850 tailgate won't stay open

My 1996 850 wagon tailgate recently started to close on its own when I open
it. The tailgate won't stay up but for a few seconds. Is this a common
problem and what is the usual culprit or solution?
Thanks.
Robert

 

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,

You could try moving to the Moon - where gravity's a bit less!<g>

Seriously, the gas struts which hold it up are shot - and need to be
replaced.

 

Now I am possibly going mad here, but I don't think my 850 has got struts on
the tailgate, not externally visible ones anyway???

 

You have to remove the trim panel's to see the tailgate shocks very easy to
replace just do one @ a time
Glenn

 

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,

You may very well be right! I've just been out to look at my V70, convinced
that I'd find struts - and they're not where I expected to see them!!

Seems as if there's some sort of spring/conterbalance arrangement
incorporated into the hinges, and hidden under the roof lining.

FIVE MINUTES LATER

Right - now I think we're getting there. I've just had a look in my Haynes
Manual (since all else failed!) and apparently there *are* some struts - but
you have to remove the rear headlining to get at them. I assume that the 850
Estate (Wagon if you insist!) will be the same in this respect.

Sorry for the earlier confusion.

 

The tailgate won't stay up but for a few

My 240 wagon had that problem and it was one of the skinny shock asborber
looking things that supports the tailgate. It was only one side that was bad
but it was enough not to stay open.
Rojo