Anyone ever changed the gas struts on their swan doors?

[Plastique999]

I have an 09 DBS and the swan doors will stay open on a flat surface, but on a very slight side hill incline, the gas strut doesn't hold the heavy doors open.
I understand the part is $40-$47 dollars and whatever labor is involved.
Anyone ever change them by themselves?

[adsl3897]

I just changed them on my 07 Vantage. The first side I removed the wheel, then whole wheel liner cover and the Gas strut sits right up against the inside of the fender. You need a small flat head screw driver to release the clips on each end of the strut. To install you simply push them onto the fixing knobs mounted to the car.

The second side I didn't even have to remove the whole wheel liner I just un-screwed one half and bent it back out of the way whilst I installed.

I have no idea if it is the same on a DBS though.....


EDIT** Spelling mistake

[adsl3897]

Also, when installing them you need to open the door just the right amount to be able to install the 2nd (closest) side of the strut onto the fixing knob. I did it on my own but would be handy to have someone help on that part, only need them for about 15 seconds....

[MaverickV12]

I have a DB9, so I guess its the same door as the DBS, other than yours is a carbon fibre unit and my alloy. I am right in saying that yes?

As previous poster just said is correct. I copped out the easy way, I jacked up the car and took off the wheel, then took off the wheel arch. I'd be the first to say that access in any AM is poor for anything, but this gives you loads, (in AM terms), with this wads of access its then just fiddley.

Whilst everything is alloy and super-light, even lighter for your Carbon Fibre, I know the door is quite heavy, so heavy they have to make the inside skin of Magnesium. I found the actual part to be quite cheap, and I changed both of the doors, as I was going to guess that the other one would not be far behind.

If you're used to working in tiny AM spaces, then just peel back the wheel arch. If you're not used to it, give yourself plenty of access. .....

[DB9VolanteDriver]

MaverickV12 said:

I have a DB9, so I guess its the same door as the DBS, other than yours is a carbon fibre unit and my alloy. I am right in saying that yes?

No, it isn't CF. It is same as DB9.

[MaverickV12]

DB9VolanteDriver said:

No, it isn't CF. It is same as DB9.

Didn't know that, so its the magnesium / alloy door as the DB9, is that for crash testing purposes?

[KershawsDoors]

I have changed this previously. I just removed the wheel and then complete wheel liner from the first side. Then on the second side don't remove wheel liner. While installing that you have to open the door.