less.
Also opening force will vary with ambient temperature. Higher the ambient temperature = greater opening force.
I would check what it is like when colder before changing.

 

[Kimbo]

I don't know the answer to this but I do know that struts vary and some are much more powerful especially if a bike rack had been fitted previously ... actually I am selling my bike rack so looking to find out how easy it is for a real amateur to replace the tail gate struts!!! as after removing the bike rack I am told that the TG will be difficult to close with the bike rack weight removed!!Good luck

Changing the struts is a piece of cake, just need a second pair of hands to keep the tailgate open when you remove the strut, remember that when you prise out the metal clip that it doesn't have to come all the way off.
My Coast had 1200 struts as standard and they have now been changed to 1270, much better. In winter the tailgate wouldn't open fully and now in summer whilst it opened better, it still wasn't great and that was without a cycle rack.
Van is still under warranty and VW kept promising the world but never delivered do I just bit the bullet myself, weren't cheap, parts guy suggested after market struts but I just know that if these failed and it hit her indoors, my life would be miserable at least now I can claim against VW

 

[willwander]

It does vary a bit with temperature, sometimes stiffer sometimes softer. Can’t remember which way round it is though.

 

[Kimbo]

Usually stiffer in the morning

 

[sidepod]

Bizarrely, having owned similar van for best part of 15 years, I’m well aware of all of the above.

What I’m questioning is the resistance. It genuinely feels like it’s about to sheer a mount off the van.

The point at which you transition from pulling down on the strap to arm over and push down is the point at which it feels more like a seized/failed strut than just pressure.

Can’t see rating marked anywhere which is why I quoted part numbers.

 

[Kimbo]

Bizarrely, having owned similar van for best part of 15 years, I’m well aware of all of the above.

What I’m questioning is the resistance. It genuinely feels like it’s about to sheer a mount off the van.

The point at which you transition from pulling down on the strap to arm over and push down is the point at which it feels more like a seized/failed strut than just pressure.

Can’t see rating marked anywhere which is why I quoted part numbers.

That number is for a 1270

 

[sidepod]

That number is for a 1270

Yes. I found the rating thanks
There is a stiff spot in the stroke. If I hold the strut in one hand and pull the tailgate, I can feel graunching/vibration along with the noise.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

We unrated ours to 1150nm on our joker when Cali bike rack was fitted. (No tailgate chairs)

Would say that 1150nm would be more than sufficient for Cali + chairs / no bike rack. Anymore than that and it will be a struggle to close…more so for the vertically challenge.

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

The VW California gas struts are adjustable, they open part way under pressure and then the tailgate needs pushing up to the top limit. Noone does replacement 1270Nm adjustable struts except VW, lube the chrome slider with some silicon oil spray, and try some white lithium grease on the ball joints

 

[Ch1pbutty]

The VW California gas struts are adjustable, they open part way under pressure and then the tailgate needs pushing up to the top limit. Noone does replacement 1270Nm adjustable struts except VW, lube the chrome slider with some silicon oil spray, and try some white lithium grease on the ball joints

VW struts are not adjustable, the NM force is fixed and printed on the strut. The dealer should ensure that any new van has the correct NM depending on whether supplied with factory fit bike rack.

Lube is not required on the slider as they are a sealed unit. If you use the wrong lube it might actually damage the seals.

SGS/Nitrolift will make bespoke struts to any NM for tailgate, roof bed, elevating roof. You just tell them the length, fitting and what additional weight you need to lift and they do the calc.

 

[Kimbo]

E.g.

https://www.buycarparts.co.uk/oen/7e7827550e

 

[secret lemonade drinker]

VW struts are not adjustable, the NM force is fixed and printed on the strut. The dealer should ensure that any new van has the correct NM depending on whether supplied with factory fit bike rack.

Lube is not required on the slider as they are a sealed unit. If you use the wrong lube it might actually damage the seals.

SGS/Nitrolift will make bespoke struts to any NM for tailgate, roof bed, elevating roof. You just tell them the length, fitting and what additional weight you need to lift and they do the calc.

I ordered replacements from SGS, and the maximum they make is 1200, they are a form fit replacement that DO NOT work as well as the VW items. It is SGS that said that the VW ones are adjustable. they are designed to lift to a certain point and then they require a push up to maximum.
I discovered this when SGS supplied new uprated struts for a Caddy with items strapped to the tailgate. I ordered a set from SGS and returned them for a refund, they are an excellent company to deal with and most knowledgeable.

 

[kurienp]

So when the van arrived the tailgate struts were stiff and squealing loudly.
It went back and they were replaced. Sorry, i meant I was told they were replaced!

Still squeaky but unbelievably stiff.
There is no bike rack installed but, to close the tail gate it’s almost a two man job!!
On opening, once the latch is released you need to be quick and jump back out of the way!

This can’t be right. ? Absolutely no point trying to get the dealer involved again.

Part no is 7E7 827 550E

If squeakey - then oil it.
If stiff - c'mon, put on some weigth!

 

[sidepod]

So a seal is gas tight but will allow an oil film past? C’mon guys , really