I went to open my tailgate yesterday and it slammed closed on me. Evidently, the tailgate struts need replaced already!!! Figures, just went out of warranty! The dealership wants approx $170 to replace both, but I think I might be able to do it myself. Has anyone here ever done this? Looking for some instruction on how to take the old ones off and put on new ones. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

I just changed them on my 2002 a month or so ago .... they are EASY to do! I did buy the struts from the dealership due to other auto part stores not having the right length.

It is easier with 2 people, 1st buy the new ones, then lift the gate, have the other person hold the gate. take a small flat screwdriver ... pop the metal clip off each end of the shock, then replace with the new ones. On the new struts ... they will just snap on ... no need to pop that clip off... then do the same to the other side.

Hope that helps!

 

I had to replace mine three times. First 2 sets were from the dealer under warranty. My third set I bought at autozone and are much stronger and have already outlasted the first two sets from the dealer.
Oh, yeah they were only $30 and took 5 minutes to replace

 

We ordered parts from Chevrolet but can't tell if one is left or right. How do you tell them apart?

 

The left and right should be the same. They are easy to change and it is foolish to pay the dealer $170 to do the job, even if it is parts and labor.

 

New struts are longer than old ones. Left one won't go on.
Part # 15120902 Left side
15120903 Right side

 

OOPS liftgate not opened up completely! We got it on!
Thank you for your input!