Engine Hood Lift Support Replacement: DIY Guide

Hood lift supports—also called struts or gas springs—wear out over time and lose their ability to hold your hood open safely. This is a beginner-to-intermediate DIY repair that typically takes 30–45 minutes and requires only basic hand tools. Keep in mind that these instructions provide general guidance; specific tools, fastener types, torque specifications, and procedures vary significantly by vehicle make and model. You must consult your vehicle's service manual for exact specifications and step-by-step procedures before beginning work.

What You'll Need

Tools

  • Socket set and ratchet (assorted sizes)
  • Wrench set (open-end and box-end)
  • Screwdrivers (flathead and Phillips)
  • Jack and jack stands (to safely support the vehicle if needed)
  • Penetrating oil (for stubborn fasteners)
  • Clean cloth or rag
  • Flashlight or work light

Parts & Materials

  • Replacement hood lift supports rated for your vehicle's hood weight and size
  • Replacement fasteners or clips (if original fasteners are damaged or corroded)
  • Thread-locking compound (optional, for added security on critical fasteners)
  • Lubricating grease or light machine oil (for cleaning and protecting mounting points)

Before You Begin

  • Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake firmly to prevent any movement during the repair.
  • Open the hood fully and support it safely using a sturdy prop rod or have a helper hold it in place. Do not rely on old or failing hood lift supports to keep the hood open—they may collapse suddenly and cause injury.
  • Disconnect the negative battery terminal if your vehicle has power hood latches or electronically controlled components in the engine bay. Check your owner's manual to determine if this step applies to your specific model.
  • Since hood lift supports help hold a heavy moving component, we recommend that inexperienced DIY mechanics have this work inspected or performed by a qualified professional. Improper installation or incorrect torque specifications can result in hood collapse, which poses a serious safety risk.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace Engine Hood Lift Supports

  1. Support the hood safely. Open the hood completely and prop it securely with a sturdy prop rod, wooden dowel, or have a helper hold it at a comfortable working height. Ensure the hood is stable and will not fall if the old supports release suddenly. This step is critical for your safety.
  2. Locate the attachment points. Hood lift supports typically connect at two points: one bracket attached near the hood hinge area (at the top of the fender or frame) and one bracket at the engine bay frame or radiator support. Visually trace the support from the hood hinge downward to identify both connection points. Refer to your service manual for the exact locations on your vehicle.
  3. Remove fasteners from the old supports. Using the appropriate socket, wrench, or screwdriver, disconnect or unbolt the old lift supports from both mounting points. Some vehicles use bolts with nuts, while others use clips, ball joints, or quick-release fasteners. If fasteners are stuck or corroded, apply penetrating oil and wait 10–15 minutes before attempting removal. Do not force stuck fasteners, as this can strip threads or break mounting brackets.
  4. Inspect mounting points. Once the old supports are removed, examine both mounting areas for corrosion, cracks, bent brackets, or debris. Gently clean the mounting surfaces with a cloth and wipe away any dirt, rust, or old grease. If you notice significant corrosion, cracks, or structural damage to the mounting brackets, stop here and consult a professional—these issues may require welding or bracket replacement.
  5. Install new lift supports. Position the new hood lift supports in the same orientation as the originals, ensuring that the stroke direction (the direction the support compresses and extends) is correct. Align the ball joints, clips, or bolt holes carefully with the mounting points. Gently seat the fasteners by hand to ensure they are threaded correctly before tightening with tools.
  6. Tighten fasteners. Using the correct socket or wrench size, tighten the fasteners in a methodical sequence if multiple fasteners are involved. Tighten each fastener firmly but do not over-tighten, as excessive torque can strip threads, crack mounting brackets, or break fasteners. Consult your vehicle's service manual for the exact torque specification for hood lift support fasteners.
  7. Test hood operation. Slowly and carefully open the hood fully. Observe how the new supports hold it—the hood should rise smoothly and remain open without sagging or drifting downward. Close the hood slowly; it should descend gently without slamming or dropping suddenly. If the hood feels unbalanced, sags to one side, or closes too quickly or too slowly, one of the new supports may not be installed correctly or may have a different pressure rating than needed.
  8. Final safety check. Open and close the hood several more times, paying close attention to smooth operation and secure fastening. Visually inspect all fasteners from underneath the hood to confirm they remain tight. Check the engine bay for any leaks, loose hoses, or damage caused during the repair. Ensure the hood latch engages securely and the hood sits flush with the fenders when closed.

Tips for a Successful Hood Lift Support Replacement

  • If old supports are stuck or rusted, apply penetrating oil generously and let it soak for 15–20 minutes. Avoid forcing stuck fasteners, which can cause damage that makes removal more difficult and expensive.
  • Always support the hood with a sturdy prop rod, wooden dowel, or a helper before removing the old supports. Failing to do so risks the hood slamming down and causing serious injury or damage to engine components.
  • Verify that your replacement supports are rated for your vehicle's hood weight and size. Supports that are too weak may sag over time; supports that are too strong may make the hood difficult to close or cause damage to the hinge mechanism.
  • Do not over-tighten fasteners. Hand-tighten first, then use a wrench or socket to snug them firmly. Over-tightening strips threads, cracks plastic clips, and breaks fasteners, creating a more expensive repair.

When to Call a Professional

Stop and consult a qualified mechanic if your mounting points are heavily corroded, cracked, or bent in a way that prevents proper fastening. Welding or frame repair may be necessary, which is beyond the scope of a simple DIY replacement. Similarly, if you lack experience working with hand tools, fastener sizing, or torque procedures, a professional can ensure the job is done correctly and safely. If your hood shows signs of misalignment, structural damage, sagging on one side, or poor closure after new supports are installed, have a mechanic inspect the hood and frame for underlying damage. Finally, if you are uncomfortable working under a raised hood or unsure about any step in the process, professional installation is always the safer choice. Hood lift support systems are safety-critical components; improper installation or incorrect fastener torque can result in sudden hood collapse, which poses a serious risk of injury and vehicle damage. Always have work inspected or performed by a qualified professional before returning your vehicle to service.

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