How do you change the trunk struts on a 2003 Infiniti m45?

Answer 1

03 m45 Trunk Strut/shock install Burtman Industries.

1. Remove loose items/trunk net/trunk mat(s) from trunk

2. Remove foam inserts (3) and cardboard tire cover

3. Remove the 6 clips using a blunt-edged panel popper

4. You now have access to the canister side of the strut, at the base of

each trunk lid hinge.

5. Remove the rear seat base - there is a round finger tab at the center of

each side. Pull out on the tab and up on the seat base and the side will

release. Make sure the seat belt receivers and seat base hooks (at the rear

of the seat base) clear.

6. Remove the bolt at each corner of the seat back towards the bottom far

right and far left corner. Use a 10mm socket.

7. Pull down the center armrest and carefully pull down the liner behind,

exposing the wire support structure and two 10mm nuts. Remove the two 10mm

nuts.

8. Lift the seat belts around to the back of the seat back so they clear,

then lift the seat back up (off of its mounting rests) and away from the

rear deck. BE CAREFUL when removing this from the car - take it out in one

fell swoop and do not bang it against anything, as the backside had lots of

exposed metal which will scratch whatever it contacts (old installer talking

here).

9. You now have access to the rod end of the struts. In each corner of the

car at the base of the deck, under the big chunks of insulation, you will

find them. Use a broom handle to firmly support the trunk lid, and then use

a pick tool to release the clips on each ball end on the struts. They will

come right off after that.

10. Apply a little thread lock to each end of the new struc, then set the

new rods' ball ends to be the correct length and position by comparing to

the old strut. Install. They will snap on easily.

11. Reinstall the seat and trunk liner parts accordingly.

They work like a charm. Trunk is a little harder to shut, but this is obviously part of the tradeoff with this particular solution.