Any know where to buy a new trunk shock-absorber. Mine works still, it keeps the trunk up when I have it open, but when I close it, it slams down. It is as if there is nothing to slow it, even if I let it go 6 inches from closing. It should make a soft close sound, but it slams down. Any suggestions?

 

http://www.chryslerpartsdirect.com/

Body Parts Catalogs

200X Chrysler Crossfire

• Lift gate
  • Gate and hardware
    • Support cylinder

$27.30

 

Mine has always done that, so I thought that was natural.
Presumably I need to replace it then.

 

I don't think it should make a soft close sound when dropped the last six inches.

By the time you have closed the hatch that much, the gas-struts are at an extremely disadvantageous angle.

Even if they exerted a linear force several times what they do, by the time you close the hatch that much their mounting geometry is such that they can't push very hard in a direction that supplies a meaningful moment to resist the moment (torque from the weight of the hatch trying to rotate about the hinge) created by gravity.

 

I agree with what 'Display_Name' says.
I looked at mine during lunch. On the last 6" of travel of the hatch, the gas strut barely compresses at all. I lowered the hatch down slowly over the last 6" (instead of letting it go) and it does not latch correctly, it only latches on the first indent (not all the way).
The gas strut is probaly fine.

 

I guess maybe it's in my head. It just seems like it closes awfully hard and loud. Thanks for the info and the help.

 

I think they all close like that, I don't seem to notice it as much anymore when I close mine, but if you happen to be sitting inside the car when someone else closes it, you would swear they slammed it shut.

 

It is a poor design, I am supprised that no fingers have been badly damaged. I have an 06 and it is just the same.

 

Mine have been getting weaker and weaker and they don't hold the hatch up well in cold weather so I ordered two from Amazon for $18/each. P/N is 6189.

 

+1
That's a good explanation of the mechanics of the system.

My SRT would appear to have a lighter spring force than the NA, but will lift the hatch without the spoiler or spoiler deck fitted from about 15", a surprisingly low angle. These are no weaklings and must take a bit of effort to collapse.

 

Dave, I thought you (and others) would find this little guide useful:

McMaster-Carr

A great tool for future projects, no?

 

That is a good site to remember. Useful info on it for the future. If you cannot find an item you want there, it probably does not exist.

 

If you look at it like that, there is a danger of shutting your fingers in the doors and hood as well.

Living has dangers associated with it, only the dead are safe.

 

I agree, a very usefull supplyer for mechanical projects. Thanks for sharing

 

I'm sorry-the link I was trying to highlight was the "About Gas Springs" article at the top of that page...a complete design guide to using/speccing them.