Celica Forums General Discussion Exterior Trunk Struts Going Out

Has anyone else here had any problems with their trunk struts getting weak? I have a 2001 GT and my stuts are to the point that during the winter they don't hold at all.

Right now they're fine because its hot and the gas inside is expanding, but during the winter I look like a jackass holding the trunk open with one hand just to put something in. Not to mention if I lose my grip I could be severed at the knees and end up trapped in my trunk with no legs.

When I called Toyota they told me that each strut was upwards of $100+. I tried to read the information printed on the strut but there is next to none and when I did a search found nothing on the internet. As if that isn't bad enough, I've been to Autozone and some other places and they don't carry the struts for newer models.

There are three different types of Liftgate/Trunk Support Assembly (shocks)...

WITHOUT SPOILER (economy/weakest)

WITH SPOILER (standard)...
I have these with my Kaminari spoiler - they work just fine in California's warm climate (cold/damp weather seems to give it a bit of troubles staying up though)

WITH SPOILER & WITH REAR WIPER (luxury/strongest)...
this is also the set that comes standard when you purchase the Action Package (aka TRD) Spoiler

Each shock is about $115 (Set is $230 )

The part number is listed on the outside of your Liftgate/Trunk Support Assembly (shocks), if you feel like double-checking which ones you have installed

Check item 5

My solution to the trunk not staying up on its own

At $230 a set that will be my solution also! Thanks Isaac a bunch for the info.

on the 2002-> are they upgraded i fhink

i have a 2000 gt and they suck during the winter and during cold mornings... i havnt found a good fix, except heating the chambers with a hot gun/blow dryer to expand the gas... im not going to spend upwards of 100 on shocks for it... Damn toyota is really expensive on parts over here... i tried to get some of those plastic snap screws and they were 1.89 a peice!!! i only bought 2... i might just try another dealership

The gas doesn't expand because the volume in the cilinder of the shock stays the same. The pressure of the gas is getting bigger when it's hotter.

I think that when showing off trunk and stuff, it'd be best to use a rod/stick w/e so you dont stress your shocks.

i have had the same problem with my 2001 gt
but its starting to get hotter around here so the problem is virtually eliminated
so in short i guess the solution to your dilemma would be to move to florida \
...
personally i'd rather move than pay over a 100 dollars for
1 damn strut
good luck

I agree totally. Luckily I live on the MS Gulf Coast so it isn't too bad. I guess thats one more reason to hit some Florida beaches this summer.