Audi A6 2.5 tdi tailgate

[willythecat]

Why is it that when something goes wrong it's never that simple?
The tailgate on my Audi has just decided to give up staying open (l didn't realise how heavy it actually is).
Apart from the two fixed hinge brackets, am l right in assuming that what holds it up are the two shocks? There seems to be no pressure in them so l'm assuming that these need replacing?
Was on my own but decided to take one of them off (now that was a stupid move!). They seemed pretty straight forward, unscrewing each end in turn, but putting them back took me ages. Holding up a ton weight of a tailgate whilst screwing the shock back in was no easy matter! Breakers in France are few and far between (unlike the UK) and l'm reluctant to pay Audi for brand new ones.
Any confirmation greatly appreciated on these.
Thanks

[NickPicks]

It'll be the gas struts. You'll probably find it easier to lift / stay open when it's warm.

Ho much do Audi want for new ones? I wouldn't expect them to be that expensive.

[kite]

prop the tailgate open with a piece of wood while working on the struts.
have a look o Ebay.

[kite]

this any good


http://www.strutsdirect.co.uk/compon...hp?cPath=89_91

[willythecat]

Thanks Kite and NickPicks, your replies are really appreciated.
Must admit that l haven't been into Audi yet, but hey, from the website posted, they're not as expensive as l thought (well that's a first!)
Must get it fixed as it's a real chore having to hold up the tailgate every time.
l won't even go into all the other problems with this damn car suffice to say that the onboard computer screen is cracked, so a complete new instrument console is required, the front disks are reportedly wearing down but l may get away with new brake pads, the steering whines when turning which entails another kind of motor to be installed.
Anyway, Audi say they can fix it all for the princely sum of €2400 (and that's not including blimmin' labour. l think not!
But hey, all this may be in another future thread.
Just the struts for now me thinks!
Regards