How to Replace the Liftgate Cylinders on a 2005 Nissan 350Z

The 2005 Nissan 350Z was equipped with a 3.5-liter, 287-horsepower V-6 and was available as a Coupe, Anniversary Edition Coupe, Enthusiast Coupe or Roadster, Touring Coupe or Roadster, and Track Coupe. The coupe sports a hardtop design, with a large hatchback rear door. The convertible Roadster body style uses a standard trunk and deck lid design. The liftgate cylinders are called lift support shocks and are used on the hatchback door.

Instructions

1

Raise the rear of the 350Z and place a piece of wood between the liftgate lower body lip and the floor of the trunk area. Do not place the wood beneath the glass on the liftgate for support.

2

Remove the ball stud from the upper end of the liftgate lift support shock. Use an open-end wrench to turn the stud ball counterclockwise until it is removed from the liftgate body.

3

Remove the two bolts from the bottom door stay bracket, using a ratchet and socket. Remove the liftgate lift support shock from the 350Z by hand. Align the new door stay bracket at the bottom of the lift support and insert the two mounting bolts. Tighten the mounting bolts between 39 and 58 inch-pounds with a 3/8-inch-drive torque wrench and socket.

4

Install the upper stud ball into the liftgate mounting hole and tighten it snug with an open-end wrench. Attach an crow-foot adapter to the end of a 1/2-inch-drive torque wrench. Tighten the ball stud to between 9 and 11 foot-pounds of torque.

5

Repeat steps 2 through 4 to complete the lift support shock replacement on the other side of the 350Z.