I've had five (5) different eBay (yeah, I know) vendors send me boot struts that don't fit. They all send struts that are 11.0 inches extended length. They claim their struts are 10.5 inches extended (the correct length). All these Vendors are selling quality struts for around $22.00 a pair. They know the correct length is 10.5 inches, yet they all send longer versions.

The struts cannot be compressed the half inch to fit them. If you think that is possible you have never attempted to manually retract a strut. It is physically impossible.

All have refunded me my money without requiring me to return the incorrect struts. That's 5 pairs of new struts that have gone into the bin.

Anyone have a source for correct boot struts that are reasonably priced?

I'm seeing others from $80 to $220 for a pair.

I guess I'm hoping to find a correct set for under $30 if they exist.

Much thanks.

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/39262941345...mis&media=COPY

These work...that is on the manually opening boot.

E

 

Did you buy these and fit them to your CGT?

Those show as 10 inches overall extended length. I need 10.5 inches extended length. This is for the auto opening boot - not sure if there is a difference in strut length for manual versus auto boot opening?

 

Hello Randy,

The struts were for a coupe with manual closure.
The posted ebay vendor might be able to get you 10.5...do remember the closing force specification is also important for the strut. Perhaps copy and paste the description and substitute 10.5 in. as the length.

As to the struts posted above they have worked quite well. That vendor on ebay was the only one with a suitable strut. I measure the old ones and spected the closing force for the ebay search.

E

 

I also ordered "compatible" shocks for the hood (bonnet) which were about a 1/2" too long. Tried many techniques to get them to fit, no luck except for one: screwing the rod clockwise into the cylinder until its length matched the original. That was a year ago, no problems or issues, works great. I don't know if it's a proper method, but it worked, should work for the trunk shocks, don't know for sure. Try at your own risk!

Larry

 

Just to close this out, i did order the struts from your recommended eBay vendor. They were the correct length but the resistance pressure is a bit higher than the originals, requiring a bit of help at the beginning downward actioon. Much better during opening as the do lift and hold the boot open during automatic opening.

 

Glad they worked out...more or less. Mine behave well and hold at almost any position. Of course time will tell. BTW: Most of the struts I found on ebay were too weak.

 

Also appears to be manufactured by Stabilus in Germany under PN 3291TQ, but these are the full "Bentley" price option.

 

I solved that problem by lubing the struts with FluidFilm.

 

Ordered the Strut-Your-Stuff struts and they are a perfect fit. Since the Stabilus struts are rated 540 Newtons I ordered the 10" 120# and the boot operates smoothly and closes properly.

 

Please can you advise where you applied the lubricant?
I got in trouble once with bolts loosening after lubrication.

 

I lubed all the hinge points and the shaft of the struts. No bolts to come loose.