Bonnet Struts

rooksy · Jul 10, 2005

Has anyone had to replace the bonnet lid struts, if so do you replace them in pairs. My bonnet lowers itself very slowly when raised, (sometimes stays up). I've taken both struts off, and both are extremely difficult to close, therefore I can't tell which one no longer has enough pressure to keep the bonnet up.

Sean

adamtsobek · Jul 10, 2005

Hi,

I have just replaced my bonnet struts, both of them, at the same time. As they are only about £ 8.00 each I did not see point of scrimping on the job.

However it is more difficult to change the passenger side one, as there are all sorts of obstructions stopping you getting your fingers near enough to replace the spring clip that holds tem firmy in place.

Good luck

Adam

Guest · Jul 11, 2005

A good trick is to tie string or dental floss round the clip so you don't lose it when it fires off into a dim recess.

Andy Tims · Jul 11, 2005

Did both of mine last year. Didn't seem any point in just changing one side.

Guest · Jul 11, 2005

I replaced both the bonnet & boot struts about a month ago, it's a fairly simple job, and took about 40 minutes to do all 4. The spring clips can be fiddly though, so I agree with Richard about tieing them with dental floss or something like that. It's not worth just doing one side, as the old ones are both likley to be weaker than new ones.

rooksy · Jul 11, 2005

Thanks for the info. I'll remeber the tip about the string when I eventually find the spring clip!!!!

Sean

Greg Park · Jan 10, 2006

Looking to replace my bonnet and boot struts and see some of you have already done the job.

Any recommendations on using standard struts or heavy duty ones?

Greg

adamtsobek · Jan 10, 2006

If you replace both at the same time, do not see any need for using anything but the standard ones.

Regards

Adam

Richard Savage · Jan 10, 2006

Sean / Greg

I replaced both on mine. Couldn't see any point in ordering one and then finding I needed to order another one! Plus, if only one is faulty, you're gona need to fit and unfit them several times to find out which!

The 1989 Catalogue lists 911 512 331 01 for the Carrera and 911 512 331 02 for the Carrera Turbo. I suspect the ones I fitted are the latter (Can't lay my hands on the invoice! ) given the extra weight of the Whale Tail.

Didn't find the job at all difficult!

R.

davidharrow · Jan 11, 2006

I only replaced one - the easy one on the drivers side and it did not make the lid stay up - worse in bad weather.

So the other side was done - if you remove the trim and the liner it is relatively easy. The clips seem brittle with age - I bought new ones for a few pence from my local Porsche dealer and did not worry if the old ones got lost (in my case they did not).

Plenty of WD40 on the pin before you try and punch it out though - then wait at least 10 minutes.

David

wormand · Jan 11, 2006

Do the engine lid stuts support the lid at any angle or do they just support when fully opened, 'cos mine are hopeless until fully opened. Do you recommend I need to change mine?