On a 2000 ML320, there are two "pegs" for the hood struts. Are the lower pegs there to allow greater access for maintenence?

How do you re-posotion the struts? It looks like there are retaining clips that are in a slot extending from the end of the strut. Do you need to remove the clips or does the peg simply pop out under pressure?

Yup. Those plugs make some jobs lots easier.
You can use a small screw river and pry the metal clips back to release them. Watch out, the clips will go flying if you pull them all the way off.

Yeah and watch out because as soon as ONE strut is taken off the ball socket the hood will crush ya. You can do it 1-person with a little practice, might want a helper the first time. Oddly 1 strut will hold it in the service position, but not the normal position.
Gilly

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