Hood - Gas Strut Clip Removal

[Vince P]

1994 Seville SLS

173,000 miles

Re: Engine Hood --- Gas Strut Clip Removal

Does anyone know how to remove the clips that hold the Gas Struts to the hood and the fender?

Note: My manual shows a different gas strut for the Deville/Concours and the Seville/Eldorado

Vince P

[growe3]

First, get some one to assist you, the hood is hard to manage while replacing the gas strut rods. Have a piece of wood, or other similar item to hold the hood almost fully open.

The gas strut rod spring clips are a bit of a pain to remove. When putting them on, they slide over the end retaining pin. The center part of the clip snaps into the small groove on the retaining pin. To remove the clip, you need to slightly push the clip to get it free of the retaining pin groove, pry it up slightly, and then it will slide off. Use a small screwdriver to pry it free, be careful, it is easy to shove the screwdriver into your hand.

Making sure the hood is supported, I would remove the upper end first, then it is easier to remove the lower end. Replace one side at a time, to help avoid the hood dropping unexpectedly.

Note that most replacement gas strut rods are mounted upside down, from the original mounting position. Some come with replacement mounts that need to be used.

-George