Hood Strut Replacement

These instructions tell how to replace the hood struts on the Buick Reatta.

Always replace in pairs unless you know the other one is new. Mismatched hood struts can torque the hood over time resulting in misalignment or damage to the hood. The ACDelco 510-125 Lift Strut works well. It is best to have the same brand strut on each side if possible.

• T-30 torx
• Large flat blade screwdriver
• Hammer
• Towel

Prop the hood open as far as it will go then replace one side at a time.

It is extremely easy to install the top (hood) strut bracket upside down. This mistake effectively makes the strut too long. If you try to force the hood closed the hood will bend and be all but destroyed.

To positively avoid installing the top strut bracket incorrectly, mark the brackets prior to removal with a marker that says this side up or something similar to remind you how the bracket should be installed. This way it goes back together exactly as it came apart.

1. Remove two Torx screws. If strut extends much further when this happens, it is not propped up enough and new one will be hard to install.
    
2. Lay strut down on hood channel.
   

   Use towel to protect paint.

3. Use screwdriver and hammer to knock retainer off strut lower pivot (may deform but should be a new one on replacement. I am sure there is a J-tool for this but do not have one.
    
4. Remove strut from car.
    
5. Use screwdriver and hammer to remove clip from upper pivot.
    
6. Align plate relative to hood and on new strut thin end.

   Check twice to make sure plate is aligned properly. Failing to do this could result in damage to the hood or fenders.

7. Snap fat end into lower pivot on car.
    
8. Tighten two Torx screws.
    
9. Lubricate all hinge points on hood and where tube enters body of strut.
    
10. Repeat for second strut.
     
11. Remove prop.
     
12. Grabbing at center of hood peak gently move hood up and down a few times to align.
     
13. Gently close hood making sure there is no bind (if plate is inverted, it will not close properly).
     
14. Relax

Thanks to Padgett, member of the Reatta forums, for this information.