Electronic Tailgate s204 replace gas struts

[Keaveyd]

Hey all, I've ordered new gas struts for my electrically operated s204 tailgate. When opening, it only goes slightly less than halfway, and its definitely not an accidental height reset issue. I can't force the tailgate any higher by hand! BUT if I press the button above the number plate it will go higher, but not quite to the top. The Motor sounds fine, the struts look absolutely terrible. QUESTION: Will the motor just "catch up" if I'm not able to install the new struts at full opening height, if you see what I mean. I will post again when I've had a go and report back. Stay safe out there.

 

[brandwooddixon]

Gas struts are there to help support the tailgate. They provide assistance to the motor.
It certainly sounds to me as if you have enabled the restricted height setting for the tailgate if you can trigger it to open further by pressing the button.
That said if the struts aren't providing the expected assistance to the motor it may cut-out part way, due to a higher current draw than expected, much as electric windows will stop if they meet resistance.

 

[alcmackew]

Whats the main symptoms of worn struts? My tailgate makes a big "clonk" when fully opened (like its locking or something) and MB reckon thats normal?

 

[Keaveyd]

Gas struts are there to help support the tailgate. They provide assistance to the motor.
It certainly sounds to me as if you have enabled the restricted height setting for the tailgate if you can trigger it to open further by pressing the button.
That said if the struts aren't providing the expected assistance to the motor it may cut-out part way, due to a higher current draw than expected, much as electric windows will stop if they meet resistance.

I should have added that I have to hand assist the lift when i press the button to get further height. It seems like the motor surrenders as per your reply. I'm too embarrassed to post pics of the struts, they're all bulged and rusty. I'm away for a week, will put replacements on when I return, and post the outcome.

 

[Keaveyd]

Whats the main symptoms of worn struts? My tailgate makes a big "clonk" when fully opened (like its locking or something) and MB reckon thats normal?

They're bulged around the top of the long cylinder and quite rusty. I think brandwooddixon is right: the motor is meeting too much resistance from the failing struts, and stops to prevent damage. Will post when I've got and replaced the new ones. On holiday for a week, but looking forward to having a crack, seems really straightforward (uh-oh)

 

[Keaveyd]

So, my green-ness has reached new heights. I thought I'd posted, but I actually hadn't, here I am months later.
I fitted new gas struts to the tailgate of my s204. It has to be the most simple repair job anyone could undertake.
It took longer to open the box the struts came in, than it did to fit them onto my car. Used a broom to support the tailgate, popped off the old ones with a flathead, push fitted the new ones. Thats it, easier than brushing your teeth. Tailgate now works as new.

 

[ajlsl600]

Great when a repair is a simple easy, uncomplicated fix. Enjoy it, rare.

 

[Snake Charmer]

So, my green-ness has reached new heights. I thought I'd posted, but I actually hadn't, here I am months later.
I fitted new gas struts to the tailgate of my s204. It has to be the most simple repair job anyone could undertake.
It took longer to open the box the struts came in, than it did to fit them onto my car. Used a broom to support the tailgate, popped off the old ones with a flathead, push fitted the new ones. Thats it, easier than brushing your teeth. Tailgate now works as new.

Think yourself lucky, my S211 struts are in the roof sides and I had to use all my gynaecological skills and tools to swap them!