Replacing Gas Springs: A Boat Owner's Guide

Gas springs are used in a variety of applications, including vehicle trunk doors, boat engine covers, and toolboxes. They are designed to control the motion of these lids and doors, ensuring they open and close smoothly. While gas springs provide a lot of force, they can malfunction, leak, or fail, which can be dangerous and impact the quality of the product. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to replace gas springs, specifically focusing on their application in boats.

Characteristics of Gas Spring Replacement

Measure the old spring's length and pressure

Before replacing the gas springs on your boat, it is important to measure the old spring's length and pressure to ensure the new springs are a suitable replacement. This process will involve several steps and will require some basic tools, such as a measuring tape and a flat-blade screwdriver. Here is a detailed guide to help you through the process:

Firstly, you will need to measure the overall length of the old spring. To do this, fully extend the spring and measure the distance from the housing's lower-end mounting point to the piston rod's top mounting point. This will give you the spring's overall length, which is an important specification to have when ordering a replacement. It is important to ensure that the spring is fully extended for accurate measurements.

Next, calculate the stroke length or stroke distance. This is the difference between the rod length when the spring is fully compressed and when it is fully extended. This measurement is crucial as it determines the range of motion of the gas spring. By measuring the stroke length, you can ensure that the new spring will provide the necessary range of motion for your application.

Now, let's determine the pressure needed for the new spring. The pressure of a gas spring is related to the spring force it can exert. The spring force depends on factors such as the weight of the object it needs to support, such as a hatch or bonnet. You can compare the specifications of your old spring to determine the required pressure for the new one.

Additionally, examine the type of end fittings on the old spring. End fittings are crucial as they attach the gas spring to the application. Take note of the specific type of end fittings used, as you will need to replace them with the same or compatible fittings. This ensures that the new gas spring can be properly installed and secured in place.

Finally, make sure to record the year, make, and model of your boat. This information will be useful when ordering replacement gas springs, as it will help identify the specific requirements for your boat's gas springs. By providing this information, you can ensure that you obtain the correct parts for a safe and proper installation.

By following these steps and measurements, you will have all the necessary information to order the correct replacement gas springs for your boat. Remember to take accurate measurements and consider seeking assistance from a professional or experienced individual if needed.

Prepare the new spring

To prepare the new spring, you will need to take some measurements from the old spring. Firstly, measure the overall length of the original spring by measuring from the housing's lower-end mounting point to the piston rod's top mounting point with the unit fully extended. Next, you will need to measure the stroke length, which is the difference between the rod length when it is fully compressed and fully extended. These measurements will help determine the size and specifications of the new spring.

Additionally, you will need to determine the pressure needed for the new spring. This is important to ensure it can provide sufficient force to lift the desired weight. The pressure requirement will depend on factors such as the weight of the object the spring will be lifting, such as a rear hatch or bonnet.

It is also crucial to examine the type of end fittings required for the new spring. The end fittings are the components that attach the spring to the application, such as a ball stud. Ensure you select the correct type of end fittings that match the original spring or the application's requirements.

Before ordering the new spring, make sure you have the year, make, and model of your boat or vehicle. This information will help ensure you get the correct spring for your specific application. It is recommended to always replace both gas springs at the same time to maintain optimal performance and prevent issues caused by uneven loading.

Get support for the hatch

Getting support for the hatch is an important step in replacing gas springs on a boat. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure safety and efficiency during the process:

Firstly, it is crucial to have an extra pair of hands for this procedure. Ask someone to help you support the hatch while you work on replacing the gas springs. This is essential for safety reasons and will make the process much easier.

Before beginning the replacement, gather all the necessary information about the gas springs you will need. Measure the overall length of the original spring by measuring from the housing's lower-end mounting point to the piston rod's top mounting point with the spring fully extended. Also, calculate the stroke distance by finding the difference between the rod length when it is fully compressed and fully extended. This information will help you select the correct replacement gas springs.

Additionally, determine the pressure needed for the new spring and examine the type of end fittings required. It is also important to note the year, make, and model of your boat to ensure compatibility with the new gas springs.

When you are ready to begin the replacement process, make sure the hatch is open to maintain the load on the existing springs. Do not attempt this procedure without first ensuring the hatch is securely supported.

Now, let's focus on the gas spring removal. If the piston-rod mounting is a composite socket, you will need a small flat-blade screwdriver. Insert the blade of the screwdriver under the metal clip at a 45-degree angle and gently pry to loosen the clip. Be careful not to completely remove the clip. Repeat this process at the other end.

If the piston-rod mounting is an all-metal socket with a wire safety clip, use the screwdriver to release the clip by sliding the blade under it and unclamping it from the neck of the fitting. Again, rotate and completely remove the wire clip, then repeat on the other end.

By following these steps, you will have successfully supported the hatch and prepared for the gas spring replacement. Remember to always have someone assist you in supporting the hatch for safety.

Remove the old spring

To remove the old gas spring, you will need to gather the right tools and information. Firstly, determine the size of your current gas spring by measuring the overall length. Measure from the housing's lower-end mounting point to the piston rod's top mounting point with the spring fully extended. Next, calculate the stroke length by finding the difference between the rod length when the spring is fully compressed and fully extended. These measurements will be crucial when ordering a replacement spring.

Before removing the old gas spring, it is important to examine any fittings supplied with the new spring to determine which components must be re-used. This is an important step to ensure you have the correct parts for installation. Additionally, make sure you have someone to support the hatch, bonnet, or any other component that the gas spring is attached to. This is crucial for safety and to avoid any potential damage.

Now, let's move on to the removal process. If your gas spring is equipped with a wire safety clip or an all-metal socket with a dark composite end fitting socket, you will need a small flat-blade screwdriver to release the clip. Open the hatch, bonnet, or hood to maintain the load on the existing spring. Do not attempt this step without a second person supporting the component.

If your piston-rod mounting is a composite socket, insert the blade of the screwdriver under the metal clip at a 45-degree angle. Gently pry to dislodge the clip, but be careful not to remove it completely. Repeat this process at the other end. If your piston-rod mounting is an all-metal socket with a wire safety clip, insert the screwdriver blade beneath the wire clip and unclamp it from the neck of the fitting. Rotate and remove the wire clip, pulling it completely out of the fitting. Again, repeat this process at the other end.

By following these steps, you can safely and effectively remove the old gas spring from your boat. Remember to take your time and work carefully to avoid any potential hazards.

Install the new spring

Now that you have the new gas spring, it's time to install it. This process will depend on the type of end fittings your spring has.

If your new gas spring is fixed with a composite socket, you'll start by fixing the rod end connection (the lower connector). Place the opening of the end fitting on top of the ball stud. No tools are required for this step. Gently press the end fitting connector onto the stud. Be careful not to use a hammer or vice grips; slight hand pressure should be enough to secure the fitting. Repeat this process at the other end.

If your new gas spring is fixed with an all-metal fitting and wire safety clip, you'll also start by fixing the rod end connection (the lower connector). Place the opening of the end fitting on top of the ball stud. No tools are necessary for this step. Gently attach the ball stud to the end-fitting connector. Then, insert the straight end of the wire clip into the small hole on the side of the fitting. Next, rotate the curved section and clamp it around the neck of the fitting to hold it tightly in place. Repeat this process at the other end.

Regardless of the type of end fittings, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, always install the gas spring with the tube raised and closed. This is essential for effective lubrication and smooth operation. Second, make sure the gas spring is installed in the same position as the original unit. Finally, replace the gas springs one at a time.

Frequently asked questions