Its time to replace the hatch struts on my '85 MB 300TD.

I did a search but nothing came up related.

How easy is this job?

Any special tools needed?

JWJ

__________________
JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

Also, is there a specific brand that is better than others?

The two I see are: Febi and Vaico

JWJ

__________________
JWJ
1983 MB 300D - > 430,000 miles - Deep Blue - Bilstein Comforts - 0-60 in 24 seconds - 27MPG
1985 MB 300TD (wagon) - > 275,000 miles - Manila Beige - Thule rack - 0-60 in 18 seconds - 22 - 25MPG
Biodiesel, Mobil Delvac 1, and Viton fuel lines!

**************.com sells a kit (no offense Fastlane) with the shocks and a special tool that makes replacement easier. It also has a detailed description of how to do it. Around 90 bucks as I recall. That is a little high for sure but if a picture in the manual saves you an hours worth of work what the heck ! When you are done you can sell me your tool and manual and I will do mine.

Yes you need a special tool to remove the bolt that attaches the strut to the car. It is called a "triple square" bit. Looks like a torques bit but it is not. It is also a very tight fit to get it, I used a hammer. Do one side at a time, and you may need a helper to hold the gate. The struts just pull out of the hole, bit it takes a bit of wiggling

look here

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=146244

I need to do the same thing. My hatch doesn't stay open and it's getting annoying. I was going to go with the mercedesshop on this one. Haven't done it yet though.

__________________

Not all hatch struts are secured with a triple square drive hardware. Some have allen heads- and allen heads do fit in the triple square. Buy some metric and standard allen sockts. Old blue lips (a torch) may sometimes useful as a bolt persuader.