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Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: valentino on 12 February 2026, 09:30

Title: Bonnet Strut
Post by: valentino on 12 February 2026, 09:30
Just wondered if anyone has fitted a bonnet gas strut to the 8.5?
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: JoeGTI on 12 February 2026, 09:41
Just wondered if anyone has fitted a bonnet gas strut to the 8.5?

Yep! I got the RacingLine one for my MK8 5 years ago and I moved it to my 8.5 when I changed last year.
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: CrunchtheApple78 on 12 February 2026, 10:05
Oooh, good shout. Is it easy to change? I think it’s such a dangerous thing not to have a gas strut. The risk of broken hands/wrists is too high.

I’m waiting for my new CS at the moment, so will order one if they are an easy DIY’er fit.
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: JoeGTI on 12 February 2026, 10:16
Oooh, good shout. Is it easy to change? I think it’s such a dangerous thing not to have a gas strut. The risk of broken hands/wrists is too high.

I’m waiting for my new CS at the moment, so will order one if they are an easy DIY’er fit.

Very simple DIY job. 5 minutes.

You undo this one bolt on the bonnet itself and replace it with a bolt that's included with the strut. The other end of the strut slots into a slot on the chassis that is still there for that exact reason, despite the lack of said strut.

(https://i.postimg.cc/Qxjn2RMm/Whats-App-Image-2026-02-12-at-10-14-26.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Sjtr81CY)



(https://i.postimg.cc/hv2bWZCw/Whats-App-Image-2026-02-12-at-10-14-26-(1).jpg) (https://postimg.cc/dZTTG6cm)
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: valentino on 12 February 2026, 10:34
Thanks for that Joe. Does it clear all the vulnerable bits in the engine bay? I read that some brands of gas strut can cause rubbing issues
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: JoeGTI on 12 February 2026, 10:37
Thanks for that Joe. Does it clear all the vulnerable bits in the engine bay? I read that some brands of gas strut can cause rubbing issues

Oh yeah, so the rubber hose from the coolant reservoir may rub on it when the bonnet is closed. Easily solved by loosening the clamp on that hose (with a pliers) and turning the hose to the right, about 45 degrees, so it'll no longer foul the strut.
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: valentino on 12 February 2026, 10:44
Thanks Joe
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: CrunchtheApple78 on 12 February 2026, 10:57
Great info, thank you.  :grin: Ordered!
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: valentino on 12 February 2026, 14:06
ORDERED
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: Beebopper on 13 February 2026, 21:05
It’s a worthy mod, not very expensive either. Racingline provides detailed instructions, it’s simple and takes 5-10mins, just make sure you adjust the coolant hose as detailed to avoid running (as Joe says).
(https://i.postimg.cc/SKct1T1K/IMG-4110.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bGNTsThX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/3w2bfSfy/IMG-4111.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sBDcvcry)

(https://i.postimg.cc/Xv9D1H1y/IMG-4112.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/wtTV7Vp6)

(https://i.postimg.cc/zB52sC4z/IMG-4113.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/1gCK6q92)
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: Mikeyd1 on 13 February 2026, 21:30
Looks good just ordered mine .
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: valentino on 14 February 2026, 09:36
Thanks all. Ordered on Thursday, delivered on Friday----Just got to wait for the car now
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: Buster 1234 on 03 March 2026, 07:50
The gas strut was deleted as a pedestrian collision safety measure. Not sure how it works precisely, but if you do injure a pedestrian and the car is found to have a gas strut fitted you could be liable for any injuries and your insurance could be void due to you having overridden a safety measure, and not having informed your insurers of the (illegal?) modification. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! :cry: :cry:
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: Carlosfandango on 03 March 2026, 22:04
The gas strut was deleted as a pedestrian collision safety measure. Not sure how it works precisely, but if you do injure a pedestrian and the car is found to have a gas strut fitted you could be liable for any injuries and your insurance could be void due to you having overridden a safety measure, and not having informed your insurers of the (illegal?) modification. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED! :cry: :cry:

Nope! That’s BS, the A3 still has the strut (in the same location) as do other Audis and Skodas.
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: P6GTD on 03 March 2026, 22:17
As a (now retired) insurance professional, I can state that no motor insurer will ever decline to pay a third party personal injury claim, regardless of modification or non-disclosure.
Title: Re: Bonnet Strut
Post by: Rhoderunner on 04 March 2026, 10:57
Just fitted mine, no instructions included  :angry: but thanks to you guys I have managed to fit it and very pleased with the results. For some reason I can't attach images, some type of system error :embarrassed: