Hyper-LS460
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 6
From: FL
Removing back deck cover for strut access?
I'm hoping this is a stupid question 
- but is there a trick to removing the rear deck cover for access to the strut nuts? I've got the seats out, but can't seem to get the deck cover off. I released the 4 plastic pins that hold it down in the front. I read it just pulls forward, but not amount of pulling or lifting will make it release. I don't want to ruin it.
P.S. The extending sun screen option is back there, too.
- but is there a trick to removing the rear deck cover for access to the strut nuts? I've got the seats out, but can't seem to get the deck cover off. I released the 4 plastic pins that hold it down in the front. I read it just pulls forward, but not amount of pulling or lifting will make it release. I don't want to ruin it.P.S. The extending sun screen option is back there, too.
I'm hoping this is a stupid question - but is there a trick to removing the rear deck cover for access to the strut nuts? I've got the seats out, but can't seem to get the deck cover off. I released the 4 plastic pins that hold it down in the front. I read it just pulls forward, but not amount of pulling or lifting will make it release. I don't want to ruin it.
P.S. The extending sun screen option is back there, too.
- but is there a trick to removing the rear deck cover for access to the strut nuts? I've got the seats out, but can't seem to get the deck cover off. I released the 4 plastic pins that hold it down in the front. I read it just pulls forward, but not amount of pulling or lifting will make it release. I don't want to ruin it.P.S. The extending sun screen option is back there, too.
were you able to get it off???
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 6
From: FL
No worries, HyperMKIV - thanks for checking in though.
No I never did figure out how to remove the deck cover - but I lifted it enough to get a pneumatic ratchet onto the nuts and to replace the struts. The cover survived, at the cost of scratched up fingers.
One thing that surprised me was that the rear wheels rose UP strongly instead of dropping down (even with the sway bar links disconnected) when I removed the struts. (I'm guessing it was upward pressure from the axle?) I had to lever down the control arm with a 3" hardwood dowel under the sway bar in order to reinstall the new strut. Luckily I had my daughter home to help me guide the bottom end of the strut onto the stud, while I did the grunt work. Was there a better trick for that? (I did NOT disconnect any of the control arms when doing the rear struts.)
At any rate, mission accomplished! Replacing the front and rear struts only cost me about $450 for parts and two afternoons of my time.
No I never did figure out how to remove the deck cover - but I lifted it enough to get a pneumatic ratchet onto the nuts and to replace the struts. The cover survived, at the cost of scratched up fingers.
One thing that surprised me was that the rear wheels rose UP strongly instead of dropping down (even with the sway bar links disconnected) when I removed the struts. (I'm guessing it was upward pressure from the axle?) I had to lever down the control arm with a 3" hardwood dowel under the sway bar in order to reinstall the new strut. Luckily I had my daughter home to help me guide the bottom end of the strut onto the stud, while I did the grunt work. Was there a better trick for that? (I did NOT disconnect any of the control arms when doing the rear struts.)
At any rate, mission accomplished! Replacing the front and rear struts only cost me about $450 for parts and two afternoons of my time.