2006 Sedan - Replacing trunk support struts

[UGPassatB6]

I have this issue where the gas struts that support the trunk lid have worn out. The trunk lid itself has absolutely no support at all. I need to replace the struts.

My question is, exactly how difficult is this job? Have other people done this, did you run into any problems? What sort of tools are needed?

[passatfan2006]

My question is, exactly how difficult is this job? Have other people done this, did you run into any problems? What sort of tools are needed?

I think you will be spending most of the time removing the liner than actually replacing the struts. The struts are located horizontally behind the felt liner on either side of the trunk (by the grocery hooks). Removing them is easy. They are held on by clips. You will need a screw driver to move the clips and they snap on/off.

The OEM's are gas filled while the aftermarket ones are gas/hydraulic.

[UGPassatB6]

Thanks for the information.

[passatfan2006]

Just finished replacing on my 2006 Passat. The trunk lift had almost died to the point where when it opened, it barely moved. Installation is straightforward.

1. Remove the trim on both sides of the trunk, including the bottom and the trim piece that goes over the latch on the bottom.

2. The trim is held by a bunch of screws and plastic clips (I was able to reuse them all).

3. one side of the strut is inside the body (under the rear panel). There is a slot on the side that you use to put in a screwdriver and push the pin. The strut then just falls down.

Took me a couple of hours to get everything done. One piece of advice, stick with the OE VW struts. They come from the factory with a lock that prevents the struts from opening all the way. Installing them becomes so much simpler, pull the pins a bit, slide them and push the pins back.

If you use aftermarket ones, they are much longer so unless you have a way of compressing them in the horizontal position, don't even bother. Also note that the plastic on both ends is very fragile and too much pressure will break those.

Here you see the OE (bottom) v/s aftermarket (top) ones.

[k114l3d]

hi, i am in the same position as you. I am trying to replace my trunk struts but I cant seem to get the trunk felt liner off correctly. I have taken all the screws and clips out but the bottom of the trunk, (where the latch/lock is) is still in place, restricting me to fully remove the felt.

have you any tips/instructions or maybe pictures on how to remove the felt liner?

any help would be greatly appreciated

[nodashi]

I wouldnt mind doing mine as well. Although the OEM struts are expensive

[fastD]

hi, i am in the same position as you. I am trying to replace my trunk struts but I cant seem to get the trunk felt liner off correctly. I have taken all the screws and clips out but the bottom of the trunk, (where the latch/lock is) is still in place, restricting me to fully remove the felt.

have you any tips/instructions or maybe pictures on how to remove the felt liner?

any help would be greatly appreciated

there's screws in the little cavities that are on the liner as well as close all around. pretty simple stuff

[k114l3d]

there's screws in the little cavities that are on the liner as well as close all around. pretty simple stuff

i have got the liner off, but the right hand strut is inside the body of the car, i cant seem to figure how to release it. any ideas??

here is an image of what i can see so far

[fastD]

no dude sorry I have no idea

[passatfan2006]

If you are having trouble, first look at the part inside using a flashlight (led light since its more concentrated). You will see a clip (look at the new ones to get an idea). Now take a LONG flathead screwdriver and push it under the clip and the strut will fall down. You can also push the clip down from the side hole.

When replacing the strut, I actually pushed the screwdriver under the clip with a little amount of tension so that it would just open up, positioned it under the pin and released the screwdriver. Don't press too hard on the pin otherwise it will open up too wide rendering the clip mechanism useless.

[miki2006]

How Many struts it has?
One on the right and other on the left side?
Thanks

[k114l3d]

How Many struts it has?
One on the right and other on the left side?
Thanks

yeh 2 struts, 1 on left and 1 on right. i managed to get em out. just waiting for the parts now

[miki2006]

yeh 2 struts, 1 on left and 1 on right. i managed to get em out. just waiting for the parts now

Thanks a lot! i'm gonna get them next week from dealer, please let me know how ho do you go removing the trunk liner, tips are really appreciate

[Juniorfeel]

Are all of the trunks supposed to spring open when you open it from the key? Mine just pops and I lift it up. When I do, it does stay up but just curious to see if it should open all the way or not. I have seen some that do, but it could have been a later model revision.

[k114l3d]

Are all of the trunks supposed to spring open when you open it from the key? Mine just pops and I lift it up. When I do, it does stay up but just curious to see if it should open all the way or not. I have seen some that do, but it could have been a later model revision.

As far as i am aware, ALL passat b6 models should have the auto trunk feature. Maybe your gas struts have just lost effectiveness??

Did you buy the car brand new? If so, and they never worked, it may just be that your car doesnt do it?

[Juniorfeel]

As far as i am aware, ALL passat b6 models should have the auto trunk feature. Maybe your gas struts have just lost effectiveness??

Did you buy the car brand new? If so, and they never worked, it may just be that your car doesnt do it?

I got it in 2011, it being a 2006 so it is very possible they could have pooped out. They still hold it open though so I don't Need to replace them, but I think I might because having the trunk fling open when I've got my hands full would be pretty nice.

[k114l3d]

just to let you all know, i replaced the gas struts and my trunk now auto lifts simple fix

[mpd2006]

Hello:

I just completed this job... way better than paying for the dealership. Anyway, I just wanted to mention that even with OEM struts, you will need to compress them a little bit to fully install.

It is a major pain in the ass if you wait until they are halfway in, and it is way easier if you use a racheting luggage strap to compress the strut (while leaving the attaching piece exposed on both ends), then attach the end which seats inside the trunk cavity, and then attach the end which hooks up to the trunk lid itself. Close the trunk a bit, and the strap will fall right off.