CRV Lift Support Replacement

Replacement of the gas-charged shocks (pneumatic) lift supports on our 1998 Honda CRV.
The original parts are metric, it is most likely that your replacement will US Customary.

Remove old lift support from window side and body side using a 12mm metric wrench or adjustable wrench.

Be careful not to damage the plastic nut assembly which penetrates the glass on the window side.  You will need to re-use them as they are not included with the new part.

The ball joint and washer in my original lift supports cannot be removed from the old part.  New ones are included in the new lift support package.  In the end, I required the use of an additional washer for each glass attachment side of the lift support.

Use a small flat head screwdriver (or precision screwdriver) to loosen the clip band around the lift support head on the new part so that the new ball joint can be inserted.

Push the clip band back into place once the joint is inserted.

New lift support with new ball joint and washer inserted.

Using a 7/16in wrench, attach the body side of the new lift first.

Hand screw the lift support into the glass side.  The rear window will most likely need to be pushed up all the way for the threads to match properly.  This is the most difficult part.  I had to add an additional washer under the included washer so the lift support nut would be flush with the window assembly.

You may have to hold the plastic nut in place while tightening the nut from the lift support.

Once the lift support(s) are tight and in place, operate the window (open and close it a couple of times).  Check the plastic nut assembly on both sides of the glass to ensure that it is flush with the window and appears to make a proper seal.

Any gaps can be closed up by further tightening the lift support nut underneath.  (This is why I needed an extra washer).