Lexus RX350 Rear Hatch Liftgate Quick Fix
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- Опубліковано 29 сер 2024
- Lexus RX350 or RX 450h Rear hatch liftgate 5-minute fix.
For 2010 - 2015 REAR HATCH Replacement Struts: amzn.to/3yC6auH
(Covered exactly in this video)
For 2010 - 2015 FRONT HOOD Replacement Struts: amzn.to/49dXxtc
(Replacement for front hood struts almost exactly like in this video)
For 2007 - 2009 REAR HATCH Replacement Struts: amzn.to/3I3Lm6j
(Replacement slightly different but also easy and comes with instructions)
For 2004-2006 REAR HATCH Replacement Struts: amzn.to/3UJBplV
(Replacement slightly different but also easy and comes with instructions)
For 2016 - 2019 REAR HATCH Replacement Support: amzn.to/49gsIUF
(Replacement slightly different but also easy and comes with instructions)
Lexus Liftgate Repair
Does your Lexus RX rear liftgate whack you in the head every time you get under it?
If so it’s very likely because the gas struts - those two thin shock absorber-looking supports -- are worn out and no longer strong enough to lift the rear hatch.
Fear not! Replacing them is super easy!
The solution in this video should work on all Lexus RX350 and 450h models 2010 thru 2015.
The replacement struts cost less than $40 and are available on Amazon. See the link in the description below. Be sure to read the description online before ordering to make certain they will fit your vehicle.
Step One
You only need one tool -- a small flat-head screw driver. Have that handy by placing it in the rear cargo area.
Step two
Use something to prop the lift gate all the way open. Make sure it is secure, since when we take off the two struts this pole or board will be supporting all the weight of the rear hatch and you will be working under it!
Step Three
We are going to remove the upper end of the right strut first. Remove by prying up the retaining clip as shown. Next do the same on the upper end of the left strut.
Step Four
In a similar manner pry loose the retaining clip on the lower end of the right side strut. Once the clip is out you should be able to remove the strut completely. Do the same on the left side.
Step Five
This step is optional. Take a moment to wipe off all four now exposed ball joints. Maybe add a drop or spritz of oil like WD40 to each if you have some.
Step Six
No tool required for this step! Make sure that the THICK end of the NEW strut is attached to the lower end of the car body and the THIN end is attached to the hinged hatch that lifts up. All you need to do is firmly press the open ball socket on the strut onto the ball joint. Do the lower right one first, again making sure you have the thick black end in hand. Once in place you should not be able to pull it back off. Now do the upper THIN end. And then repeat these steps on the left side.
That’s it! Make certain all four connections are firmly in place. Remove the temporary support pole and test your repair.
Thank you for watching! If this worked for you please like and subscribe!
Product links are affiliate links - I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you)
Tip. Do not remove both struts at the same time. Do each side fully instead. It is far safer holding the hatch open with even a single bad strut plus the prop than just the prop alone. On the second side even better with a good strut helping on the first side. If both struts are removed and your prop slips it’s not a good scene. Adding insult to injury it’ll be far harder to lift the hatch back up again without any struts at all.
I did it one at a time just like you said and it worked perfectly. This video gave great instructions except you are right remove and replace struts one at a time. It was safe and supper. I cleaned and used high quality garage door premium spray lubrication on the anchors. Now the automatic hatch back works better than it ever did before. I used an anchored wood pole with a flat square metal plate anchored to the bottom of it and I anchored that with bungee cords. This is what is needed because the hatch back door is quite heavy and unstable without the strut and that is even removing one at time. I went for the premium replacement parts. It was worth it. I got the cheaper struts and it was a waste of money and had to return them. Spending the sixty bucks for the premium better than original and US Made replacement parts was worth every penny.
@@fmayer1507 where can i buy “premium usa “ ones ??
Great Point armstd.
Appreciate the step by step, took me five minutes to complete.
Wow. I had come to the end of my rope with having the gate wack me on the head and then I found this! Now I am a person who would rather just read the instructions rather than sit through a video and then have to go back to review or clarify something BUT Carl was short, sweet, and to the point and didn't waste a lot of time with talk not associated with the actual repair job and I could see what he was doing in the video. I got the idea that I could do this (well just about anyone can), I clicked on his link so he gets his commission) to Qimox struts, checked that the site confirmed the parts would work in my car, ordered them (they came the next day because we have Prime), went out and opened the back (yep, it still didn't stay up), propped it open, used the small screwdriver to remove the clips, removed the struts, cleaned and lubricated the attachment balls, snapped on the new ones - end, done. When opened, the gate stays up! Thanks Carl. I should have done this year ago.
Thanks James! So glad my short video help you fix your Lexus!
Worked like a charm! (Except the directions to take both sides out at the same time. No reason to not complete one side before beginning other and reducing the weight which has to be supported).
I followed your simple instructions and it worked like a charm! A note: if you don't happen to have that very long board around you can use what I used - a pair of vice-grips locked down on the silver shaft where it meets the thicker black part (amazingly it holds it up!). Done in 10 minutes! Thanks again for a great video!!
Great video. Is starting to happen to my 2013 RX 350. Think I’ll order on Amazon and have my super nice Volvo mechanic do it for me. I don’t have strong hands and don’t want to mess with this. He’s very handy, doesn’t charge much in general and works on all cars. Thank you for great video!
Thank you for this detailed video on this (now) simple repair. Great job!
Easy fix! Thank you! I hate going to the dealer for anything and this was as simple as can be.
A tip … once you have connected the lower end of the strut to the body you may find that the hole in the upper end of the strut does not align with the plug on the lift gate. You can adjust the end of the strut by twisting it until the plug lines up with the hole.
Great video - this was the issue for my 2014 tailgate that just went out at 75k miles. Simple and inexpensive fix. Thanks!
This worked just like the video. Thank you for the instructions.
This is great I found this video! My 2010 RX350 trunk door just pooped out on me this morning. Worried it would cost hundreds of dollars only to find now I can’t fix this myself 😅 thank you for posting!
Good instructions and nice photography
Thanks for the quick and easy DIY fix .
thanks a lot! Clearly explained and good idea to go with still photos - much better than wobbly videos with incoherent comments that are so common on You Tube
Thanks for your video. I now can change my own RX 350 Struts.
Great instructions for an easy fix. Thank you
Wow. Thank you. I bought Lexus/ Toyota parts and just completed this myself.
This was my third video having to look up for this Project. As the other videos left me with more questions than answers.
Thanks for the replacement technique. Quick and easy!😀
Super easy to replace. Bravo!
TY, I was going to make this hard. it is a 10 min job! 2005 RX330.
It worked!! It does not hit me in the head anymore. However, the actual button on the trunk doesnt lift it up..Am i supposed to hit it once or hold it down?
Perfect demo, just what I needed Thanks
I have a newer RX350 model 2019 , no problems yet but I will keep this in mind ! Thanks :)
Fantastic video. Thank you
It has scared me for sure when all of a sudden floating down when my head is underneath. Not gotten hit yet, but sure am nervous when under there and that’s daily.
Hi
Just bought a 2005 RX 330 and this has happened to me scary! Even worse, I was donating a large item to a thrift store and pulled up to the store and a boy came out to get it out of my cargo area. As I pushed the open door button in the front it started to lift and just as he leaned in to get it , the door comes down and knocked him in his head!! He just said whoa!!😵💫 just lucky he wasn’t injured. This problem is very serious not funny at all!
After watching this I am relieved that it seems to be an easy fix and not an electrical problem malfunction.
But your saying this is only on 350 models??
Do you think it applies to my 05 330 as well?
I would like to do these struts myself to save money because we all know what labor costs are now…
Hope you can answer??
Much appreciated:)
This strut should work: www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6J43WI/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_CCTE9YTE6J8KPJFPTXSZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1-
Thank you
My original struts only acting up when the temperature is cold.
Thank you for your video it helps me , but I have now to open and close it manually because nothing happens when try to open the hatch from insider the car or with the key . Someone have any advice ?
Most of the time my door stays open, but every once in a while as soon as I open it with the key it will beep again to close. Wondering what would cause that? It closed on my husband and I a week after we bought it.
Make sure the botton on the remote is not sticking.
Sounds easy enough ... except for maybe the support part. I did this once with a Dodge Caravan and was shocked at how heavy the tailgate was (doing them one at a time seems very wise). I'm no sure I have any wood big enough for this project. Wondering what others used to prop it up? Also, because the struts are not easily manually closed - even just a bit - I would think you could have problems getting the new struts on if hatch was not fully extended. True?
All fair points. My guess is, yes, it will be easier to replace the struts if they are fully extended. Since I did not try otherwise I cannot say for certain. As for the borad support you might be able to use a shorter board (or pole) and place the lower part on the base of the rear cargo area. Or maybe park under a tree and tie the hatch to an overhead branch?
Rather than using WD40 which is a degreaser, wouldn’t it be better to use grease, an actual lubricant?
Interesting point. I have always used WD40 as a lubricant so I don’t really know.
@@CarlPugh After I posted this, I learned that you should not grease these fittings because they are nylon fittings which should not be lubricated.
@@jeffreywilkinson606 Ah! Thanks for letting me know!
I just ordered a set of these. Do you recommend opening and closing the tailgate manually for a week or two? Ive heard people saying that the struts are tight in the beginning and I dont want to burn my motor out. Great video by the way.
Thank you! A year later my electric hatch is working perfectly. So I see no need to open it manually initially. With the new stronger struts the hatch will be far easier for your motor to open. And closing benefits from gravity.
@@CarlPugh I just installed them but it’s way too hard too close and the auto close and open feature doesn’t work because there is way too much pressure/tension. Any ideas?
@@nicholaseaster58 which brand did you get?
Similar to Lexus OEM struts, are these Right and Left struts, OR are they interchangeable ?
They are interchangeable.
The new struts were not as tight at the ball joints as the old ones. I could pop them back off without removing the clip. Is there something that could be done to the new clips to tighten them further. It works fine but I can pop them back off.
Curious. I did not have that experience. Are you certain you received the correct parts?
@@CarlPugh its correct - identical. It works fine. The only thing I can think of is the car is a 2013 RX350 and the balls are a bit worn from nearly ten years of use. The old struts weren't tight either.
Please I need little help on my lexus rx350 2010... the backdoor stops lifting up sometimes.what are the possible cause?
Most likely the gas struts need to be replaced. very weasy to do. Follow the video.
Does anyone know how long these typically last? I was talking with a service rep at my local dealership and he commented that the after market struts only last 6 months...and that's why you should buy the $120 oem ones...lol...
I have a 2005 and they just went bad
Would they fit 2006 model?
For 2004-2006 Replacement Gas Struts: amzn.to/3UJBplV - Replacement slightly different but also easy and comes with instructions
Apologies if this is a silly question, but... is it the same strut for a non-powered tailgate?
What year, make and model is your vehicle?
@@CarlPugh it’s a 2010 RX350. I was able to find a pair designed for non-powered. Same manufacturer, going to give them a shot. Thanks for the quick response and the great video! Cheers!
I have the same problem on a 2019 RX 350. would this process be the same?
Should be, especially if the shocks and attachment points look similar.
Thank you. Car is under warranty and Lexus will take care of it