Friday upgrade

TheDane

New Member
Inspired by "Garage of Dad" on YouTube, and because the original gas struts on my newly acquired 3L were worn, I sourced parts in a day here in Denmark and spent about 10 minutes installing the bits. At a cost of 31£ I'm more than happy and find it very satisfying that I've added half the functionality of a modern Audi extra at a fraction of the price.

Have a great weekend all!

 
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Please tell me that you have not fitted springs to make the tailgate automatically raise when unlocked? They WILL damage the car as the hinges were never designed for the extra strain imposed on them by the springs.
 
Please tell me that you have not fitted springs to make the tailgate automatically raise when unlocked? They WILL damage the car as the hinges were never designed for the extra strain imposed on them by the springs.
Of course I can't get YouTube to work, but yes, I have. Would you care to explain how you see the hinges being strained from this?
 
The hinges are only aluminium and the load acting on them when the tailgate is closed is producing a shearing action and can also be seen forcing the tailgate upwards producing a visible raised area when you look half way down the rear window above the spoiler. I have seen this on a few cars and on one the hinge has failed already, another the mounting ball joint for the strut has been ripped out the body.
 
The hinges are only aluminium and the load acting on them when the tailgate is closed is producing a shearing action and can also be seen forcing the tailgate upwards producing a visible raised area when you look half way down the rear window above the spoiler. I have seen this on a few cars and on one the hinge has failed already, another the mounting ball joint for the strut has been ripped out the body.

I have to respectfully disagree with the first part. As soon as the tailgate is closed the lock engages and takes any residual strain from the struts?

I'll of course take your word for failures you've witnessed but are you sure they've:

1) picked the right spring type (length/stiffness)?
2) picked the shorter but slightly stiffer struts from the older 3B6 VW Passat to accommodate the springs?
 
I have to respectfully disagree with the first part. As soon as the tailgate is closed the lock engages and takes any residual strain from the struts?

I'll of course take your word for failures you've witnessed but are you sure they've:

1) picked the right spring type (length/stiffness)?
2) picked the shorter but slightly stiffer struts from the older 3B6 VW Passat to accommodate the springs?
I did the same as you and suffered the hinge braking, but it is your choice and I hope it doesn't happen to you as it's a pain to sort it out.
20210524_124003.jpg

As you can see in the picture my passenger side hinge snapped in two.
 
Hey it is your car to do with as you please. I have said there are issues with the "correct" red springs



**DISASTER** When I decided to fit the little red springs for the auto boot opening hack the hinge going into the roof decided to snap, I now have no use of my boot and I'm guessing I will need a new one and then pay someone to fit it, total nightmare!!!!!

20210524_124003.jpg


Sorry for the double post must of happened as I was copying the picture...
Another member on here car with broken hinge.
 
Hey it is your car to do with as you please. I have said there are issues with the "correct" red springs



**DISASTER** When I decided to fit the little red springs for the auto boot opening hack the hinge going into the roof decided to snap, I now have no use of my boot and I'm guessing I will need a new one and then pay someone to fit it, total nightmare!!!!!

20210524_124003.jpg


Sorry for the double post must of happened as I was copying the picture...
Another member on here car with broken hinge.
Lol just posted the pic before you mate.
 
Think about it. For this to work the springs must be in a state of compression when the tailgate is closed for the hatch to be propelled past the point where the struts will open it. This is the pressure that is trying to extend the strut when closed and acts on both the hatch hinge and the strut mounting points. As the point on the hatch is not as rigid this is where the pressure distorts the tailgate. As said your car your choice but not recommended.
 
audifan and Mka,

Thank you both for the detailed explanation. If I in any way came across prickly or brash I apologize as this was in no way my intention. My excuse is twofold: I was just coming off the high of the success of the mod and even though I find the general level of discussion on this exact forum to be higher than most, this is still the internet and I am of an inquisitive nature, so rather than stopping at the first inkling of smoke, I wanted to actually see the fire.

I can see the issue of the added force put on the mounting points for the gas struts being an issue with the increase from 370 N of the originals to 500 N (about 11kg). I had however not thought the springs would make that much of a difference since the struts were 13mm shorter and should give enough room to accommodate them, but I guess not with the added tension from the struts themselves.

I'll probably grab a set of new original struts and replace them for now and maybe later on experiment with slightly less powerful struts and/or shorter springs.

Thank you once again for the detailed feedback!

Oh well. Back to the other list of upgrades!


PS. I look forward to any and all feedback/discussions in the future ;)
 
Hi Dane
Where in Denmark are you I lived and worked in grenaa for per udson for a couple of years off and on in early eighties ..loved Scandinavia I worked between there and Sweden for 4 years ..? great memories of my time there..
 
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Where in Denmark are you I lived and worked in grenaa for per udson for a couple of years off and on in early eighties ..loved Scandinavia I worked between there and Sweden for 4 years ..? great memories of my time there..
Hey GreyWolfHound,

I'm from just outside Holstebro on the other side of Jutland, but 10 years in the army has taken me almost all around the country :)

Glad you have good memories of the place!
 
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