Silicone spray might creep down the shaft and smooth things out.

 

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2013 TOYOTA RAV4 2.5L L4 Lift Support | RockAuto

 

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2013 TOYOTA RAV4 2.5L L4 Lift Support | RockAuto

There is only one strut that is electric and it is $324.79...

 

You can take the spring clip off with a flat screwdriver and then pop the strut off with a bit of force. It is a ball and socket joint.

Buy yourself a tube of this (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lucas-Oil-..._hKXK1a69SKq0AARlVoULrH4GGwFo0a4xAatSgJxbn4Sy-zr7XMyBoCNoUQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)

Lubricate the ball and pop her back on. This works better than the lithium grease spray.

Make sure you support the hatch with a broom handle or piece of wood.

If this doesn't work, replace with some Stabilus brand lift supports/struts. Should be around $40 shipped.

 

I think it's the strut itself that is making the noise, not the ball and socket that attaches the strut to the hatch/body. Is that the joint you were talking about?

 

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the feedback. I was just seeing if someone knew of a way I could prolong their life. I lubed what I could and now I just let it ride until they fail... (hopefully never!)

 

If they do ever completely fail, you may be able to do a manual strut swap like this guy did on his Highlander.

 

I was going to suggest this. Just put manual struts in.

 

From what I've been reading, the latch is electric and a separate function from the struts. The comments I've been reading pointed out that there's no handle to unlatch the rear hatch. However, this is a GREAT video and it clearly demonstrates that when you push the open button, the latch unlocks and all ya do is lift up. I've a history of lifting rear gates open on 3 JEEPS, 1 Caravan, and a 4Runner. I just would like to know how to lube up the power struts.