I replaced the struts soon after I got the van in 2008.  The old ones had
just gotten tired, and would not hold the hatch up.  I just got whatever
was available at some place like NAPA.  They came left and right.  I could
not tell one from the other, so I asked.  The answer I got was that no one
really knew, but that if I put them wrong, the hatch could tell!  I later
learned that it was that one was more resistant than the other, but at the
time I still didn't understand the reason.  Maybe I still don't.  If the
originals were too strong, why not make both sides just a tad weaker rather
than one side more so?  Also, why would it matter which side was stronger?
Or maybe, and I just don't remember this, do they have different fasteners
on the two sides, Dennis?  Still going strong on those 13 yo FLAPS struts.
mcneely

On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:06 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> At some point the factory supplied different struts for each side with the
> combined operation being to hold the hatch in most any position. Some folks
> can't reac it whe all the way up and also full extension is a problem in
> some garages. As for them failing frequently they don’t like winter, fast
> operation, slamming into the end stops, and being touched or pulled from
> the side. Personally, I miss the old reliable torsion springs used on the
> bay window hatches.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Dan
> Lamb
> Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:51 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Rear hatch
>
> It sounds like the hinges are still  binding. Might try loosening hinge
> bolts slightly either at the door jamb or on the door itself and see if a
> very small nudge will allow the hinges to move more freely. Also check the
> gap all around. Could be it got dropped or pushed down hard with something
> in a corner that left it with a slight warp or twist. If you see a
> difference, put a 2x4 in the opposite corner and push down gently to try to
> straighten it.
>  Could remove the struts and rule them out as part of the problem. Yeah,
> door is heavy. Maybe get someone to help. Good luck. At least it works.
> Haha Dan Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky
>
> > On Sep 21, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> >
> > Hi Dan,
> >
> > I recommend trying new struts.  You can always have a spare ready if
> that isn’t it.
> >
> > Or, try struts from one of your other vans and see if it is healthy
> again.
> >
> > Eric Caron
> > 85 GL Auto
> > Changed struts from GW in 2014 and still good.
> >
> >
> >
> >> On Sep 21, 2021, at 2:23 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> >>
> >> Thank you all.
> >>
> >> I will try some struts combinations.
> >>
> >> The thing is ... the hatch does not go down if I stop pushing it, it
> >> stays, so I am safe here. It doesn't go up as easily as on my other
> >> vans and pulling it to close requires as much effort to push it to open.
> >>
> >>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 11:14 AM David Beierl <dbeierl@gmail.com>
> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:11 PM Gil Ngai <gil@dayonemedia.ca> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> How do you tell which are the strong struts when buying them?
> >>>> Do you know where to get them?
> >>>>
> >>>
> >>> If I once knew which was which I've forgotten.  But Bus Depot can
> >>> tell you I'm pretty sure.
> >>>
> >>> Yrs,
> >>> d
> >>>
>