I installed upgraded hatch struts tonight and I'm very pleased with the result.
I had installed some minor hardware in the hatch for a handle, lever, lock, then added the spoiler, and I already had issues with 'cabana-sag'. Sometimes the hatch wouldn't fully open, even without the cabana on. So I decided to upgrade.
The stock Element strut is: Stabilus/SACHS Lift-O-Mat #SG226011 with 315N of pressure.
The upgraded strut is: Stabilus/SACHS Lift-O-Mat #SG225002 with 455N of pressure.
With the stock strut, the lowest point on the fully open hatch was 68.25" from ground, and the outside corners (farthest to rear) were 74.25".
With the upgrade strut, the lowest point (see pic, "A") on the open hatch is 69.25" from ground, and the outside corners (see pic, "B") were 75.875".
I gained about 1.6" of height at the end, and it's more noticeable than I expected (in a good way). They are about 0.6" longer that the stock struts, and have a slightly larger diameter, but fit comfortably. Remember to install the large diameter end on top, or you will get a scary rebound-bounce when the hatch comes up. 455N is a little heftier than I was aiming for, but the hatch still closes with less effort than you would expect. It also opens smoothly, but with confidence. -haha. I haven't set up the cabana yet to test, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with a higher pressure anyway, so it's a moot point. When the hatch [with spoiler] is fully open, it is still clear of the roof and antenna. I couldn't get an accurate measurement unless I was on the roof, since the tightest point would be at the center of the spoiler.
The upgrade struts are in-store stocked items at PepBoys. They were $35 each after tax. There is a clip on each end that holds the strut onto the hardware. Very simple removal of old, and install of new.
If you want more info on other strut options, read the jumbled thread here to see all the research (near the end).
(I had the struts in upside-down for the pics, do it the other way)
I had installed some minor hardware in the hatch for a handle, lever, lock, then added the spoiler, and I already had issues with 'cabana-sag'. Sometimes the hatch wouldn't fully open, even without the cabana on. So I decided to upgrade.
The stock Element strut is: Stabilus/SACHS Lift-O-Mat #SG226011 with 315N of pressure.
The upgraded strut is: Stabilus/SACHS Lift-O-Mat #SG225002 with 455N of pressure.
With the stock strut, the lowest point on the fully open hatch was 68.25" from ground, and the outside corners (farthest to rear) were 74.25".
With the upgrade strut, the lowest point (see pic, "A") on the open hatch is 69.25" from ground, and the outside corners (see pic, "B") were 75.875".
I gained about 1.6" of height at the end, and it's more noticeable than I expected (in a good way). They are about 0.6" longer that the stock struts, and have a slightly larger diameter, but fit comfortably. Remember to install the large diameter end on top, or you will get a scary rebound-bounce when the hatch comes up. 455N is a little heftier than I was aiming for, but the hatch still closes with less effort than you would expect. It also opens smoothly, but with confidence. -haha. I haven't set up the cabana yet to test, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with a higher pressure anyway, so it's a moot point. When the hatch [with spoiler] is fully open, it is still clear of the roof and antenna. I couldn't get an accurate measurement unless I was on the roof, since the tightest point would be at the center of the spoiler.
The upgrade struts are in-store stocked items at PepBoys. They were $35 each after tax. There is a clip on each end that holds the strut onto the hardware. Very simple removal of old, and install of new.
If you want more info on other strut options, read the jumbled thread here to see all the research (near the end).
(I had the struts in upside-down for the pics, do it the other way)
