Porsche 996 911 Front Hood Strut & Rear Hatch Struts (Carrera, Targa, Turbo, & GT3)

From the 901 to the 991 and the 996, failing hood struts are a right of passage for Porsche's 911. Just about every model uses them, so finding that your struts are failing isn't anything unique. As 911 owners know, interior storage space isn't the best compared to a sedan, so trunk use can be quite frequent. Failing hood struts will become a nuisance as they struggle to hold the weight of the hood. Leaving the struts unchanged will lead to a broomstick being used to hold up the hood.

Knowing that the struts are a frequently replaced item, the replacement process was made very simple and easily accessible. All you need to remove them is a pick or flathead screwdriver. Installing the new struts doesn't require any tools at all. Follow along below to ensure a proper replacement.

Porsche models and years applicable:

How much will it cost to replace Porsche 996 911 hood & engine lid struts?

Both the hood struts and the engine lid strut will be around $20 apiece. However, the trunk requires two struts, where the engine lid only uses one. Set a little over $60 to replace all of the struts. 

How long will it take to replace Porsche 996 911 hood & engine lid struts?

Replacing all three of the struts is quick and straightforward. Total replacement time for all three should take less than 15 minutes.

Parts required to replace Porsche 996 911 hood & engine lid struts:

• Hood Struts x2
• Engine Lid Strut

Tools required to replace Porsche 996 911 hood & engine lid struts:

• 90° Hook Pick

Steps to replace Porsche 996 911 hood & engine lid struts:

Hood "Frunk" Strut Replacement:

Open up the trunk on your 996 and prop up the hood with something like a broomstick. Place the top of the stick in one of the holes in the hood bracing so that it doesn't slip out of position if you bump it. If you want to be extra cautious about the paint, place a rag over the handle before inserting it into the hood. 

Then take the pick and release the lock on the struts ball socket. Use the pick to pry open the lock, then pop the strut off of the hood. Repeat the process for the struts lower socket on the trunk channel. 

Use a rag to clean the old grease off of the balls that the strut mounts too. The new struts have some grease pre-installed in their sockets. After that, press the strut sockets into place on the hood and trunk channel. 

Repeat this process for both struts.

Engine Lid Strut Replacement:

Open the engine lid and prop it up with something. A broomstick may work spending on how long it is. Next, locate the strut on the passenger's side of the lid. The spoiler's wiring harness runs along the strut via a plastic clip. Open the tabs on the clip and pull out the wiring.

Then, use your pick to open the lock on the ball socket and pull the strut off of the lid. Slide the harness clip off of the old strut and set it aside.

Then, undo the lock on the lower ball socket and remove the old strut from the car. Use a rag to clean the old grease off of the balls that the strut mounts too. The new struts have some grease pre-installed in their sockets. 

Next, press the new strut onto the bottom ball first. Then, slide the harness clip over the socket and press it into place on the upper ball. Finish off the installation by resecuring the harness into its retaining clip. 

So that's it! In a matter of minutes, you can retire the broomstick hood prop for good and enjoy a hood or engine lid that doesn't fall on your head when you have it open. If you're interested in more DIYs for your Porsche, you can visit porsche.fcpeuro.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

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Written by :

Christian Schaefer

Car and motorsports-obsessed writer/editor for FCP Euro's DIY Blog. Constantly dreaming of competing behind the wheel or searching for another project. Owner of a turbo Subaru Forester and a ratty Porsche 914, neither of which are running.