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The opening assist on my 05 RL trunk has stopped working. I have to lift the trunk by hand, and if I let go it will slam shut. Has anybody had this problem before? Looking at the parts of the trunk, there are left and right stay sets (for just under $100.00 each), or a dynamic trunk damper (for $30.00). Any guesses as to which is bad? Too bad the RL doesn't have exposed struts which would be simple to replace! Once the temperature warms up a bit, I'll have to remove the interior trunk trim to investigate further.
There are struts that hold the trunk up at the base of the hinges. Unfortunately you'd have to remove the trunk liner to get to them. Take a look at part #1 in this diagram:
It looks like there may be an additional set of struts that are included with the optional spoiler. I haven't taken out the trunk liner yet, but I don't think my '05 has these struts. Looking at the parts diagram, I only see items 1 and 54 which are "stay set, R trunk open", and "stay set, L trunk open". There is also a "damper, tailgate dynamic", or "damper, trunk dynamic" - item 25. I'm not sure what this part does. Maybe it slows the trunk when closing, just before it completely closes? Once I get the liner out, I'll see what i find.
When I ordered my spoiler it came with new struts. My car already had struts already in place. I installed new ones in case they were just for the added weight of the spoiler (all 3 - 4lbs of it. haha).
One side of the strut is bolted into place and the other side snaps in place. I have had the struts unsnap before, so check that. I had a small air compressor in the trunk, and I think it rolled forward and bumped them. it doesn't take much lateral force to pop them in or out.
The weather cooperated today so i was able to get into the trunk. It didn't take much time or effort to peel back the trunk trim to access the hinge area. Then a 12 mm open end wrench was all it took to remove the struts. It was easier than I thought it would be. I was confused looking at the parts diagram, but the stay sets are indeed just struts. The drawing looks like there is something attached to one end, which confused me. I just placed my order for a new left and right stay set. The price was about $50.00 lower per strut than the dealer.
Last edited by parlownr; 03-18-2018 at 01:01 PM.
Reason: added last 3 words
The weather cooperated today so i was able to get into the trunk. It didn't take much time or effort to peel back the trunk trim to access the hinge area. Then a 12 mm open end wrench was all it took to remove the struts. It was easier than I thought it would be. I was confused looking at the parts diagram, but the stay sets are indeed just struts. The drawing looks like there is something attached to one end, which confused me. I just placed my order for a new left and right stay set. The price was about $50.00 lower per strut than the dealer.
i never buy parts fprm the dealer its always cheaper online
"The drawing looks like there is something attached to one end, which confused me."
This is correct. Mine came with the rear bracket already attached on one end. I could have sent you mine for the cost of shipping but I wanted to make sure I still had them first. Sorry I'm too late.
I’m looking to buying a trunk spoiler. Will I need to get new trunk struts?
I think the Acura spoiler may come with new (stronger) struts. Even if it doesn't, the original 13 year old struts may need replacement soon. In my case, I noticed that as the struts became worn the trunk became easier to close. Before they failed completely, I could close the trunk with one finger. If you still have to use some effort to close it, you may be OK.
If you buy the Acura A-Spec spoiler, it does come with new struts. I kept those on backup for when my current trunk struts fail. I'm coming on 5 years with the spoiler, and 11 years old since the car is an '07. Luckily mine are still good!
There definitely is damping for the trunk when it opens. I don't think there is any when it closes, but I always take care to not slam it too hard. That entire strut mechanism looks nice.
There definitely is damping for the trunk when it opens. I don't think there is any when it closes, but I always take care to not slam it too hard. That entire strut mechanism looks nice.
I've always been careful when I closed the trunk. Unfortunately, almost everyone else slams it like they're closing the trunk on a '66 Buick! I've always told them that the trunk is aluminum, and they don't have to slam it, but do they listen......???
03-16-2018, 11:26 AM
