I replaced my rear hatch struts today with the stock VW struts part #s
251 829 331A for the left
 and 251 829 332 for the right

I discovered that only one of the struts on my van was defective. The
previous owner put the right side strut on both sides. The left one failed.

I was told by the parts person that one strut is for opening and one is for
closing and that the right one is a bit stronger and is why it costs more.

I am wondering if the reason the left strut failed is due to it being the
wrong strut; that is, made for closing rather than opening the hatch.

Does anyone know for sure or if it matters at all?

William Polowniak
1989 Vanagon GL
1988 Mercedes 300 SE