The assisted lifters for the boot lid can become weak and lift the boot slowly or only partially, particularly noticeable in cold weather.
Replacing the gas-springs is a simple job and can be completed by one person, but having 2 makes it easier, especially if the lifters are very weak. I length of sturdy wood can hold the boot lid open if a second person is unavailable or unwilling
, but as always, be careful.Click the pictures links below to find a pair of gas-struts for your C3 and follow the instructions below to quickly return the gusto to the boot lid lifting.
Citroen C3 Hatchback (2002 Onwards Model) Tailgate Lifter Gas Struts HERE
- gas-assisted boot lifter for a weak boot lid lifter fix on a Citroen C3
You can find New gas-strut boot lifter pair for the Citroen C3 on eBay (click here).
Its important to only remove one side at a time as the boot is quite heavy. Having a second person to hold the weight of the boot is useful, but not absolutely necessary if the original struts still have some power left.
First job is to remove the upper and lower clips. These are prised off with a small flat bladed screwdriver. You don't need to keep the clips but watch out as they may 'ping' off if your direction.
- lifter clip removed and ball and socket separated on the Citroen C3 tailgate
- Citroen C3 gas-strut lifter removal clip - fix for weak boot lifter
The next step is to prepare the new struts. Lift off the clips, but don't remove them from the gas-strut. This will make fitting much easier. The new struts probably have been pre-greased in the socket, if no a dab of grease wouldn't hurt.
With the clips removed the old the gas strut is easily separated from the boot with just a slight pull. At this point the weight of the boot will be on only one lifter, so support some of the weight of the boot with your hand while removing the old strut.
- lifter clip removed and ball and socket separated on the Citroen C3 rear hatch.
Fit a new strut that has the clips already released, just push the ball and socket together, top then bottom. The strut can be twisted slightly of they don't align, but be careful not to unscrew the ends of the struts. Push the clips to engage them before moving on to the opposite side.
The opposite side is a repeat of the previous side. With all the clips in place test the operation of the boot opening and closing a few times to settle the gas-struts, ball joints and to marvel at how well the boot opens.
You can also try our link to Euro Car Parts (click here) gas lifters for the Citroen C3. They offer free delivery.
