My boot has suddenly become very heavy to lift and to prevent crashing down when reclosing... I guess
                      that a strut has gone. The left side makes an air hiss noise when the boot is moved up & down & the
                      right one doesn't.

                      Anyone had any experience with this? Which one has had it? Is this item able to be repaired or should I
                      get a new part & install it?

                      thanks in advance
                      --
                      Michael @Sydney

                      It is difficult to tell which one has had it. Replacements are available through ipd. I bought two and
                      replaced the one side that I thought was the problem and that did it. I returned the other one. Removal
                      and installation is tricky, though. Access and visibility for the inboard end of the strut is tough. I used a
                      small prybar to pop off the one end and then did the opposite when installing. Good luck.

                      --
                      Wayne '94 854GTAS

                      Hi Wayne,

                      I have a mechanic friend who said that he recently did exactly this job on an 854, and it was not a major
                      drama - so he can do this one. Apparently the struts are relatively cheap, and so this is a better
                      (~reliable) way to go than via the people that come out and re-gas the struts. Your idea of trial and error
                      seems like a good one. Thanks

                      --
                      michael

                      My tailgate lift lost it's oomph and the tailgate keeps whacking me in the head. Has anyone had any
                      experience replacing one or can you point me in the right direction? I've seen the replacements for
                      around $30, so I figured it would be easier to install myself than pay a repair shop.
                      Thanks
                      --
                      speed

                      I had the same problem and it cost me $100CDN at the dealer to replace.

                      Our wagon has the same problem but I have not fixed it.

                      I understand the struts have a very high pressure charge
                      and you do need to be a bit careful and not puncture them
                      (at least wear eye protection while working on a
                      pressurized gas strut). Also, I'm not sure how you dispose
                      of them (if any special handling is required, or not).

                      --
                      Ray Niblett 95 855 GLT / 98 S70 T5M

                      I special ordered a pair from Autozone for under $40.00/pair. Sittting in the trunk for quite some time,
                      tried to figure how to do it without tearing the lining apart. I had my new mechanic to install during the oil
                      leak repair recently. He said he just popped them in, didn't charge me. The suspension were not as
                      strong as the original pair came with the car though.

                      Get a broom stick or something to support the lift before it chop you into two pieces when it came
                     down.
                      --
                      gl

 My 97 855 T-5 wagon has a loose interior tailgate. It is due to closing the tailgate and the plastic trim across the top has broken. I can see the cracked holes
 where the retaining clips are supposed to engage and keep the trim piece in place. When it first happended I bought new clips since there were four missing
 and thought this was the problem. No luck. The dealer in Darmstadt said that it is a $280 repair for a new tailgate trim piece. Is there a repair kit available?
 Can I order just the top plastic part where the clips engage? With such a great car it is a shame that the tailgate hangs loose and I have to gingerly close
 the door everytime or else risk having it pop off! Any help would be appreciated.
 --
 wright141 97 855 T-5
                                    

 There is a repair kit available. I had the same problem with my tailgate. The part number on my Volvo invoice is 8619383-6. It's not a difficult repair. I was
 able to removed the upper plastic trim without removing the entire panel by using a 1/4" rachet and socket. Be carefull not to drop the nuts or you may have
 to remove the entire panel to retrieve it. If you decide to remove the entire panel be sure to buy the bottom clips as you most likely will break a few.

 John
 '97 850 Wagon