dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

My 2003 Z had all the typical trunk issues. Struts went bad, spring lifts would not pop trunk enough, and the latch required two pops with the remote or button before releasing.

I bought stage 1 hatch struts (which are comparable to stock) from WWW.350ZHATCHSHOCKSANDMORE.COM. They were easy to install with the spare brackets and tools provided and they work great!

I sprayed grease into the latch and rubbed into the U-hook. It seemed to alleviate the hatch release somewhat, but it was clear the poppers were just not putting enough upward force on the trunk.

I bought oem revised spring lifts for $22 each. Part number 84415-71A (Revised from 84415-715). Sure enough they did the trick!

Now my trunk releases, pops, and stays up every time I use it. Ahhh...its about time. Total cost of fix ~$150.

Here is a picture of the new popper next to the original one.

beezee

iTrader: (19)

So what is the diference between the old and the revised one. I mean how can one tell visually. In the picture, which is which. Thanks.

davidc81

iTrader: (23)

can u link me where you bought the shocks from?

TreeFiddyZee

iTrader: (19)

I just bought a 370 and the hatch doesn't release any better on it than it did on my 350. Glad you got yours working though.

SoldzMyZ

iTrader: (11)

Awww I wonder why you needed to buy the new poppers? I too bought the stage 2 and while I am very much satisfied with its ability to hold my trunk up, I now find that i needed to press the release button twice.

Hmm also what grease did you buy? I didn't do that step.

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

Visually not much. In the picture the left one is the revised version. The circle on the bottom of the revised version sticks out a little, while the bottom was indented in a little on the original one. I believe the springs are just stiffer.

I did the penny trick with my original poppers for a while, but I soon had to add more pennies, then even that wasn't popping the hatch.


Here is the site for ordering info: WWW.350ZHATCHSHOCKSANDMORE.COM

Nissan has acknowledged this as an issue. I believe there is a TSB, and you might be able to get your Nissan dealership to replace them free of charge.

http://www.*******.com/nissan-370z-g...ase-issue.html replace * with 'the 3 7 0 z' no spaces

If you notice, the 370Z original poppers are much shorter than the revised ones. And the revised ones are the same part # as the 350Z revised poppers.

It seems the springs were too weak. I only have an OEM spoiler, and I have removed the rear wiper and hatch weight, so my trunk is not particularly heavy.

I used White Lithium Grease in a spray bottle...not sure if that is the best grease to use, but it seemed to help.

TreeFiddyZee

iTrader: (19)

Thanks for the info on the TSB. I wasn't aware. I figured out the site BTW. I'm a member there too.

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

No problem. Good luck getting the issue resolved.

mw9

iTrader: (51)

Thanks for the parts numbers, I upgraded the shocks but still takes a few times to actually get the trunk open. I will have to purchase the poppers

beezee

iTrader: (19)

Thanks for the info. I am installing a heavy duty hatch strut so I would get some of these to deal with the hatch completely

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

I'd rather buy the kit from z1 and not have to saw away at brackets and such.

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

The seller usually has a spare set of brackets he can send you for a small refundable deposit. That way you do no cutting, just send your dead shocks to him and he will saw the brackets out.

Entaille

iTrader: (16)

ah cool, that makes it a bit better. still, added costs / shipping etc that bring it closer to the kit z1 offers.

edit, looks like this could be about 30-40$ cheaper.

beezee

iTrader: (19)

So where did you get the OEM spring lifts for $22 a piece? The link you have is to the shocks. I checked Courtesy Nissan and they have it for $27 a piece. Thanks

dkmesa350z

iTrader: (41)

Yeah, it worked out to be a nice savings over Z1 kit.

My local dealership. They have special internet pricing if you mention Courtesy Parts in order to be competitive with them plus an additional discount for being a member of the local Z club.

Take a look at West Covina...they might have it cheaper.

ms350z

I recently replaced my hatch struts with heavy duty ones and now the trunk stays open well, but it still does not pop the hatch on the first button press even after trying a few pennies. I will order the upgraded springs, thanks for the info!

Bevo

Does anyone happen to find the trunk issue TSB and would be great if can post it up. Thanks in advance.

chromesilverz

I got my struts on Ebay for $78 shipped. They come with new stud ***** (the hardware that secures the top of the strut to the trunk). Lot easier than having to dremel the old one off and reuse it.

The old ball stud is brittle. I ended up stripping mine when trying to take it off. Never could get it off with a wrench so I went and broken the old ball stud off and just used a socket. Piece of cake.

8 year old 350Z and I'm up to 3 pennies.

davidc81

iTrader: (23)

which ebay vendor did you purchase from?

SniperHunter

iTrader: (9)

I believe the right one in the pic is the revised one. The left is the old one. The right/revised springs have a flatter base, the old ones have an indentation.

Just clarifying.