Trunk Hinge

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the trunk hinge assembly on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including disconnection of any integrated support struts and alignment verification during reinstallation.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Trunk hinge assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Trunk support strut (if equipped) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Open trunk lid fully and inspect hinge mechanism to identify fastener locations and strut attachment points
3. Clean the hinge mounting area to identify all fasteners and prevent debris from entering trunk cavity during removal
4. Have an assistant available or prepare a padded support stand to hold the trunk lid in open position during hinge removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the trunk lid
   Fully open the trunk lid. Position a padded floor jack, adjustable support stand, or have an assistant hold the trunk lid to prevent it from falling when the hinge is disconnected. Ensure the support is stable and will not slip during fastener removal.
2. 2

   Mark hinge alignment position
   Using a grease pencil or masking tape, mark the outline of the hinge where it mounts to both the trunk lid and the body. Mark all fastener positions clearly. These reference marks are critical for proper realignment during installation and will minimize the need for adjustment.
3. 3

   Disconnect trunk support strut (if equipped)
   If the trunk uses gas support struts attached to the hinge assembly, disconnect the strut from the hinge or trunk lid mounting point. Most struts use a clip or ball-socket connection that can be pried free with a small flat screwdriver. Note the orientation for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Access trunk hinge fasteners
   From inside the trunk, locate the hinge mounting fasteners. Locate the hinge mounting fasteners from the accessible interior side. Consult the OEM service manual to confirm exact fastener locations for this vehicle before removal. If trunk carpeting or trim panels obstruct access, carefully pull back or remove only the necessary sections to expose the fastener locations. Check for push-pin fasteners or clips securing any trim before pulling.
5. 5

   Remove hinge-to-body fasteners
   While supporting the trunk lid, remove the fasteners securing the hinge to the body. Confirm the exact bolt count against the OEM service manual for this vehicle before removal, as the number of hinge-to-body fasteners can vary. Keep the fasteners organized and note their locations if they vary in length. Do not remove the hinge-to-lid fasteners yet.
6. 6

   Remove hinge-to-lid fasteners
   With the body side of the hinge disconnected and the trunk lid still supported, remove the fasteners securing the hinge to the trunk lid itself. Confirm the exact number of hinge-to-lid fasteners against the OEM service manual for this vehicle before removal. Once these fasteners are removed, the hinge assembly will be free. Carefully remove the hinge and set it aside.
7. 7

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   With the hinge removed, inspect the mounting surfaces on both the trunk lid and body for damage, corrosion, or elongated bolt holes that would prevent proper alignment. Clean the mounting surfaces thoroughly. If replacing the hinge due to damage, verify the new hinge matches the original in all mounting dimensions before proceeding.
8. 8

   Position new or refurbished hinge
   Position the replacement or refurbished hinge assembly to the trunk lid mounting points first, aligning it with the reference marks made during disassembly. Start all fasteners by hand but do not fully tighten yet. Ensure the hinge moves freely through its range of motion before proceeding.
9. 9

   Install hinge-to-lid fasteners
   With the hinge positioned on the trunk lid and aligned to the reference marks, torque the hinge-to-lid fasteners to the OEM-specified value (verify exact torque in the factory service manual before tightening). Work in a cross-pattern if multiple fasteners are present to ensure even clamping force and prevent warping of the hinge mounting flange.
10. 10

    Align and install hinge-to-body fasteners
    With an assistant or support stand holding the trunk lid in the proper closed position, align the body-side hinge mounting points with the reference marks made during disassembly. Start all body-side fasteners by hand. Check trunk lid alignment with the body before final tightening. Once alignment is confirmed, torque the body-side hinge fasteners to the OEM-specified value (verify exact torque in the factory service manual before tightening).
11. 11

    Reconnect trunk support strut
    If the trunk uses gas support struts, reconnect the strut to the hinge or trunk lid mounting point in the orientation noted during removal. Ensure the clip or ball-socket connection is fully seated. Test the strut by slowly opening and closing the trunk to verify proper operation and adequate support force.
12. 12

    Verify trunk alignment and operation
    Remove any support stands and carefully open and close the trunk several times through its full range of motion. Check for smooth operation without binding or unusual noises. Verify the trunk lid sits flush with the body panels when closed and that the panel gaps are even on both sides. If misalignment is present, loosen the body-side hinge fasteners and make small adjustments, then re-torque.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall any trunk trim panels or carpeting that were removed for access, ensuring all clips and fasteners are properly seated
2. If alignment adjustment was required, verify all hinge fasteners are torqued to specification after final positioning
3. Apply a small amount of white lithium grease to hinge pivot points if the new hinge assembly was supplied dry

Verification

• Open and close the trunk lid through its full range of motion multiple times, verifying smooth operation without binding or squeaking
• With the trunk closed, inspect the panel gaps around the entire perimeter of the trunk lid to ensure even spacing and proper alignment with adjacent body panels
• Verify the trunk latch engages properly and the lid seals completely when closed
• If gas struts are equipped, verify the trunk lid stays open on its own at all positions without sagging

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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