2020+ SEAT Strut issues - a different solution!

[PW2013STL]

The driver seat strut weakens over time and on my 2020 would not stay up making filling the gas tank harder. I ordered a different strut from McMaster Carr that is stronger. Works well except the strut being longer the seat arm catches the side body plastic. Doesn't hurt anything, but I don't like it.
When my wife's 2021 seat started to not always stay up I looked for a different solution. I found a spring at Ace Hardware that works great giving the stock strut the needed help to stay up.

[Don60]

Great idea! I like the fact that you can just remove upper bolt and slide the spring onto strut!

[PW2013STL]

Great idea! I like the fact that you can just remove upper bolt and slide the spring onto strut!

There is a groove in the strut body that the spring snaps into. As you say remove the top screw and slide the spring down until it locks into place.

[Navydad]

Very nice

[FrogmanDave]

Very nice solution. I'm not sure I can spring (see what I did there) for the $3.99 though

[PW2013STL]

Very nice solution. I'm not sure I can spring (see what I did there) for the $3.99 though

But you get two for that price!

[bikerbillone]

Nicely done. Kudos.

[Don60]

Completed the spring install today, about 15 minutes and works great!
Not willing to wait for dealer appointment, travel 200+ miles, they inspect and order parts and then I get to either leave bike for weeks while parts come in or ride another 200+ miles and hope they can replace while I wait! This will work great for now, and if in the future the bike is in for other needed repairs, they can replace the seat shock! Sorry, ranting…

[KAMJAM]

Perfect, thank you for a simple and inexpensive fix to a known issue.

Ken on Camano

[Quickdraw]

Great idea! My seat doesn't stay up due to the sheepskin seat cover. On the way home from work I'm going to pick up that spring. Holding that seat up to fill up is a pain. Thanks.

[Adventurer]

Thanks for letting us know about this fix. I ordered this spring and have it laying here on the counter waiting for me to install in the next few days.

[GrandpaPete]

Nice job Les!!!!

[ollicat]

The driver seat strut weakens over time and on my 2020 would not stay up making filling the gas tank harder. I ordered a different strut from McMaster Carr that is stronger. Works well except the strut being longer the seat arm catches the side body plastic. Doesn't hurt anything, but I don't like it.
When my wife's 2021 seat started to not always stay up I looked for a different solution. I found a spring at Ace Hardware that works great giving the stock strut the needed help to stay up.

I looked up that part number and it has multiple dimensions. Is this the 4" x 7/8" version of the spring?

[K80Shooter]

I looked up that part number and it has multiple dimensions. Is this the 4" x 7/8" version of the spring?

Yes. https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Pr...008RG80Y2?th=1

If you click on any of the others the part number changes.

[retdpd]

The driver seat strut weakens over time and on my 2020 would not stay up making filling the gas tank harder. I ordered a different strut from McMaster Carr that is stronger. Works well except the strut being longer the seat arm catches the side body plastic. Doesn't hurt anything, but I don't like it.
When my wife's 2021 seat started to not always stay up I looked for a different solution. I found a spring at Ace Hardware that works great giving the stock strut the needed help to stay up.

THANK YOU very helpful

[SLICE]

8 ace hardware stores in a 25 mile radius and not one have that spring

[DGoebel]

Amazon has it at the link in the thread above.

[ollicat]

OK, I bought that exact spring and installed it. No bueno. The spring pushes the strut back off of the seat. It wedges between the seat arm and the strut and causes separation as I open the seat. I guess I have to go back to the dealer and have them replace the strut

[bikerbillone]

Thanks, saved me a purchase. I can live with out it anyway or find a simple prop.

[PW2013STL]

OK, I bought that exact spring and installed it. No bueno. The spring pushes the strut back off of the seat. It wedges between the seat arm and the strut and causes separation as I open the seat. I guess I have to go back to the dealer and have them replace the strut

Interesting as I have not experienced that on either the 2020 or 2021 RT.

[Valkrocket]

Installed the spring yesterday. This fix works. You gotta be patient when installing by pushing down on the spring, while aligning the screw, holding the screwdriver and adjusting the seat all at the same time. Finally, broke down and asked the wife for a third hand. That worked........ but now I owe her.

[al0vely]

Yes. https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-Pr...008RG80Y2?th=1

If you click on any of the others the part number changes.

I purchased this spring and installed it today - works great even with my sheepskin. I had also purchased the strut which I saw on SL from McMaster after ordering the spring and no longer need it. I will list it for sale soon if anyone is interested as we did the easier fix by adding the spring. I was hoping the 2nd spring would work for the trunk but it didn’t do anything so I’ll go with a different solution for that.

Mod Edit: There's a new thread for Trunk Strut issues - a new solution: https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/...a-new-solution

[Peteoz]

I purchased this spring and installed it today - works great even with my sheepskin. I had also purchased the strut which I saw on SL from McMaster after ordering the spring and no longer need it. I will list it for sale soon if anyone is interested as we did the easier fix by adding the spring. I was hoping the 2nd spring would work for the trunk but it didn’t do anything so I’ll go with a different solution for that.

What a great, easy fix, Al. I would look at doing it, but the bonus of using a manual rod, in both getting more access space to the fuel cap for filling, along with the ability to cable tie the seat locking catch out of the way so that there is no need to run an emergency cable in case of key or mechanism malfunction, has proved to be a winner for me.

I might just buy one of these springs to keep for the next owner though, in case they prefer the auto raise option

Pete

[ETEX]

I concur,
the seat gas shock is garbage, 2nd one was toast after a month. Ace Hdwe is in next town but I'll head there soon.
Good tip . . .

[cptjam]

Nice! I love your solutions! See you soon! Joe