DIY: Weight reduction/Fix hatch not opening issue

kdo2milger

there are a lot of DIYers on here that would greatly appreciate this write up...trust me if I still had my z I would have been in the garage tearing it apart with some cold beers as soon as I seen this write up lol

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DEpointfive0

Lol, I'm glad

I didn't even intend to do this DIY (because of school) until a member contacted me though another thread, so I went through the uninstall process again and walked him through it with pics, so throwing it up on the forum wasn't too much extra work

Unfortunately, I didn't have beer either time I went through this uninstall...

fuct

like metioned it just gives the hatch some weight to close easier.

ZForce

^

Good comeback ..petit woman

Still would like to know Nissan's reasoning behind the extra weight. Will do some inquiring with my resources.

Eon777

Thanks for that. Its pops up much better now. I was wondering if they put the weight in there for balance! LOL..

Best 5 minute fix in a long time..

Cheers,..

Eon777

The weight is 2 lb's 7 oz'z!! Crazy !!

DEpointfive0

Glad I could be of help, and I figure for 5 minutes, it's worth it

WOW... Thanks for getting the exact weight!

ZForce

ok...I checked with my dealer and the weight is for throw weight on closing the hatch, remember there is hatch shock that has resistance and the weight is to close the hatch with some weight behind. Funny they said "also maybe for petite woman".

So there you have it...it's like a pendulum weight to assist with closing the hatch. If you guys are not noticing any additional force required to close the hatch after removing the weight...that's odd then.

One additional note and VERY IMPORTANT, the part is NOT covered after the 3 yr 36k mile warranty runs out. They have revised the part 5 times, as currently for ALL year models they are on part rev "E". And here is the kicker, they are bending us over big time for this non warranty part for a mere $37.77 per spring. Yup...can you say bend me over !

The bros Z 2009 with 42k and out of warranty was replaced under warranty. They are family with us and I applaud them. So go with the mod mentioned on this thread or the penny mod. But $37.77 per spring is outrageous.

Part # 84415-1EA2E Spring-Lift

DEpointfive0

Wellllllll... There is "more" resistance with closing the hatch, but I have found that the 2 pounds hinders the popping open more than the actual closing. And since the struts are probably wearing out, it'll seem like a brand new setup

And to make sure, you're talking about the SPRINGS not being covered past the 3/36k (Although an extended bumper to bumper SHOULD cover it)

And yes $37.77 is a (bend over) price, but if a member has an issue with theirs NOT being covered, PM me, and we'll figure something out

ZForce

Yup springs are not covered after the 3yr/36k warranty runs out and MAY not be covered under the extended warranties. I have both extended warranties and they said under those warranties only mechanical and electrical parts are covered . The springs are not mechanical as in no moving part(s). They submitted the warranty claim to NNA (zero out of pocket for me) and will know when I have to have my 09 rev "b"part number replaced as it's starting to stick intermittantly. I will find out tomorrow as mine is going in for the notorious drivers side window creak.

Kev T

This is soooo easy to do !

Nismo17

Did this in 15 mins tops yesterday. I love that my back hatch actually opens when I hit the button now. Thank you for this write up. To anyone thinking about doing this. Get a panel tool and follow directions. Its not that hard. Believe me its worth 15mins of your time.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

DR_

Yep it is super easy and the hatch works as good or better than before. With bolts the total is 2lbs 8oz so it is very worth while.

DEpointfive0

Sweet. I'm glad a lot more people are doing this with positive results!

russmanZ34

Nice write up sir! I will be shedding this weight soon. It's prolly good for 8 or more mpg too..