The Ford Expedition rear hatch can open two ways. You can open the entire hatch upward, or only the rear window. The rear window opens on two top hinges and remains open thanks to two hydraulic struts, located on the two sides of the window. Over time, the struts can slowly lose hydraulic fluid until there isn't enough left to support the weight of the window. When this happens, you'll need to replace the struts. Anyone who possesses some mechanical aptitude can change the rear window struts on a Ford Expedition in about 10 minutes.
Open the rear window and support it with the prop rod. If you don't have a prop rod, you can substitute a wooden rod, broom stick or other suitable replacement.
Slide the metal clip off the bottom end of the left prop rod using the tip of the pocket screwdriver. Pull the end of the strut off the support stud by hand.
Pull the top end of the strut off the other support stud by hand.
Push the top end of the new strut onto the support stud by hand. Push the bottom end onto the lower support stud by hand. Push the metal clip down into place by hand.
Repeat steps two through four on the right strut.
