How do you adjust the boot lid?

[zoricib]

Does anyone know how to adjust the boot lid? The gaps are uneven when the lid is closed and noticed the rear lights are rubbing against each other.  Tried adjusting the struts but haven't figured how to do it....they're nitro struts (brand) so assume not the original ones on the car.

Thanks

[PCM]

Not accident damage I hope?

[zoricib]

1 minute ago, PCM said:

Not accident damage I hope?

Nope. the boot still closes fine but it's just one those things that once you notice it will bug you :)

[PCM]

Is it old/new, HPI'ed etc.

Recent purchase?

Sounds slightly 'odd' to me.

[zoricib]

1 minute ago, PCM said:

Is it old/new, HPI'ed etc.

Recent purchase?

Sounds slightly 'odd' to me.

Purchased it a year ago from a forum member and done a check on it, not accidents etc. 

[drrn]

The pressure difference might be different between the 2 struts. I recently changed both of my struts and there weren't any gaps or rubbing with the lights, might be worth changing?

[Rabbers]

Sounds like the sort of problem that could be made worse if you are not absolutely sure of what you are doing. I would take the car to a specialist bodyshop and hear what they say before trying anything.    

[ColinBarber]

you need to adjust using the hinge bolts on the boot lid after first removing the trim. However be aware that the bolts fitted at the factory are centering ones and give you virtually no adjustment. If the boot is out of alignment then possibly the hinges are worn/bent.

You will need replacement bolts if you want to adjust the gaps.

 

Also make sure the striker hasn't moved and is pulling the boot across when it shuts.

[zoricib]

1 hour ago, drrn said:

The pressure difference might be different between the 2 struts. I recently changed both of my struts and there weren't any gaps or rubbing with the lights, might be worth changing?

The struts seem to be working as they should as there is some resistance when closing the lid and it lifts up with ease...

43 minutes ago, ColinBarber said:

you need to adjust using the hinge bolts on the boot lid after first removing the trim. However be aware that the bolts fitted at the factory are centering ones and give you virtually no adjustment. If the boot is out of alignment then possibly the hinges are worn/bent.

You will need replacement bolts if you want to adjust the gaps.

 

Also make sure the striker hasn't moved and is pulling the boot across then it shuts.

Thanks Colin, I'll give it a try. I'll start with the striker as it seems like the easiest fix of the two.

[WMeek]

Hi, I picked up a 2008 IS and the drivers side bootlid is slightly proud of the bodywork, when my wife first saw she wondered if the boot was open.

No accident damage from history nor what I can see on the panels.

I had a look where the U shaped hinge meets the bootlid but as you say they seem to be centreing bolts. Is there a part number for the replacement to allow adjustment, or would a standard 10mm bolt do the job? (Happen to know what length before I take the one of the bolts off to measure?)

Striker is the alternative, I see the 2 bolts, I've ordered a trim removal tool as getting the trim clips off without is a nightmare. To get the right side to sit lower would I move it slightly to the left?

[Neilo]

On 3/2/2023 at 3:11 PM, WMeek said:

Hi, I picked up a 2008 IS and the drivers side bootlid is slightly proud of the bodywork, when my wife first saw she wondered if the boot was open.

No accident damage from history nor what I can see on the panels.

I had a look where the U shaped hinge meets the bootlid but as you say they seem to be centreing bolts. Is there a part number for the replacement to allow adjustment, or would a standard 10mm bolt do the job? (Happen to know what length before I take the one of the bolts off to measure?)

Striker is the alternative, I see the 2 bolts, I've ordered a trim removal tool as getting the trim clips off without is a nightmare. To get the right side to sit lower would I move it slightly to the left?

First thing I'd check is the gas struts, is the drivers side one longer than the passenger side? Some like to fit a more powerful strut (which can be a bit longer) to make the boot raise automatically when you press to unlock...I only know because I've just been watching youtube videos about it and considered doing the mod myself - anyway if it has been modded like this it can cause the boot lid to be proud 🙂   

[RadicalCoupe-Fuji]

well...in the factory they just yank on it or smack the striker with a hammer to adjust the gaps.

[WMeek]

Thanks for responses!

On 3/3/2023 at 11:07 PM, Neilo said:

First thing I'd check is the gas struts, is the drivers side one longer than the passenger side? Some like to fit a more powerful strut (which can be a bit longer) to make the boot raise automatically when you press to unlock...I only know because I've just been watching youtube videos about it and considered doing the mod myself - anyway if it has been modded like this it can cause the boot lid to be proud 🙂   

 

I was confused and looked up youtube myself as I was picturing like a hatchback style struts, but alas - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e2zfzwM5Yg8

The struts hidden behind the trim, I'll have a look and see!

 

On 3/4/2023 at 8:04 PM, RadicalCoupe-Fuji said:

well...in the factory they just yank on it or smack the striker with a hammer to adjust the gaps.

I've tried pulling on the gooseneck U bracket, but doesn't do anything. I couldn't get at the striker but a trim tool has arrived so I can pull the trim panel off and get at it properly.