PSA about why you should NOT use auto lift trunk struts

The three pictures say it all. After five months, one of the struts came apart when I opened the trunk, went sideways under force and cracked my rear glass in my M3. The 2nd struct when I pulled it out, has a crack running through the plastic head but had not broken yet.. it was on it's way though. The vendor, s3xymodels, won't reply to my email. I know they buy the struts from the same place that everyone else does but not responding sucks.

These the the typical "auto lift" struts which the helper springs to pop the trunk up a few inches when you open it. I see them for sale everywhere. I will not be using them again.. I would strongly advise you if you have them, to take them off and look at the plastic caps very closely or just to chuck them and not take the risk. That back glass is going to be expensive :/. I'm going to try a windshield repair kit to "patch" it for now and see if I can't kick the can down the road a few months. since it will be an out of pocket expense.

 

[Wattsisname]

@medphys3 . Have not made it to Ohio yet

 

[travasky]

Replacement ball studs are available at McMaster. McMaster-Carr

I dont have the struts so I cant advise which exact size you'll need but you need to consider both the stud diameter as well as the threading on the end of the rods. Personally Id replace them with the metal sockets with the safety clips rather than the snap-on type.

 

[SteelClouds]

I dont have the struts so I cant advise which exact size you'll need but you need to consider both the stud diameter as well as the threading on the end of the rods. Personally Id replace them with the metal sockets with the safety clips rather than the snap-on type.

Bad news.. they are not threaded.. or at least these are not. Its a press fit with knurled ends.

 

[travasky]

In your very first picture Im 99% sure I see threads. The brass colored portion is a threaded insert with knurling designed to allow the injection molded portion to grab it. You should be able to unscrew the brass insert.

 

[Ash83]

s3xymodels and RPMTesla hands down are the worse interns of customer service. they will reply when you have sales questions but when s**t hit the fan they ignore you.

 

[Rippin1Gear]

Im curious… has anyone tried to retrofit the China OEM retrofit kit Tesla had. Not sure if it’s still available in China Tesla from reading an article last year on it.

 

[Wattsisname]

s3xymodels and RPMTesla hands down are the worse interns of customer service. they will reply when you have sales questions but when s**t hit the fan they ignore you.

That's sad to hear; I am still waiting for a MY my first Tesla.
I have loved the S for years- congratulations on yours.

 

[SteelClouds]

I stand corrected . I took another look at the struts and I see the knurling is just for the inside of the plastic connection to a brass set of threads.. insert type of arrangement with the mentioned threads. I'll have to look at the MacMaster and see what that is all about now. Learned something new.. that makes it a good day

 

[SteelClouds]

Replacement ball studs are available at McMaster. McMaster-Carr

Thanks for the link.. I need to go do some measurements now

 

[travasky]

Thanks for the link.. I need to go do some measurements now

Glad it was useful. If you have any questions let me know. We use a lot of gas springs in my business.

 

[lUtriaNt]

sorry to hear this happened. i bought a set of these from abstract ocean for my old 2020 model 3p. front and back. never had any issues with them in the 2 years i had the car. id say these are good quality.

Strut Upgrades for Model 3

These are a cost effective direct replacement for the factory struts, and take 10 minutes to switch out.

abstractocean.com

 

[jjrandorin]

(moderator note)

Moved my off topic post as well a responses to it to quarantine so the discussion can focus on the specific product the OP is talking about, solutions and suggestions for that, etc.

 

[charlieaf92]

Thanks for the heads up. A great reminder and warning for people that, generally speaking, it isn't a good idea to use non-OEM parts as they may not be made to spec, could be of questionable quality, and may be produced in a country that doesn't have laws that protect consumers and require manufacturers to meet certain standards.

 

[SteelClouds]

Just an update.. I lost the rear window today.. the resin I used didnt prevent a long crack from appearing today in the heat. So the 20 dollar strut will be costing me something in the neighborhood of 1300 for the rear glass to be replaced. This makes me sad :/

 

[jeremymc7]

Yet another reason I don’t add aftermarket parts; esp during warranty.

I want the auto trunk but I’ll wait to I’ll replace this since the new ones come with it.

 

[Rmchrger]

Just an update.. I lost the rear window today.. the resin I used didnt prevent a long crack from appearing today in the heat. So the 20 dollar strut will be costing me something in the neighborhood of 1300 for the rear glass to be replaced. This makes me sad :/

Such a bummer, sorry to hear. I don't have the aftermarket lift struts, but much appreciate the heads up. I'm sure your warning will help others prevent this.

 

[Wattsisname]

Just an update.. I lost the rear window today.. the resin I used didnt prevent a long crack from appearing today in the heat. So the 20 dollar strut will be costing me something in the neighborhood of 1300 for the rear glass to be replaced. This makes me sad :/

Very sorry to hear this. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

 

[PauliePucks]

Just an update.. I lost the rear window today.. the resin I used didnt prevent a long crack from appearing today in the heat. So the 20 dollar strut will be costing me something in the neighborhood of 1300 for the rear glass to be replaced. This makes me sad :/

Ugh what a bummer….sorry bro!

 

[rpiotro]

Only if you are lucky.. My experience with a couple of BMWs in the past showcase that. Just go back to the Mercedes M272 engine debacle. There is an endless list of high toys that failed to meet expectations given the price.

Take away ? Price does not always equal quality.

True. But my point is the lowest price usually is the poorest quality. I said spend a little more. Not the most money you can.

 

[Ash83]

That's sad to hear; I am still waiting for a MY my first Tesla.
I have loved the S for years- congratulations on yours.

Thanks, it is a great car and you will love it. just do not have high expectations on the quality from the aftermarket sector.