Pelican Technical Article: Hood Shock Replacement Wayne R. Dempsey
Time: 30 minutes
Tab: $30
Talent:
Tools:
Needle-nose pliers, small screwdriver
Applicable Models:
986 Boxster (1997-04) 987 Boxster (2005-08)
Parts Required:
Hood shocks, two for each lid
Hot Tip:
Be careful not to drop the small clips
Performance Gain:
No more bumping your head on the hood
Complementary Modification:
Install the Das Schild hood and trunk protectors
This article is one in a series that have been released in conjunction with Wayne's new book, 101 Performance Projects for Your Porsche Boxster. The book contains 312 pages of full color projects detailing everything from performance mods to changing your brake pads. With more than 950+ full-color glossy photos accompanying extensive step-by-step procedures, this book is required reading in any Boxster owner's collection. The book is currently available and in stock now. See The Official Book Website for more details.
Check out some other sample projects from the book:
Are you getting tired of having your front or rear trunk lids fall on your head? It's probably time to replace your hood shocks. These are among the most disposable of parts on the Boxster. They will fail - it's just a matter of when. Replacing them is an easy task, however one that is made easier with small hands that manipulate tiny pieces. With a little bit of patience, you can replace your hood and trunk lid shocks in about 30 minutes.
The front hood uses two gas-pressurized shocks that hold up its weight. Start by lifting up the front hood, and securing it using a long stick or a baseball bat. Make sure that this support is securely affixed, as the hood will hurt if it falls on your head. Starting with the right side, use a small screwdriver to pry out the hood retainer clip. Then use a screwdriver to pop the hood shock off of the pivot ball that is attached to the chassis. Remove the other half of the shock in the same manner.
Replace the old shock in the same place and orientation that the old was in. Snap the new shock into place. If you can't get it around the pivot ball, then remove the retainer clip, push the shock over the ball, and then re-snap the clip into place. It is relatively easy to drop the clip down into the recesses of the trunk, so work carefully and don't rush.
The rear trunk shocks are very similar in their replacement process. The whole process should take you less than 30 minutes or so.
Figure 1
Each shock has two sockets on either end. To remove the shock, carefully pry out the retaining clip with a small screwdriver (inset photo). With the clip loosened, you can then pry off the hood shock from the car. Wrap your screwdriver in duct tape if you don't want to scratch your paint during the replacement process. The new shocks should last you several years, until they begin to wear out again.
Comments: Great write-up! Purchased the shocks from Pelican Parts arrived super fast, and 10 minutes later I was done. Easiest repair to the Boxster to date! There are lots of projects a novice like me should avoid, but this is definitely doable by anyone.
April 29, 2012
Bill
Comments: Rear trunk replacement tip- Screw diver blade should NOT be wider then 1/4".Working with the new shocks first. Pry the clip away from the round sockets,BUT NOT OFF.You now know the feel and force needed on the clips on your car plus the new shocks are now ready.Now start on the car.Start with the shock attaced to the truck lid first prying back the clip.Pull it from the trunck lid.Now you can pivot it to get better access to remove the lower socket the same way. Pop the new one inplace and push the clip in and one side is done.Repeat on the other side.
May 15, 2010
Check out some other sample projects from the book:
