How to Replace Gas Struts on Your Car: Step-by-Step Guide

How to Replace Gas Struts on Your Car: Step-by-Step Guide

Signs Your Car Gas Struts Need Replacing

Gas struts don't last forever. Over time, the nitrogen gas inside gradually escapes, reducing the strut's ability to support the boot lid, bonnet, or tailgate. Here's how to tell when it's time to replace them:

  • The boot lid or bonnet drops suddenly when open
  • The lid won't stay fully open without being held
  • The opening action feels slow, stiff, or uneven
  • You can see oil residue or corrosion on the strut body

If you notice any of these signs, replacing the gas struts is a straightforward job you can do at home — no specialist tools required.

What You'll Need

  • Replacement gas struts (correct part for your vehicle — sold in pairs)
  • A flat-head screwdriver or trim removal tool
  • A helper to hold the lid open safely

Step 1: Buy the Correct Replacement Struts

This is the most important step. Using the wrong struts can result in a lid that won't stay open or slams shut under its own weight. Find the right struts by:

  • Checking the OEM part number stamped on your existing strut
  • Searching by your vehicle make, model, and year

At SpringFixUK, all our automotive gas struts are listed with OEM part numbers. Browse by brand: BMW, Volkswagen, Fiat, Porsche.

Step 2: Support the Boot Lid or Bonnet

Ask a helper to hold the lid fully open before you start. Never work under an unsupported lid — a failing strut can give way without warning and cause serious injury.

Step 3: Remove the Old Gas Struts

Most car gas struts clip onto ball studs at each end using a plastic end fitting with a retaining clip. To remove:

  1. Insert a flat-head screwdriver or trim tool into the slot on the side of the end fitting
  2. Gently lever the clip to release it from the ball stud
  3. Pull the end fitting away from the ball stud
  4. Repeat at the other end
  5. The strut will come free — it may still have some residual pressure, so keep it pointed away from you and others

Repeat the process on the other side. Always replace both struts at the same time.

Step 4: Fit the New Gas Struts

  1. Align the top end fitting over the upper ball stud
  2. Press firmly until you hear or feel a click — this confirms it's locked in place
  3. Repeat at the lower end
  4. Fit the strut on the other side in the same way

Tip: New struts are fully pressurised and will feel firm. This is normal — they'll settle slightly after a few uses.

Step 5: Test the Repair

Carefully lower and raise the boot lid or bonnet several times. It should:

  • Open smoothly and stay fully open without support
  • Lower in a controlled manner without dropping suddenly
  • Feel balanced on both sides

If the lid still drops or feels uneven, double-check that both end fittings are fully clipped onto their ball studs.

Why You Should Always Replace Both Struts

Gas struts on the same vehicle wear at a similar rate. If one has failed, the other is likely close behind. Replacing both at the same time ensures:

  • Balanced support on both sides of the lid
  • No uneven stress on hinges and seals
  • You won't need to repeat the job again in a few weeks

All SpringFixUK automotive gas struts are sold in pairs for this reason.

Shop Replacement Car Gas Struts at SpringFixUK

We stock OEM-spec gas struts for a wide range of vehicles, dispatched quickly from the UK. Find the right struts for your car by browsing our collections or searching by OEM part number.

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