855/V70 tailgate gas strut replacement

You'll need a helper to support the tailgate. 1. Open round plastic covers from the interior light panel edges and T25 Torx screws. 2. Open T25 Torx screws next to the storage hooks. 3. Carefully pry the interior light panel out, disconnect the interior light connector. 4. Pry the side upper panels out — removing the "bulb replacement hatches" first helps. 5. Use a chisel to carefully pry out the old gas struts. Your helper should hold the hatch so the strut isn't under tension. 6. Install new gas struts — grease the cup areas. Motonetin struts have socket locks.

No — you don't need to remove the center plastic panel around the tailgate light. The side panels come out easily and go back in without it.