It's held on normally by a circlip. Which might be buried under
accumulated filth. The circlip slides off, and it just pops off the
ball.

On Jul 31, 2009, at 2:25 PM, Eric Lopez wrote:

> I'm trying to remove the two struts off the hatch of my Vanagon and
> I'm darned if I can figure out how. I managed to remove the end with
> the rubber socket and the clip, it's the OTHER end I'm trying to
> remove. I've pushed, pulled and lifted in every direction. I see no
> nuts, sockets, bolts, or otherwise removable parts. What's the
> secret to getting this thing off? I have an '84 Vanagon with what
> appears to be stock struts if that makes a difference.
>
> Thanks,
> -Eric