Replace the gantry tilt gas spring
Remove and replace the gas spring — the strut that counterbalances the gantry tilt drive so the power cylinder doesn't have to supply the full tilt torque on its own (see Related: stand-unit theory). Do this when the gas spring is broken, weak, or noisy (a documented cause in the tilt-section troubleshooting chart) and the tilt drive needs its counterbalance restored.
Tools & parts
| Item | Part number | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| Gas spring (tilt counterbalance strut) | — | 1 |
| Fixing bolts, M8 | — | 3 |
| Push-pull bolt | — | 1 |
| Shaft and retaining pin | — | 1 |
Safety
Hazard: Gantry tilting under motor power during Steps 1 and 7
Consequence: Crush/pinch injury to a person caught between the tilting frame and the stand, or to a foot placed on the stand base cover during tilt
Avoidance: Keep hands, tools, and the couch clear of the tilt path before commanding tilt; never place a foot on the stand base cover while the gantry tilts (see safety library G-CA09)
Hazard: Extracting the gas spring's shaft/retaining pin before the spring is confirmed fully extended (unloaded)
Consequence: Stored mechanical energy in a still-tensioned gas spring can release suddenly, pinching fingers or striking the technician
Avoidance: Complete Steps 2–3 first — fully loosen the 3 M8 fixing bolts and the push-pull bolt, and drive the mounting plate all the way to its lowest position — then visually confirm the gas spring is completely extended before extracting the pin
Full step-by-step for Replace the gantry tilt gas spring
All 7 steps are documented in the FSELIB Activion16 (TSX-031A) service manual — re-authored, web-first, with the real figures from the source.
Open the full procedureRelated Gantry guides
Source: 2D201-112EN*D §1.4.6 (pp.76–77) — Replacing the gas spring. Preview re-authored by FSELIB — the full procedure with figures and steps is in the paid service manual.