The tailgate on a Chevrolet Blazer is split into upper and lower components. The upper part, the back glass known as a "lift gate," uses a set of hydraulic struts that look like small shock absorbers to lift and hold the hatch in the air. When these go out, the full weight of the back glass will be on the hinges; it will require effort to lift the hatch and it will be impossible for the hatch to remain in place without a support. Before you can replace the struts, you'll first have to remove the old ones.
Instructions
- 1
Open the tailgate and support the rear hatch. Have your assistant hold it up while you work.
2Locate the metal snap rings on the balls at the ends of the struts. Remove these rings using a flat-head screwdriver by placing the blade between the ring and the strut body, then twisting the blade to pop each snap ring out of place.
3Remove the bolts holding the strut to the hatch using an open-end wrench. Pull the strut off the hatch, then help your assistant slowly lower the hatch back down.
