Replacing bed gas strut

[ARD]

One of my gas struts came off the ball and when I put it back on the bed could not be lowered, so I assumed it seized and purchased another one. Installed new one and the bed won't come down. Are they meant to be replaced in pairs? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Neal]

I have a hunch it's not bad. I sometimes lift the bed too hard and pull it out of the wood and on this trip I had one I pulled off the ball. I just put it back on the ball and it works fine. I think if you just verify it's installed correctly and gently push down see what happens. I would think they are very reliable.

Edit: Be careful but you could try pulling one off the ball at a time to see if it's one shock that's bad. Just don't let the bed come down on you unexpectedly.

 

[Neal]

Also make sure there is nothing below the strut as it comes down. It needs to have clearance to collapse down its path. I've had stuff get in the way before and that will stop it.

 

[ARD]

I think if you just verify it's installed correctly and gently push down see what happens. I would think they are very reliable.

I installed correctly and nothing blocking; however, I paid more attention to the side of the strut that came off the ball and I noticed the forward metal plate seems to be curving off of the wood and that ball might be a little crooked. Could that cause it not to lower? I don't suppose bashing it down with my mallet would be a good idea, huh?