Rear hatch strut support

[jtugfestiva]

I just was about to change my strut on the hatch to find out that i cant remove the brackets on the old one. Does anyone here know how to get it off beside trying to break it?? The haynes manual doesnt explain this. I just removed the screws then it popped out but i need to mount the old brackets to the new one. Geez this is starting to look like an all day job!!!!!

[eurotiva]

which end?

[jtugfestiva]

i think its both ends there seem to be a kinda like ball joint on the ends. seem like i need a special tool to remove it??!!! It would be easy if the replacement had all the mounting brackets included with it.

[ericsmith32]

On the few I've messed with they just pop off. No special tool was required.