My boot lid won't stay open

She-Ra · Post by **She-Ra** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:43 pm

Oh dear, it feels like an expensive problem. After shopping today, the boot lid on my 206CC was really heavy when I tried to open it, and it won't stay open unless I stand and hold it

The car's an out-of-warranty import, hence my call for help!

The roof opens and closes ok, so no probs there (roof was closed at the time).

Anyone else had this problem? Will I need new hydraulicy things or something? Very surprised to get this problem on a 2 year old car.

All suggestions appreciated.

Post by **Lyndon** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 8:53 pm

haven't heard of this b4

maybe someone else could shed some light on the problem

slimgym · Post by **slimgym** » Sat Jul 16, 2005 11:28 pm

boot lid on my 206CC was really heavy when I tried to open it, and it won't stay open unless I stand and hold it

I had this on my 03 car a while back. I found one of the hydraulic struts had gone (twisted it in situ and it was clear which had gone as it was without tension). It was under warranty and they changed both struts no issues. It's easy enough to get the top joint off if you had to change it yourself but I'm not sure how much compression you'd need to place on the struts to re-fit, and how you get to the bottom mounting.

I too was surprised at how heavy the boot lid is with only one strut gone, just goes to show you how much work they do dampening out the weight of the mechanics in the lid.

She-Ra · Post by **She-Ra** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 8:55 am

Thanks for you replies folks. Sadly my car is out of warranty, so won't be going to our local dealership as they are horrid. Shall take it to our usual garage in the morning and will let you know how I go on.

slimgym · Post by **slimgym** » Sun Jul 17, 2005 10:02 am

If you can hold the lid up with something, just try and twist the top of each strut on its ball-joint, one will twist easily (the faulty one) and the other should have some pressure on it and won't twist. It would be better to get both done just in case the other is on its last legs.

Could be there's a faulty batch also, might be worth a call to Pug just in case. If it helps any, mine were manufactured by "Stabilus" with the numbers:

9891NE 0590N
343/02 A19
96 371 150 80 IND 02

On the side.

She-Ra · Post by **She-Ra** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:42 am

OK, got my new tailgate struts already, cost about Â£29 inc VAT for the pair.

So, how do I get the old ones off? Dead easy of course, just a spring clip to release it, everyone says. Yes it is dead easy to get the top end off actually. However, the bottom end is buried deep in the body of the car.

I've removed various sections of trim and even tried putting the roof down to try to get access to the bottom bit, but failed miserably so far.

Arrrrgh!

Any suggestions? Is it just a case of using a torch and a very long screwdriver? I'd love to be able to sort this one out myself before conceding defeat and taking it into a garage, or even (worst case scenario) the dealer.

She-Ra · Post by **She-Ra** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:01 pm

Cracked it!

Not as straightforward as I hoped, but with a little help from my AA man brother it was easy.

To replace tailgate struts on a 206CC:

1. Remove the back seats. There are 2 bolts holding each side of the bottom of the seat in place. You may need a socket set extension wotsit to access the bolts at the back of the seat. The seat backs will then clip out of position
2. Remove the side trim adjacent to the seats - it helps to have the roof down so you can remove the top bit easier
3. Remove the seatbelt - the inspection hatch you need is just behind this so you should be able to see the bottom of the strut
4. Prop open the tailgate
5. You might need to get someone to open the tailgate to its full extent while you pop the old strut out of position.
6. Put the new strut on, bottom end first, then get someone to open the tailgate to its full extent while you pop the top part into position.
7. Repeat on other side
8. Put it all back together again!

One of the struts was completely cream crackered, the other was leaking a bit. Now it's as good as new

Hope this helps someone else at some point.

Post by **Lyndon** » Tue Jul 19, 2005 6:11 pm

excellent result and nice step by step guide

boz · Post by **boz** » Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:09 pm

hello

i would like to give a big thanks to she-ra and the forum because yesterday i had the same problem with the boot , so today i thought i would try to fix it and start with taking inside the boot apart BUT i thought i would read the forum first and after reading she-ra's easy to follow instructions it was a easy task , just ordered the part and it will arrive tomoz from peugeot 23 euros including vat each so happy with that and will fit them tomoz .

so i big thanks to SHE-RA for taking the time to explain and making it easy to understand !!!!!!!!!

ps just for peace of mind is it the fat part of strut that goes to the top and is attached to the boot and the thin (rod) part that goes to the bottom inside the car ?

min82 · Post by **min82** » Tue Mar 06, 2007 8:18 pm

Hi!

Ive just also experienced this same problem!
Im a beauty therapist so this has been a real nightmare for me as I use my boot quite a bit!
Went to put some bits in the boot the other day and found that It wouldnt stay open.
My friend had to hold it open for me with both hands cos its bloody heavy and I had to load the boot up!! Not fun!!
Taken car back to dealer as Ive got a few other issues with it at the moment too but I wont bore u with those!!- They have had my car for 5 days now - luckily its still under warranty!
Dealer have had to replace the boot hydraulics! Im due to collect the car tomorro so Ill let you know how I get on!!

inxs1490 · Post by **inxs1490** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:39 pm

Thanks all for this line of messages, as last week, I also have this issue, but had not done anything about it, till now. Good stuff........

Thanks once more.

chriss-CC · Post by **chriss-CC** » Sat Aug 09, 2008 6:33 pm

hi, i have had the same problem for the last few months, until i read this forum, i then went and bought the struts, followed the young ladies instructions above and hey presto i got it fixed. I would like to thank the lady and also the peopel who take the time to help each other on this forum it is very helpful, so thank you to every one.

quizer · Post by **quizer** » Tue Jun 09, 2009 3:17 pm

I also have this problem which i will follow the instructions hopefully, but being as my boot will not connect shut, no matter what try,
I am unable to get roof down. Any help on connecting boot closed ?

akira · Post by **akira** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 11:26 am

Hi all, Im gonna Attempt to fix this problem onboot this week. I got a quote from peugeot for 19.99£ each strut.

What i was wondering will i need any special tools or bolts to get to the old ones and remove it, or will a simple spanner set work?

Did any of you take pictures of the struts by anychance?

Thanks

Post by **GrandadMonkey** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 10:04 pm

She-Ra's post is 4 years old and tthey don't post on here often. I suspect that all you'll need is a decent socket set. You may get away with open-ended and ring spanners but She-Ra mentioned a socket extension to reach the bolts at the back of the seat.
Good luck, shouldn't be too difficult.
Ron