How to remove the pneumatic strut

SOURCE: How to install rear hatch door struts on a 97Astrovan

in case you havent figured it out, or for the next person that needs help. . .

i needed to replace my rear window struts.
i stuck a flathead screw driver in each of the metal clips at each end of the strut and pryed them loose. the struts popped right off the mounts. i also unscrewed the rear speaker panel so i could remove the wire connecting the strut to the car (rear defroster?) and remove completely. i wanted to take the whole unit to the autoparts store and compare it to the new strut. when buying replacements, i noticed the new struts did not come with the electrical housing on the upper end, just a male thread. i was stumped because i couldnt get the housing off of the old strut . . .i didnt want to damage it trying.

i finally i got the nerve. all it took was a pair of channel locks (pliers). grip the rod tight enough to unscrew the housing from the rod. after breaking loose, it should come right off easily.

i realized after that i didnt need to open the speaker panel and disconnect the wire. i probably could have just unhooked the strut and unscrewed the housing (while the wire remained connected to the van), screwed the new strut back into the housing, and reattached the strut to the van.

installation is the opposite of removal. i also read on a few sites that its a good idea to replace them both at the same time.