Trunk door operation '06 LS 430 very heavy
Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 94
Likes: 0
From: CA
I noticed the generic aftermarket strut to be about 1/3rd inch shorter than OEM.
really makes no difference in everyday use....
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if your trunk lid is feels really heavy, you might lube the trunk hinges...
really makes no difference in everyday use....
************************************************************************************
if your trunk lid is feels really heavy, you might lube the trunk hinges...
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Cal
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 215
From: Ontario, Canada
Like many others, my trunk struts were also defective. I replaced mine with the FIGS Engineering trunk struts. It's been over 3 years and so far, they work like brand new. I recommend them.
Driver
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 184
Likes: 0
From: AZ
Strut performance is also temperature dependent.
Cold weather can make the struts less effective. My daughters Nissan tail gate won't stay up in our 'harsh' Arizona winters. Soon as the temps come up, the tail gate stays up!
Machog
Cold weather can make the struts less effective. My daughters Nissan tail gate won't stay up in our 'harsh' Arizona winters. Soon as the temps come up, the tail gate stays up!
Machog
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento, CA
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By4...w?usp=drivesdk
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,582
Likes: 392
From: PA
I just replaced with Monroes. IMHO the lid is somehow heavy as I was hoping it would not slam after the new struts, but it still does. Whereas when the hood got new struts, it will work its way to full open. $15 ea rock auto......
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Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 401
From: Nor CA
We have replaced both the trunk and hood struts.
The trunk, even with brand new units, still has to be lifted before the strut takes on the weight and in closing it still slams. I chock that up to the design of the trunk so unlike newer designs or motorized options it takes some practice.
The hood works as expected with new/good struts.....
The trunk, even with brand new units, still has to be lifted before the strut takes on the weight and in closing it still slams. I chock that up to the design of the trunk so unlike newer designs or motorized options it takes some practice.
The hood works as expected with new/good struts.....
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 553
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
The trunk lid is the part I hate on the LS430 the most. It will stay put at almost every position but is way too heavy to lift and close. The LS400 trunk lid, on the other hand, is as light as the feather and a pure joy to operate.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,582
Likes: 392
From: PA
We have replaced both the trunk and hood struts.
The trunk, even with brand new units, still has to be lifted before the strut takes on the weight and in closing it still slams. I chock that up to the design of the trunk so unlike newer designs or motorized options it takes some practice.
The hood works as expected with new/good struts.....
The trunk, even with brand new units, still has to be lifted before the strut takes on the weight and in closing it still slams. I chock that up to the design of the trunk so unlike newer designs or motorized options it takes some practice.
The hood works as expected with new/good struts.....
On the trunk, I had thought my wife's cousin was just slamming it, when in reality, unless you really lay it down where your fingers are still there (unnatural), it does slam, even with brand new struts. Since it is soft close (or whatever it's called), it would be nice to simply lay it down and let the car close it..
p.s. I don't have this problem on my Maybach. (joking)
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,085
Likes: 401
From: Nor CA
I have to take great care when closing the trunk and typically guide down to the "soft spot" and then press down so the closing motor can grab it and complete the process. Occasionally the lid gets away from me and it slams closed which is not great for the lights/sockets/wires in the lid......
While I agree the process to install the hood struts was a PITA, luckily that replacement is not too frequent compared to the trunk.
While I agree the process to install the hood struts was a PITA, luckily that replacement is not too frequent compared to the trunk.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 117
From: Sacramento, CA
Should have did this sooner!
When we bought our 06 LS six months ago it had the heaviest trunk I've ever experienced in a car. I thought it was odd but normal since it only had 48K miles and a few other LSes also exhibited heavy trunks. I revisited this thread after the trunk fell on my head a few times recently. Decided to do a test and the video below shows the trunk deck will start to fall at a height of 32 inches. Ordered a set of replacement struts from FIGS Engineering and will report back after I install them later this week.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By4...w?usp=drivesdk
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By4...w?usp=drivesdk
In my earlier video I used a suitcase scale to measure the force needed to lift the trunk with the old struts. It was equivalent to lifting a 20-lb dumbbell. Surprisingly, after installing the FIGS struts it still required 20-lb of lifting BUT you don't have to lift up for as long. I am really surprised that it requires the same amount of force because I can lift it with one finger now. If you view the video link below it is clear that the trunk begins to lift itself the rest of the way after you help it the first 12-inches or so. As reported by others, it does require a little more force now to close the trunk but it's not bad at all and, actually, the little extra effort required to close the trunk just ensures the trunk lid won't fall on your head on its own.
Super easy 5-10 minute install. The FIGS cost more than Monroes or StrongArm struts but I have no regrets and am very satisfied with the results.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0By4...w?usp=drivesdk
Last edited by FatherTo1; Oct 11, 2016 at 07:21 PM.
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