I need to replace my hatch supports. It looks like I need to take off the sail panels, and take the trim off the under side of the hatch to get the back parts off, or can I get away with out taking that stuff off? Also is there any special tools needed for the job? Thanks.

 

i just did it last week and with the right tool it is pretty easy. you need a torx bit i think it is the 45 or 50 if i remember right. I didnt take off any panels just pulled them back a little bit and used the other hand to turn the wrench. it would have been much easier if i had someone else to help me hold the hatch and the panels.
once you unhook the rear panel and the one in the back seat just peal the sides away and get the wrench in there.

hope this makes sense. it is pretty easy once you get in there and look at it

 

So basically I just need to take part of it off, not the whole thing.

 

yeajh you only need to unhook the parts where the two panels connect and then peel them back

 

A bit of advice, support the hatch or you will have couple hundred pounds of hatch coming down on you.

 

Miles-, thanks for the help, and 87DJP2001 thats very good advise, proabaly get this done tomorrow.

 

no problem good luck, just make sure to use a torx bit. i tried to be cheap in the beginning and use an allen wrench since i didnt own torx bits. after i finally deciced to buy them, i realized i could have done this in under an hour