Let’s be honest: car repairs can drain your wallet. A simple replacement of trunk lift supports (those parts that keep your trunk open) can cost $100–$200 at a mechanic shop—most of that is labor fees, not the parts themselves. The good news? You can replace trunk lift supports yourself in 15 minutes or less, with no special tools, no mechanical experience, and save big on repair costs. Today, we’re breaking down the step-by-step process, so even beginners can do it confidently.
First, let’s make sure you’re dealing with worn-out trunk lift supports—no need to replace parts that still work! If your trunk slams shut unexpectedly, won’t stay open on its own, feels heavy to lift, or makes a creaking noise when opening, it’s time to swap out those old supports. These issues aren’t just annoying—they’re a safety hazard (no one wants a trunk slamming on their hands or head!).
What You’ll Need (Keep It Simple!)
You don’t need a fancy toolbox for this DIY job. Here’s everything you’ll need, most of which you probably already have at home:
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New trunk lift supports (we recommend OUSIMY trunk lift supports—they’re direct OEM fit, durable, and affordable, so you get quality without overpaying)
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A flathead screwdriver (or a plastic pry tool, to avoid scratching your car’s paint)
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Work gloves (optional, but helpful to protect your hands from sharp edges)
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A helper (optional, but useful to hold the trunk open while you work—safety first!)
Step-by-Step Guide: Replace Trunk Lift Supports in 15 Minutes
We’re keeping this simple—no confusing jargon, just clear, easy-to-follow steps. Take your time, and you’ll be done before you know it.
Step 1: Secure the Trunk Safely
First, fully open your car trunk. Since your old lift supports are worn out, they won’t hold the trunk open on their own—so prop it up with a sturdy object (like a broomstick, a heavy box, or ask a helper to hold it open). Never work under an unsupported trunk—it could fall and injure you.
Step 2: Remove the Retaining Clips
Look at both ends of one of the old trunk lift supports—you’ll see small metal or plastic retaining clips that hold the support onto the mounting balls (the small round posts on the trunk and car body). Use your flathead screwdriver to gently pry these clips off. Be careful—they’re small, so don’t lose them (you’ll reuse them for the new supports).
Step 3: Detach the Old Lift Support
Once the clips are off, grasp the old lift support firmly and pull it straight off the mounting balls. Worn-out supports will feel loose and may even have a small amount of fluid leakage (that’s normal—they’re just worn out). Set the old support aside (you can recycle it later).
Step 4: Install the New Trunk Lift Support
Take your new OUSIMY trunk lift support and align the ends with the mounting balls (the same spots where you removed the old one). Push firmly on both ends until you hear a “click”—that means the support is locked into place. Then, reattach the retaining clips to both ends to make sure it’s secure (this prevents the support from popping off while you’re using the trunk).
Step 5: Repeat for the Second Support (Important!)
Trunk lift supports work in pairs—even if only one feels weak, you should replace both. This ensures balanced support, so your trunk opens smoothly and stays open reliably. Repeat Steps 2–4 for the second old support, then install the second new one.
Step 6: Test It Out
Remove the prop (or have your helper let go of the trunk) and test the trunk. It should open smoothly, stay open on its own without slamming shut, and feel lighter to lift. If it still feels heavy or won’t stay open, double-check that the new supports are properly attached (you should hear that “click” again if they’re locked in).
Pro Tips to Save Even More & Make It Last
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Always replace lift supports in pairs: As we mentioned, replacing one alone can cause uneven pressure, leading to premature wear on the new support. OUSIMY offers pair packs at a discount, so you save even more.
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Clean the mounting balls: Before installing the new supports, wipe the mounting balls with a clean cloth to remove dirt or rust—this helps the new supports stay secure and last longer.
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Don’t over-tighten: You don’t need to force the supports onto the mounting balls—they should click into place easily. Forcing them can damage the clips or the supports.
Why This DIY Is Worth It (The Numbers Don’t Lie)
Let’s do the math: A mechanic will charge $80–$150 in labor alone for this job, plus the cost of the parts (which can be $50–$100 for a pair). If you do it yourself, you only pay for the parts—OUSIMY trunk lift supports cost a fraction of that, and you keep the labor fees in your pocket. That’s a savings of $100–$200 per replacement!
Final Thoughts
Replacing trunk lift supports without a mechanic isn’t just for “car people”—it’s for anyone who wants to save money and feel confident doing simple car repairs. With this step-by-step guide, the right parts (OUSIMY has you covered), and 15 minutes of your time, you can fix your trunk and keep more cash in your wallet.
If your trunk is slamming shut or feeling heavy, don’t wait—grab a pair of OUSIMY trunk lift supports and get started today. You’ll be surprised how easy it is, and you’ll never pay a mechanic for this simple job again!