Avant Tailgate: Loose Strut Ball mounts

[Charles.waite]

Does anyone else have this problem? Every few months I have to detach the gas tailgate struts and tighten up the ball studs with a deep socket. After a few months they become wobbly again. I lubed the balls (Minds out of gutter...) with some PTFE lubricant last time I did this (a few months ago) and it didn't do anything to help solve this issue. I've thought about putting some locktite on the ball stud, but I'm not sure how the stud mounts inside the tailgate.

Has anyone done anything to solve this issue? I am the only one?

Also my tailgate doesn't like to open all the way. Once it reaches the top, it can still be pushed up another 6-10 inches. Could be time for some new struts...

[Charles.waite]

Nobody has any idea? I'm talking about the ball studs for where the strut is mounted to the main body/frame of the car, above the taillights.

[PNW Avant]

I have never had this problme, but I would take one of the studs all the way out next time and inspect the threads. Maybe it's stripped? I'm thinking not, but who knows. I would imagine this is a bolt that has a ball on the end, and the bolt threads into a threaded hole, which would mean lock tight would probably do the trick.

As for the shocks, it is in the design that once you get to the top, you can force it up 3-6 inches higher. I would say 6-10 inches is a little much, and that its probably time for new shocks. Check geniuneaudiparts.com. They aren't cheap, but that's definitely the cheapest place you can get them.

[g.bessom]

I have not had to tighten mine but I do have the same problem with the last 10 inches of lift. I always felt it was there so if you needed a little extra room, you can just push up on the struts.

Mine have been like this for over two years.