Hood Strut replacement 2001 ml320??
 

Hey Guys,
I was trying to do some work on my 01 Ml 320, the hood crashed on me. The hood struts went bad. I bought a new set, any tips on how to replace these without paying the dealer a grip? How do you detach the old one and put the new ones on. There doesn't seem to be any screws, just a pop on ball joint type of thing. Thanks guys!

Support the hood with a section of 2X4, then you can just partially pull that spring (wide spring that curves around the ball), then pull the rod off the ball. Then do the other side. The new ones you can snap right on.
Gilly

Hey Gilly,
Thanks for your reply. Still kinda puzzled, doest it matter which end comes off first? And what is the best tool to take off the ends? plier..or a mallet? I cant really see any springs...I'll try again 2nite. Thanks

Just think, if you had the service DVD ...


http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/11498/?requestedDocId=11498

Sorry I didn't see this til now, did you get the struts replaced?
Gilly

hey gilly,
Yup..got them replaced easy fix. Just have to move those retaining clips up and then I could pull the strut off the ball. Took me about 15 mins total. 39 bux for the 2 struts shipped.

Have a great weekend!

Great. The retaining clips are what I was referring to as "springs".
Gilly

So that's fix your problem with your hood struts. I hope That was as easy as you say! for only 15mins. Will try that one later.

Just be careful when the hood is propped up so you don't end up on "1000 Ways To Die!"