Overview
I got tired of the boot lid dropping on my head when looking inside so I decided to change the gas strut supporting it. This guide is for a 1999 pre-third boot light Barchetta but I think it would be the same or similar for later B’s.
In all it took me about 15 minutes to complete the job and the boot lid now stays where it is put.
Tools required
- Trim removal tool
- Thin screwdriver or bradawl
- Mallet or hammer
- Prop to hold boot lid open
Spares required
The strut is part number 47300075 and can be found on drawing 3 of section 70160/00 of ePER. I bought mine from SGS engineering who (in 2022 at least) could supply both boot strut and struts for the folding roof.
Steps
- Firstly prop the boot open with a length of wood or whatever
- Use the trim removal tool to lever out all of the clips holding the boot lid liner in place.
- I was lucky in that all of mine came out without breaking. I think having the right tool helped in this but it may be possible to use pliers and/or a screwdriver.
- Once the liner is out of the way then you can start removing the old strut
- These are held in place with pins that just push through.
- Using a screwdriver or bradawl on the drivers side of the car, tap the centre of the pin gently until it slides out. Make sure you put the pin somewhere safe.
- Repeat the process with the lower pin
- Now put in the new strut and push the pins back in. Make sure that you thread the strut through the boot liner before fixing.
- I found it easiest to put the lower pin in first. You may need to tap them in with the bradawl and mallet gently.
- Then, when doing the top pin I had to open the boot fully and slightly compress the new strut before I could fit the strut into the mounting and slide the pin in.
Now you can put the liner piece back in place by tapping in the clips.
