Rusted Tail Gate Struts
#1
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Just bought my first BMW and so far I love it!
There were some minor repairs I have to work on, fixing the tail gate struts is pretty high up on the list. Question is, what do I need to place? The ball joint itself or both struts? And would these be the right parts?
RIGHT GAS PRESSURIZED SPRING . 315N Part Number: 51247201468
BALL PIN . M10 Part Number: 41627148797
bottom right strut
top right strut/ball
entire right strut
bottom left strut - you can't see it but the ball is almost entirely rusted out - the strut will pop out
top left strut
entire left/hydraulic strut
There were some minor repairs I have to work on, fixing the tail gate struts is pretty high up on the list. Question is, what do I need to place? The ball joint itself or both struts? And would these be the right parts?
RIGHT GAS PRESSURIZED SPRING . 315N Part Number: 51247201468
BALL PIN . M10 Part Number: 41627148797
![](https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series.net-vbulletin/658x877/20171106_110818_7473666cabbe382592d99ab7a3b2825fc31302a9.jpg)
bottom right strut
![](https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series.net-vbulletin/658x877/20171106_110821_b3daca4000558f75052915544923e11d2d8f8f40.jpg)
top right strut/ball
![](https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series.net-vbulletin/658x877/20171106_110826_13a04357ea2261678407f5e87dad42712223e1ff.jpg)
entire right strut
![](https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series.net-vbulletin/658x877/20171106_110832_764db4e25d57d224bdf74c35daf0660393aaf1c9.jpg)
bottom left strut - you can't see it but the ball is almost entirely rusted out - the strut will pop out
![](https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series.net-vbulletin/658x877/20171106_110841_dcfdf9b2b10d416ceb1608a1f76ebd0d72a4680e.jpg)
top left strut
![](https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/5series.net-vbulletin/658x877/20171106_110845_ab6c6dd7abaf3e0bb431d11a2c0fa31558e33d68.jpg)
entire left/hydraulic strut
#2
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Better question is "Why are they so badly rusted?"
I suggest you look into what is causing them to be in that condition. Figure that out, fix or repair and then put in new struts.
I suggest you look into what is causing them to be in that condition. Figure that out, fix or repair and then put in new struts.
#3
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I assume it's just from being old. Not sure how I would go about figuring out why, nor do I think it's worth it. I'm just going to replace at least the right strut (the non hydraulic one) and then see about fixing the joints on the left strut.
#4
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My Ride: 2008 535xi Wagon
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That is quite an odd amount of rust. I've got a '08, with pretty much no rust there.
As for replacements - the driver side is a hydraulic thing. I've got problems with - looks to be about $800-$1000. I'm trying to find a way to salvage what I've got. The ball is the 10 mm socket, about $25.
As for replacements - the driver side is a hydraulic thing. I've got problems with - looks to be about $800-$1000. I'm trying to find a way to salvage what I've got. The ball is the 10 mm socket, about $25.
#5
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My Ride: 2010, E61, 535i xDrive
Model Year: 2010
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Did you guys figure out a fix?
I've found this fix
The Fix-it Blog - Sorting Things Out: BMW 535xi Touring E61 Tailgate Hydraulic Strut Popping off the Ball Joint - Set Screw Repair
Wondering is anyone tried a thicker retaining ring or another fix.
I've found this fix
The Fix-it Blog - Sorting Things Out: BMW 535xi Touring E61 Tailgate Hydraulic Strut Popping off the Ball Joint - Set Screw Repair
Wondering is anyone tried a thicker retaining ring or another fix.
#6
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My Ride: 2010, E61, 535i xDrive
Model Year: 2010
![Default](https://5series.net/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Did you guys figure out a fix?
I've found this fix
The Fix-it Blog - Sorting Things Out: BMW 535xi Touring E61 Tailgate Hydraulic Strut Popping off the Ball Joint - Set Screw Repair
Wondering is anyone tried a thicker retaining ring or another fix.
I've found this fix
The Fix-it Blog - Sorting Things Out: BMW 535xi Touring E61 Tailgate Hydraulic Strut Popping off the Ball Joint - Set Screw Repair
Wondering is anyone tried a thicker retaining ring or another fix.
#7
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Forget all of this, I am replacing it with a manual strut and will have to resort to manually lifting my gate now (oh, the horror!)
#8
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My Ride: 535xi wagon
Model Year: 2008
Engine: N54
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if anyone has done a manual conversation what parts and part numbers are needed?
thanks
#9
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RIGHT GAS PRESSURIZED SPRING . 315N Part Number: 51247201468
BALL PIN . M10 Part Number: 41627148797
#10
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My Ride: 2010, E61, 535i xDrive
Model Year: 2010
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I called and they confirmed that the ring's thickness is 1.2mm, pretty much the same as the one I have, although mine is not even. I am tempted at ordering the minimum and trying it out. Alternatively, I can try to make my own ring with keychain ring, which is thicker, the challenge is finding 1.3mm thick to make a difference, I am also wondering if 1.3mm might be too thick for the application.