Roof gas strut replacement

[Tony x]

Hello,
I'm looking at replacing the roof gas struts - the main ones, not the ones for the inner roof.
I notice some Bongos roofs go up further than others (the later models)
Do both use the same struts or is their a type for each version?

Any other tips welcome.

[Simon Jones]

Can't say categorically, but I would expect the later ones to use a longer strut which therefore may not suit earlier roof. SGS are the company most people go to for re-gassing & generally the results are good.

[Tony x]

Cheers Simon.

[Mark.T]

As mentioned by Simon:
http://www.sgs-engineering.com/car-boot ... azda/bongo

[Colin H F]

forgive me if this is stupid but surely the roof tent limits how far your roof will raise or are we saying its not lifting as far as it ought ?

[roosmith]

forgive me if this is stupid but surely the roof tent limits how far your roof will raise or are we saying its not lifting as far as it ought ?

The design of the later models means they lift further (or less far, I can't remember which way round it is). I'm not sure if it is the design of the mechanism or the tent itself.

[Mark.T]

http://www.sgs-engineering.com/car-boot ... roof-strut

.. suggests that there's no difference in gas strut anyway ..

[Simon Jones]

According to LushProjects, there is a slight difference in part numbers between 1995 and 2001 models but that doesn't mean the parts are not interchangable. If new ones are only £30 each it's well worth buying new rather than getting 2nd handor having old ones re-gassed.

[Tony x]

For info.
Roof struts arrived from SGS today.
I went to fit them and they are too short for our X reg Bongo.
I spoke to SGS giving the the dimensions of the ones fitted (988 mm fitting centre to fitting centre and piston rod length excluding fitting of 375 mm if you want to know - this is with the strut off the Bongo, not in situ')
SGS tell me they will make some up.

[Mark.T]

Thanks for the follow-up. Hopefully we'll see their new strut on their web site soon.

Cheers.

[cmm303]

Do we reckon that the strut listed by SGS is good for an older (P reg) bongo then? I am thinking of replacing mine as after regreasing and checking motors my roof goes up oh so slowly never to top out, but comes down like a lead balloon. Incidentally, if I unzip the tent inner and mesh, the roof tops out every time.

Are the struts still under a lot of force with the roof up, making them tricky to remove?

[Tony x]

Are the struts still under a lot of force with the roof up, making them tricky to remove?

The longer ones on our Bongo extend by about 2 cms when removed which doesn't sound much but they do it with a lot of force.
You'll need a jig to support them and to install the new ones.
I'll put photos on this post of what I mean although I'm not sure when they'll arrive given SGS are making them up and I've got a lot on at the moment so it may be a couple of weeks before I get the time.
It's nothing too complicated though.

[cmm303]

Are the struts still under a lot of force with the roof up, making them tricky to remove?

The longer ones on our Bongo extend by about 2 cms when removed which doesn't sound much but they do it with a lot of force.
You'll need a jig to support them and to install the new ones.
I'll put photos on this post of what I mean although I'm not sure when they'll arrive given SGS are making them up and I've got a lot on at the moment so it may be a couple of weeks before I get the time.
It's nothing too complicated though.

Yes please. I also have to replace the struts on SWMBO's tailgate.

[hijimhere]

I have a use for a couple of struts for a trailer lid - so if anyone does renew and there a small amount of life that could hold a light (roof box lid) up fpr loading & unloading I will trade for hard cash on receipt of said only just working struts!

[Tony x]

cmm303-
Just to let you know I haven't forgotten about your question.
However, I haven't managed to get struts as I'd hoped yet. If I do, I will post as promised.