# 2005 MINI hatchback - door won't stay open **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** mini, cooper\ **Created:** [November 24, 2016, 6:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650 "2016-11-24T06:18:52Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 10\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![labritboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/45deac/32.png) [@labritboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/labritboy)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 6:18am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/1 "2016-11-24T06:18:52Z")
The hatch door of my hatchback, won’t stay open. It closes slowly. Bumped me on the noggin several times. Thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![Nevada\_545](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/nevada_545/32/41232_2.png) [@Nevada\_545](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Nevada_545)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 7:44am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/2 "2016-11-24T07:44:24Z")
Replace the back door supports, they are too weak to support the back door. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 2:08pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/3 "2016-11-24T14:08:50Z")
> [@Nevada\_545](#): > > Replace the back door supports, they are too weak to support the back door. +1 After 11 years, the seals in those little struts have dried out, and it is time to replace the struts. It is very possible that you can find aftermarket replacement struts that will be **_considerably_** cheaper than if you bought the parts from the Mini dealership. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 4:36pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/4 "2016-11-24T16:36:14Z")
+2 For many vehicles these are readily available at parts stores since it’s such a common problem. I replaced mine years back with a heavy duty set I found on the internet. They cost a wee bit more, but they’re worth every extra penny. ---
**Author:** ![labritboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/45deac/32.png) [@labritboy](https://community.cartalk.com/u/labritboy)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 6:48pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/5 "2016-11-24T18:48:19Z")
Thanks all, yes I found them cheap online (in a quick search). Are they easy to replace for someone who is no to mechanic savvy? ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 6:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/6 "2016-11-24T18:59:48Z")
> [@labritboy](#): > > Are they > easy to replace for someone who is no to mechanic savvy? Yup. Just take a close look with a good flashlight at the way yours are attached at the ends and work backwards. The new pair may even come with directions. ---
**Author:** ![VDCdriver](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/vdcdriver/32/30_2.png) [@VDCdriver](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VDCdriver)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 7:26pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/7 "2016-11-24T19:26:29Z")
> [@the\_same\_mountainbik](#): > > Yup. Just take a close look with a good flashlight at the way yours are attached at the ends and work backwards. The new pair may even come with directions. +1 Additionally, I would suggest that the OP figure out what he will use to support the lift gate/rear hatch during the repair process BEFORE beginning the repair. An old broom stick might be a good support, but it is important to determine the exact length that will be needed, and to cut it to that precise length before beginning the repair job. And, figure out exactly where you are going to place the support where it is unlikely to slip. Do NOT use the rear glass to support the weight of the lift gate/rear hatch. ---
**Author:** ![the\_same\_mountainbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c89c15/32.png) [@the\_same\_mountainbike](https://community.cartalk.com/u/the_same_mountainbike)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 9:16pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/8 "2016-11-24T21:16:06Z")
Good suggestion. I used a stick cut to the right length. ---
**Author:** ![VOLVO-V70](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/8e8cbc/32.png) [@VOLVO-V70](https://community.cartalk.com/u/VOLVO-V70)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2016, 9:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/9 "2016-11-24T21:17:26Z")
Google is your friend. You can find all kinds of videos showing strut replacement being done. ---
**Author:** ![Mustangman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mustangman/32/44130_2.png) [@Mustangman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mustangman)\ **Post date:** [November 25, 2016, 1:34pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/2005-mini-hatchback-door-wont-stay-open/96650/10 "2016-11-25T13:34:03Z")
A friend to hold the hatch is even better. He/she can wiggle the hatch when you are trying to snap the strut in place. Broomsticks can’t do that. 😉