Nissan Repair: 95 Maxima hood struts, sideways motion, awl

Question
I am trying to replace mine.  How do you remove the original struts?  I see no clips to release the strut from the ball stud.

Answer
The clips are black and wrap around the strut where the ball is contained.  You should be able to pry the ball out wiht a sideways motion.  Of not just get a small screwdriver or awl and pry the metal clip down.  Look close as the clips blend in with the strut.