Ford EcoSport
Tailgate Strut Replacement Guide
How to change a weak or faulty tailgate
support strut on a 2nd generation 2013 to 2021 Ford EcoSport.
 2020 EcoSport Tailgate |
 Door Support Strut |
 Gently Pry Off Strut |
| This automotive
maintenance tutorial was specifically written to assist owners of the second
generation 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 Ford
EcoSport compact SUV in changing a weak, failing or faulty support strut
(gas charged shock) for the tailgate door to the cargo area. Owners of other Ford or Lincoln vehicles such as the Fiesta, B-Max, Escape, Edge, Bronco Sport, Explorer, Expedition, Transit, Focus, Mondeo, S-Max, Puma, Kuga, Endura, Everest, Ka, Figo, Endeavour, Aviator, Corsair, Nautilus and Navigator may also find these DIY instructions to be helpful. The OEM (original equipment manufacturer) tailgate support strut part number is Ford GN15-N400A12-AB (S552E 099453 0170N 287/19 BA50). The tools needed to complete this procedure may include a pop rivet removal tool, needle nose pliers and possibly also a rubber mallet.
If you live in a very cold climate, I recommend moving the car to a warm garage or use a space heater to warm up the area to prevent from having the plastic sockets on the new strut from breaking. Cold plastic can be very brittle and easy to break. The first step is to fully open the tailgate door. For safety, I recommend having an assistant hold the door open for you as you replace the strut. Use the pop rivet removal tool to very gently and carefully pop the end of the strut attached to the rear bumper cover straight off the metal ball mount. Avoid using excessive force. The socket on the strut should pop off relatively easily from the metal ball mount. |
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 Pry Off Outer Edge |
 Using Needle Nose Pliers |
 Metal Ball Mount |
| Repeat the process
to pry the rear of the strut off the ball mount attached to the underside of
the tailgate door. You may need to use needle nose pliers for more leverage. |
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 Plastic Ball Socket |
 OEM Part Removed |
 GN15-N400A12-AB |
| The OEM strut was
marked as part number GN15-N400A12-AB
(S552E 099453 0170N 287/19 BA50). Check the plastic ball sockets on the new strut to make sure there is some lubrication on them. If they appear to be dry, apply a small amount of grease to the sockets and metal ball mounts for easier installation and quiet operation. |
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 Pop On Outer Edge |
 Line Up Inner Edge |
 Gently Secure Ball Socket |
| Orientate the new
strut with the gas charged shock body near the cargo area of the SUV and the
thinner metal rod situated by the tailgate door. Very carefully and gently pop the plastic socket over the metal ball mount by the cargo area. Try to avoid using excessive force to prevent from breaking the plastic tabs inside the socket. |
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 Tap With Rubber Mallet |
 Double Check - Secure |
 New Strut Installed |
| Attach the rear of
the strut to the ball mount on the underside of the tailgate door. You may need to use a rubber mallet to gently coax the socket over the ball mount. Make sure both ends of the new strut are securely attached. To test the new strut, slowly open and close the tailgate door a few times. If the new strut is working properly, the tailgate door should remain in the fully opened position by itself. Don't forget to write down the strut change in your SUV's service records. For more,
check out all of the
2013-2021 Ford EcoSport DIY Repair & Maintenance Guides. |
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Please proceed with caution and at your own risk.If you found this guide to be helpful,
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