2012 Citadel, auto hatch, opened up the hatch tonight and air was spewing out of the right strut. The hatch will still open, but wants to close immediately.

Any fixes? Replace the strut? Looks pretty easy to replace, 1K out of warranty....sucks!

 

Real easy to do
STEVE

 

Unbelievably, I found the part at a local dealer on a Saturday. The part number is #68083196-AC Prop/Gas 2012 Citadel w/power liftgate. Paid $46.48 with tax.

I wanted to post a couple pics and quick DIY for the next guy. Installed in less than a minute. So here ya go!

Here is the gas strut.


Before installing, it's best to have an extra set of hands to hold the liftgate up while you install the strut because it will not stay open on it's own. You will note that there is a metal clip on each end of the strut. Remove the damaged strut by using a flat head screwdriver to loosen up the clips, no need to remove them completely, then remove each end from the ball joint.

To install the new strut, place each end over the ball joint and the strut will slide right over it. Note that you do not need to loosen the clips on the new strut to install That's it! Good Luck

 

dealer replaced mine no charge maybe a year ago on my 2012.

 

My stealership would charge 1 hour min