The rear hatch door on my 2004 Prius will not open fully on its own, as it did originally. I open the hatch anticipating that it will go on its own to the full open position, but instead it stops before the last foot or so. More than once I have reached in to get an item and when I move away, I bump my head on the not-fully-open hatch. I haven't been able to find any information on how to lubricate the hatch strut. Is that possible, or do I need to replace the hatch struts? Thanks.
The hatch struts are actually otherwise known as gas springs - they have compressed gas inside which provides the lifting force - as they get old, some of the gas escapes past the seals - you need to replace them when they don't have enough force to open the hatch all the way. Haven't been there yet on the Prius; been there done that on my 97 Ford Explorer (hood and hatch)
The struts are available on line for less than $40 each (compared to over a $100 ea at the dealer). I don't have a source but do a search.
It might also help soften and swell the seals to prevent leakage. I used the same thing on my Alfa Romeo and it helped.
