Weak hatch struts

[davilla413]

Has anyone noticed their hatch struts being too weak to lift the hatch? Seems to be the worst when it’s cold out. Sometimes I even need to give them a helping hand. Can’t imagine the struts are any different than from non Type Rs. The wing’s weight couldn’t be making a difference right? Or maybe I just got some weak ones?

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[TW00Si]

Yes, I’ve noticed in recent days that the hatch doesn’t lift completely. I’m parked in doors so not sure how much it is temperature related.

 

[RUNN1N]

The hatch on the FL5 is MUCH heaver than the DE5, or the struts are weaker--that's something I noticed Day 1.

Now that it's cold, lifting the hatch takes even more effort, but I have less concern that I'm going to open the hatch and slam the wing into the overhead (open) garage door.

 

[bbrunty15]

I have wondered this very thing. I even thought when I bought the car in March that the struts work well and open it easily but I noticed in the last few weeks that it does not open nearly as well as it did new. I wonder if something small like this is something we could bring up to the dealer? I assume so?

 

[davilla413]

Glad I'm not the only one. I wonder if there are more powerful struts available - normally these things don't break the bank. Assuming that's true, I'd prob just spend the money then go the dealer warranty hassle route...

Seems to me the poor lift performance is more noticeable now that the days are colder here in DC. Got my car on Cinco de Mayo -so its been warm most of the time I've had it.

 

[Clark_Kent]

It's not a powered liftgate so you won't get that type of performance. I have another vehicle with a similar strut design as the FL5 and the hatch needs a little help going up. I also have wing risers on it, which doesn't help, but in stock form it also did not go up effortlessly.

 

[TypeRD]

It’s a balance. I’d rather the lift gate lift up slowly / carefully and be easier to reclose (as it is now), versus the lift gate go up too quickly / forcefully and be harder to reclose.

Yes, the cold probably is affecting the air pressure inside the struts, so there’s less pressure available to lift the lift gate. You can try making a warranty claim, but I think this “issue” is entirely normal.

 

[CaryH]

It's the weather boys...bring it up at the dealership they will do nothing, because the hatch struts are fine boys and girls.

 

[Junsupersti]

I noticed the struts are better matched to the optional cf wing when I installed it.

 

[02SilverSiHB]

I noticed the hatch isn't easy to go up as my FK8 was. Not that big of a deal for me, but I have noticed it.

 

[davilla413]

I guess it's just because the FL5 is a little hefty - ain't a small hatch. My life is not irreparably damaged by having to give it a helping hand. I was just curious if this was just me. Guess not.

 

[CTRifecta]

+1 def noticed this as well, think it's just normal

 

[Bazgab]

I noticed the struts are better matched to the optional cf wing when I installed it.

I am sure this is true. I have the CF wing but haven't installed it since i was toying around with selling it. The stock wing is surprisingly heavy for its size whereas the much larger CF wing is super light.

 

[Junsupersti]

I have a feeling Honda opted to save money and specified one type of hatch strut for all civic hatchbacks

 

[s2kdriver80]

I have a feeling Honda opted to save money and specified one type of hatch strut for all civic hatchbacks

They should be different. My accessory CF midsection came with its own pair of stays.

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