I can't believe I waited 2.5 years to do this easy mod!

 

best trick ever

 

Wow that 4 pennies thing works! And so easy. I did it all myself and I'm a girl.

 

Yep did this yesterday and it worked great. Very helpful thread!

 

Wait don't put four pennies per side or the hatch will get dented.I used only two pennies per side for a total of four.

 

Randomly stumbled upon this thread. Just fixed my '03 hatch problem!

 

i LOL'd when i finished mine ,, just did it and was so great ,, i removed my rear wiper last month so i could open the hatch easier ,,

but the 4 cent thing is more effective

 

I was working on something else on the car, but then I remembered reading about this and I've had the hatch problem too,

so I gave it a try, 2 minutes & 4 cents later, my hatch opens with only a single try! Just the way it is supposed to be

Awesome write up!

 

Good thing you guys still use this simple trick, Glad I could help.

 

Doesn't work for mines.

 

Can we get a repost of the TSB? The link in the previous posts of this thread doesn't seem to take me to the right place - I get sent to an infiniti site. Thanks.

 

I just had the hatch struts replaced by the dealer, and I still need to push the button 2 times for hatch to open completely so obviously I disagree.
6 years I have lived with this problem, first thing in the morning I will try your solution. Thanks in advance Ed 718 and HokieZ.

 

Anybody know where to get brand new spring lifts for cheap? courtesy nissan says its likes 30$ a piece. I might just fork up the dang cash if I can't find one at the junkyard off a new z.

 

Nissanparts2u.com seems to have the best prices for new oem parts. Most dealers will match price. $25.60 for lift gate spring.

 

Finally a use for those darn pennies in your ashtray haha, good work.

 

Still a bit much, I can't even find it on nissanparts2u

 

Ok,.....i read through this thread and thought to help answer some questions posted lately on the design of the rear hatch, i have studied the hatch on the Z closely and have done calculations and all.........used aerospace digital push /pull gauges and all, made load charts....etc..

Spring poppers - are responsible for opening the hatch.
Lift/hatch shocks - are responsible for assisted/lifting the hatch once popped open and the hatch is lifted by hand at least a few inches (8 inches normally) the lift shocks will take over.

2 pennies is the magic number........1 nickel and 1 penny is a bit of an upgrade.....but once the springs weaken (which will happen at some point) the springs will need to be replaced, However the penny trick does buy you a good amount of time......more pennies, etc will lead to a dented hatch area.....depending on the spring strength still....

I have worked and installed different hatch shocks! and only when you go way high in force does the hatch shocks start to help the spring poppers......in turn installing very strong hatch shocks makes the hatch hard to close, it takes both hands and a bit of might to get it down......So its not by design at all for the hatch shocks to help pop the hatch, but strong enough ones will aid the poppers..

So the hatch shocks themselves are NOT to help pop the hatch open, thats the sole intention and design of the failing poppers....

your best bet is to try the penny trick and depending on the stage of wear your springs have, you may or may not get some results.

if you have any other questions.....pm me......
-J

 

We have them for $23.04 for the newest revised model. Part# 84415-CD71A

 

Eddie is that for a pair or 1 (needing two total)e? Shipped as well?

 

That is for each one unfortunately. Shipping is like $3 if that. (With in USA)