I have an '03 Element used for hauling tools around.
I'm fed up with the weak hatch struts, they work seemingly OK. They will open the hatch 80% of the way but then I have to push it up the rest of the way so I dont hit my head. Its been this way since it was new.

I could just replace them with the OEM part, but I've compared the prices of generic replacements and the OEM is twice as much, a strut is a strut right?. I'm also wondering If I might be better off getting slightly stronger struts as well.

Has anybody dealt with this before?
Is the OEM replacement worth it?

 

i usually go to princess auto (tractor outlet store) and get generic overrated strongman struts. makes a big difference. dont go toooooo high of a value though, as you will end up breaking **** trying to close them.

 

Thanks for the input.

 

Well just to follow up I replaced them with cheap napa struts and they're much better. They still need a bit of help to open the last few inches though, but its much better than before.

If I were to do this again I would go with slightly stronger struts.