[jeffnhiscars]

Ive got the same sluggish when cold going on so have ordered the right side non power strut. Im 99% in agreement that this is the problem, having mfg and sold 1000s of gas struts for the e30 community

 

[jeffnhiscars]

This is an ominous sign...drivers side D pillar trim. Clearly a hydraulic issue

 

[jeffnhiscars]

100% agreed. Turns out my hydraulics were not leaking but that stain was from the sealant used on the plastic panel covering the strut compartment. it seems to have liquified over time and oozed. Strange but better than a hydraulic issue.

I used Stabilis struts which are also OEM. Haven't had it in the cold but I do see an improvement

 

[jeffnhiscars]

I didn't notice the stain on your pillar in the photo when I wrote my previous message, but it does seem like the compartment for the servo is pretty well sealed up on the inside from the factory, and would most likely leak out the back of the tailgate down the gutter, rather than into the car interior.

it's that very sealant that oozed out. It went all the around the plastic cover piece so was pretty clearly a bead at some point. No idea what it is but I've never seen a sealant liquify like that. Either way it wasn't hydraulic and that's a win.

 

[jeffnhiscars]

That is so reassuring to know. I guess I will tackle this job as soon as possible. So to be sure: the liftgate strut that needs replacing is the same part as in the non-powered liftgates, right?

I've seen enough YouTube videos on how it's done and it looks a bit challenging, especially the challenge of not breaking any plastic clips.

as I recall, the listings were specific to "w power lift gate" and without. Since they are physically identical I suspect there is a difference in the pressure rating of each. For my 09 w the power gate the original strut was rated at 550N. PN was 7L6 827 550N

 

[jeffnhiscars]

Unless the hydraulic servo is designed to carry a load equivalent to the non power strut

 

[jeffnhiscars]

By the way, did you happen to notice the part no. of the original strut that you replaced? This would be helpful.

that's the number I quoted above.

 

[jeffnhiscars]

In an effort to clear this up, here is the listing for the replacement part I bought from fcp. It was sold using the same original PN and if you look at the fitment range it shows that it would be the same strut for the power , non power or spare tire attached versions.

keep in mind has struts rarely "blow out" but rather gradually lose pressure over time until they reach the point is being inadequate to do the job for hitch they were designed. Given that the same strut is speced for power and non power gates its safe to conclude that the hydraulic piston provides power equivalent to one strut and that as long as the right side strut has just enough pressure, the gate will work fine. When it gets sluggish or sticks in the cold, it's telling you it's time to replace the right side strut.

 

[jeffnhiscars]

Thanks for the clarification.

Interesting that fcp sells the stabilus, which no doubt is as good as the genuine part, for about the same price as the actual genuine part. I guess the advantage with fcp is their lifetime replacement warranty. Not that this particular repair is something that anyone would gladly attempt twice in a lifetime.

View attachment 255979

Stabilus IS the OE supplier plus the dealers I've bought parts from will charge shipping

 

[jeffnhiscars]

There's no way to adjust the pressure via VCDS. What I think happened before I rented the gas struts is that the gate would try to open then set back down and trip the micro switch that grabs it and pulls it shut. I haven't tested in th
e cold since the swap but since it's the hydraulic motor that provides the oomph it's a certainty that the cold would make its job harder. while,it's possible that a new pump wouldn't have this problem I wouldn't bet $1300 on it.

if th problem returns I'll just open it from outside and give it a helping hand...not to overlook that fluid gets thicker at lower temps which has to reduce power

 

[jeffnhiscars]

To reset the power lift gate open it, manually move it to where you want it then press and hold the close button for a few seconds and bobs your uncle

IME hydraulic fluid is not the same as atf. My 996 had atf in the power steering when it should have hydraulic fluid. My P tech friend tells me the atf can damage the seals in the PS pump.