Rear Hatch Strut Replacement
How to replace rear hatch struts on the 924 and 944, with a parts table covering all model years and a note on electrical connections that affect interior lights and rear defroster function.
Difficulty: Easy1 min readApplies to: 944 · 944S · 944S2 · 944 Turbo
Download factory PDFIntroduction
The most important aspect of replacing rear hatch struts is using the correct parts for the correct position. Installing wrong struts can cause interior lights to remain on continuously and will prevent the rear hatch defroster from functioning.
Tools
- Telescoping hood prop or broom stick cut to appropriate length
- Needle nose pliers
Parts
| Description | Model/Year | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| Hatch Strut, Right | 924 (1977–1979) | 477 827 348 E |
| Hatch Strut, Right | 924/S/T (1980–1988) | 477 827 348 F |
| Hatch Strut, Right | 944/S/T (All) | 944 512 348 00 |
| Hatch Strut, Left | 924/S/T (All) | 477 827 349 D |
| Hatch Strut, Left | 944/S/T (All) | 944 512 349 00 |
Procedure
- Open the rear hatch and prop it open securely.
- Disconnect the electrical wires from the hatch strut.
- Remove the old strut:
- Late model cars: Use needle nose pliers to pull back the spring clip on the socket at each end of the strut. The strut will then slide off the mounts on the body and hatch.
- Early cars: Grasp the body of the strut and unscrew it until it separates from the pivot socket.
- Installation is the reverse of removal.
Tags:rear hatchhatch strutgas struthatch support924