Boot Struts

Paul, I went for the ones @DuncanA2 bought and they work fine, although if I ordered again I'd probably go to 500N even though these are a little more powerful already than the 370N originals:
 
Paul, I went for the ones @DuncanA2 bought and they work fine, although if I ordered again I'd probably go to 500N even though these are a little more powerful already than the 370N originals:
Thanks, much appreciated. I suppose I could order a set of either to see what suits which car. The 1.6 is used as a run around the 1.4 we intend on keeping so could put the best option in that. Will be ordering in a couple of weeks, still working through my to do list etc?
 
The 1.6 has a larger and therefore heavier boot spoiler in case you’re not aware - so I would go for 500N for that for sure
 
Crikey, just as well I spoke to you, this forum is priceless. Thank you very much.
Just checked the dimensions and indeed the fsi has a larger spoiler, you would not know with a cursory glance. Not sure if there is much difference in weight.
 
The 1.6 has a larger and therefore heavier boot spoiler in case you’re not aware - so I would go for 500N for that for sure

Not sure if there is much difference in weight.

I don't think there'll be much difference either - unless water is getting in under the seal between it and the back window - it's hollow inside and so the larger one would hold more water! (Until you drill holes in the underside at the ends next to the glass to let it out). But even with water in, it's not much compared to the weight of the boot itself - ask anyone who's replaced their struts, it's not exactly a light panel :oops:
 
I am looking for first hand experince with Stabilus struts for Audi A2, so model 024335:
I have two questions:
- are they the same size as the factory struts 8Z0827552B?
- how long do you have them and do they work ok?

I have read the experience from DuncanA2, when he replaced them with more forcefull (500Nm vs 370Nm) aluminium struts from Passat B5 and was leaning towards that solution, but I am a little worried that this could lead to some possible problems with the attachment points due to higher force. I have read about the problems when fitting the springs for auto opening of the boot.
Do I worry to much? I would like to have more easily opened boot (more force) and also aluminium colour since the factory struts are in that colour.
 
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I am looking for first hand experince with Stabilus struts for Audi A2, so model 024335:
I have two questions:
- are they the same size as the factory struts 8Z0827552B?
- how long do you have them and do they work ok?

I have read the experience from DuncanA2, when he replaced them with more forcefull (500Nm vs 370Nm) aluminium struts from Passat B5 and was leaning towards that solution, but I am a little worried that this could lead to some possible problems with the attachment points due to higher force. I have read about the problems when fitting the springs for auto opening of the boot.
Do I woory to much? I would like to have more easily opened boot (more force) and also aluminium colour since the factory struts are in that colour.
I’ve replaced the originals with the 024335 Stabilus on both my A2s.

It’s strange, but I’m sure I have some variance in quality, Audrey’s boot lid lifts up really keenly from a few inches onwards, yet on Akoya the effect seems less keen, although in both cases they look and work great.

I wouldn’t hesistate to go for the 500NM ones as long as they have the same damping effect at the end of their travel like these ones do.
 
Thx for your feedback. Damping effect is the same as visible from DuncanA2's video :).
Do you remember if they were exact same size as factory struts or a little shorter?
 
Thx. I have remembered that I can check the lenght from technical details page and it looks that struts for A2 (370Nm) are 513mm long with 200mm stroke, while Passats (500Nm) and Audi A3 (430Nm) are 500mm long with 205mm stroke.
So I have checked other manufacturers of struts for Audi A2 and majority have the lenght of 500mm, while Febi's are 518mm long. So some deviation looks like is acceptable.
I will need to think about this...
 
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Yesterday I have replaced the struts with Stabilus struts for Audi A3 8L with eject force 420N. These struts are cca. 1cm shorter than the Audi A2 struts, so the effect is that the tailgate opens cca. 5cm less than with longer A2 struts. You can see this in the video (jump to 6min, 27seconds):
Next time I will go back to the longer Audi A2 struts. I am satisfied with the force, tailgate opens easily and nicely, but I would prefer the factory height opening.

A little info that I have gathered along the way, maybe it will be of help to someone (data are for Audi A2, MY2000).
Audi strut part nr.: 8Z0827552B (eject force 370N, silver colour)
Audi A2 strut (370N eject force, length 513mm, black colour): STABILUS 024335
Audi A3 8L strut (420N eject force, length 500mm, black colour): STABILUS 8413HV
VW Passat B5 strut (500N eject force, length 500mm, black colour): STABILUS 7628LW
VW Passat B5 strut (500N eject force, length 500mm, silver colour): STABILUS 6539NS
 
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I'm in a similar position as I am also looking to replace the boot struts on our car as the tailgate is gradually becoming less aided and so heavier to lift.

I really would like to buy genuine original struts which I don't believe are available anymore but I certainly won't be fitting anything longer than the original size as i fear this could overstretch the hinges and cause fatigue or damage to the aluminium structure ?
 
The fitted struts are slightly shorter so there should not be any problem from this point. I just thought that sligtly more eject force would mean easier opening of the boot, but I have overlooked that the shorter strut means the boot will open a few cm lower. Nothing critical, but as I said, I would go for the factory alternative. STABILUS 024335 should be the same lenght as the factory struts and should work perfect. Cost: 20 EUR for both :).
 
Yesterday I have replaced the struts with Stabilus struts for Audi A3 8L with eject force 420N. These struts are cca. 1cm shorter than the Audi A2 struts, so the effect is that the tailgate opens cca. 5cm less than with longer A2 struts. You can see this in the video (jump to 6min, 27seconds):
Next time I will go back to the longer Audi A2 struts. I am satisfied with the force, tailgate opens easily and nicely, but I would prefer the factory height opening.

A little info that I have gathered along the way, maybe it will be of help to someone (data are for Audi A2, MY2000).
Audi strut part nr.: 8Z0827552B (eject force 370N, silver colour)
Audi A2 strut (370N eject force, lenght 513mm, black colour): STABILUS 024335
Audi A3 8L strut (420N eject force, lenght 500mm, black colour): STABILUS 8413HV
VW Passat B5 strut (500N eject force, lenght 500mm, black colour): STABILUS 7628LW
VW Passat B5 strut (500N eject force, lenght 500mm, silver colour): STABILUS 6539NS
Always nice to see such a well kept, original car ?
 
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The fitted struts are slightly shorter so there should not be any problem from this point. I just thought that sligtly more eject force would mean easier opening of the boot, but I have overlooked that the shorter strut means the boot will open a few cm lower. Nothing critical, but as I said, I would go for the factory alternative. STABILUS 024335 should be the same lenght as the factory struts and should work perfect. Cost: 20 EUR for both :).
Yes, I meant I wouldn't use the Febi 518mm one's you mentioned which although only 5mm longer would mean the tailgate would open higher which wouldn't be good.

Better lower than higher ?
 
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