My guess would be that on Hatches with Window Wipers, the Wiper Motor may

add more weight to 1 side ~

> On 21 Sep , 2021, at 6:16 PM, David McNeely <davmcneely40@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I replaced the struts soon after I got the van in 2008.  The old ones had
> just gotten tired, and would not hold the hatch up.  I just got whatever
> was available at some place like NAPA.  They came left and right.  I could
> not tell one from the other, so I asked.  The answer I got was that no one
> really knew, but that if I put them wrong, the hatch could tell!  I later
> learned that it was that one was more resistant than the other, but at the
> time I still didn't understand the reason.  Maybe I still don't.  If the
> originals were too strong, why not make both sides just a tad weaker rather
> than one side more so?  Also, why would it matter which side was stronger?
> Or maybe, and I just don't remember this, do they have different fasteners
> on the two sides, Dennis?  Still going strong on those 13 yo FLAPS struts.
> mcneely
> 
> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:06 PM Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
> 
>> At some point the factory supplied different struts for each side with the
>> combined operation being to hold the hatch in most any position. Some folks
>> can't reac it whe all the way up and also full extension is a problem in
>> some garages. As for them failing frequently they don’t like winter, fast
>> operation, slamming into the end stops, and being touched or pulled from
>> the side. Personally, I miss the old reliable torsion springs used on the
>> bay window hatches.
>> 
>> Dennis
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Dan
>> Lamb
>> Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 2:51 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Rear hatch
>> 
>> It sounds like the hinges are still  binding. Might try loosening hinge
>> bolts slightly either at the door jamb or on the door itself and see if a
>> very small nudge will allow the hinges to move more freely. Also check the
>> gap all around. Could be it got dropped or pushed down hard with something
>> in a corner that left it with a slight warp or twist. If you see a
>> difference, put a 2x4 in the opposite corner and push down gently to try to
>> straighten it.
>> Could remove the struts and rule them out as part of the problem. Yeah,
>> door is heavy. Maybe get someone to help. Good luck. At least it works.
>> Haha Dan Country Homes Camper, the Huckleberry Sky
>> 
>>> On Sep 21, 2021, at 1:31 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi Dan,
>>> 
>>> I recommend trying new struts.  You can always have a spare ready if
>> that isn’t it.
>>> 
>>> Or, try struts from one of your other vans and see if it is healthy
>> again.
>>> 
>>> Eric Caron
>>> 85 GL Auto
>>> Changed struts from GW in 2014 and still good.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> On Sep 21, 2021, at 2:23 PM, Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>>>> 
>>>> Thank you all.
>>>> 
>>>> I will try some struts combinations.
>>>> 
>>>> The thing is ... the hatch does not go down if I stop pushing it, it
>>>> stays, so I am safe here. It doesn't go up as easily as on my other
>>>> vans and pulling it to close requires as much effort to push it to open.
>>>> 
>>>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 11:14 AM David Beierl <dbeierl@gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>>> On Tue, Sep 21, 2021 at 2:11 PM Gil Ngai <gil@dayonemedia.ca> wrote:
>>>>> 
>>>>>> How do you tell which are the strong struts when buying them?
>>>>>> Do you know where to get them?
>>>>>> 
>>>>> 
>>>>> If I once knew which was which I've forgotten.  But Bus Depot can
>>>>> tell you I'm pretty sure.
>>>>> 
>>>>> Yrs,
>>>>> d
>>>>> 
>>