Okay, imagine this: you're at the supermarket, arms overflowing with groceries, trying to juggle your keys and that rogue head of lettuce that keeps trying to escape. You finally get to your Touran, hit the button for the tailgate, and… thud. It barely lifts. You practically have to help it up with your forehead. Sound familiar? Yeah, me too. 🤦♀️
The tailgate struts (or, as some might call them, the little hydraulic arms) are clearly having a bad day. Or, more accurately, a bad life. The good news? You're not alone! And there are things you can do to coax them back to life, or at least, postpone their funeral a little longer.
The Culprits: Why Tailgate Struts Give Up the Ghost
First, let's play detective. Why do these trusty little lifters decide to retire early? It's usually a combination of factors:
- Age: Like us, they get old. The internal seals wear out, and the gas inside leaks. Think of it like a slow, hissing retirement party.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme heat and cold can wreak havoc on those seals. Summer scorchers and winter freezes? Not their cup of tea.
- Constant Use: The more you open and close that tailgate, the faster they wear out. (Especially if you're constantly hauling kids, dogs, and questionable amounts of "stuff" like I am!)
- Cheap Parts: Let's be honest, sometimes the original equipment isn't the greatest to begin with. A poorly made strut will fail faster, c'est la vie.
So, now that we know who the suspects are, let's move on to the solutions!
Operation: Tailgate Revival – What You Can Try
Alright, don your overalls and grab your toolbox (or maybe just a can of WD-40, let's be realistic). Here's what you can try to get your tailgate working smoother:
The WD-40 Trick: This is the easiest and often surprisingly effective. Spray a bit of WD-40 (or similar lubricant) on the pivots where the strut connects to the tailgate and the body of the car. Work the tailgate up and down a few times to distribute the lubricant. Sometimes, it's just a little bit of friction that's causing the problem. Worth a shot, right?
Check the Mounts: Make sure the struts are securely attached at both ends. Look for any signs of damage or corrosion. Loose mounts can cause the struts to work harder and fail faster. Tighten them up if needed. (But don't over-tighten and strip the threads! Be gentle!) You might even find a screw is missing—easily and cheaply fixed.
Assist the Tailgate: In colder weather, give the tailgate a little push upwards as you press the button. This helps the struts overcome the initial resistance. It's like giving them a jump start. (Think of it as a little tailgate pep talk.)
When to Admit Defeat (and Replace the Struts)
Okay, let's be real. Sometimes, no amount of WD-40 or pep talks will bring those struts back to their former glory. If the tailgate consistently refuses to stay open, or slams shut with a vengeance, it's time for a replacement.
Replacing the Struts: This is a DIY project that most people can handle. (There are tons of videos on YouTube that will walk you through it.) Just make sure you have a friend to help hold the tailgate while you're swapping them out! Seriously, don't try to be a superhero and hold it up yourself. Safety first!
Buying New Struts: When buying replacements, consider getting a quality brand. The cheap ones might save you a few euros upfront, but they'll likely fail sooner. Read reviews! A little research goes a long way. Consider buying a pair as the other one may be soon to follow.
A Final Word (or Two)
Dealing with tailgate struts can be frustrating, but with a little know-how and a bit of elbow grease (or the willingness to spend a few euros on new ones), you can keep your Touran's tailgate functioning smoothly. And hey, at least you'll get a decent arm workout in the process. 😉 Good luck!
