As with all automotive parts, the trunk struts on the Jeep Cherokee will weaken after time and no longer hold the trunk up. To make sure the trunk struts are performing their intended task without putting too much strain on a replacement trunk strut, they should always be replaced in pairs. Usually, when the struts begin to fail, they will not open the trunk the entire way or need help to lift the trunk. Once they have completely failed, they will not hold the trunk up at all.

Procedure

Start by lifting the trunk. You have a few different options as to how to hold the trunk in the fully open position. Recruit someone to hold it for you or place a broomstick under the trunk. Be careful that the stick does not slip and strike the rear windshield. Another idea is to place a pair of locking pliers beneath the housing (where it meets the hydraulic shaft) of the opposite strut you are replacing first. Be sure the pliers are good and tight so it does not fail and the trunk slams shut on you. Use a 10mm hand wrench or a ratchet and socket to remove both the upper and lower strut retaining bolts. Once this is done, the strut will be free to remove. Install the new strut by replacing the top of it first. Insert the retaining bolt and thread it in by hand at first. This prevents you from cross-threading the bolt accidentally. Tighten the bolt to secured the top of the trunk strut. If the strut piston is still compressed (they come packaged that way to save room), release the wire locking clip. You can discard this because you will not need it. It only serves to keep the strut compressed. Align the bottom of the strut to its respective retaining hole and replace the lower retaining bolt in the same manner you did the top. In most cases, once you've replaced one side with a quality brand new trunk strut, it will be strong enough to hold the trunk in the upward position. This will allow you to remove the other strut without the fear if the trunk falling down on you during the second strut's removal and installation.

Care

Replacing both struts is highly recommended--even when one strut will probably seem likes it is doing the job. If the other strut is weak, it is going to put all the stress on the new strut and cause it to fail prematurely. Since the ones being replaced are most likely the same age, for best results and proper care, replace them both.

Source:

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