A tailgate that slowly sinks, needs a helping hand to open, or suddenly drops is more than an inconvenience. When you diagnose weak tailgate struts early, you can avoid a heavy tailgate coming down unexpectedly on your hands, head or shopping. For Australian drivers who rely on a hatch, SUV, wagon or ute every day, this small component makes a big difference to safe, practical vehicle use.
Gas struts are designed to take the weight of the tailgate and hold it firmly in the open position. Like most working parts on a vehicle, they wear over time. Heat, dust, repeated use and age all affect their performance. The good news is that the warning signs are usually easy to spot, and replacement is generally a straightforward way to restore confidence and convenience.
Why tailgate struts lose strength
Tailgate struts are sealed cylinders containing pressurised gas and a small amount of oil. The gas provides the lifting force, while the oil helps control the movement. Over years of opening and closing, seals can gradually wear and allow pressure to escape. Once enough pressure is lost, the strut can no longer support the tailgate properly.
Australian conditions can speed up that process. A vehicle parked outdoors through hot summers may experience more strain on rubber seals and internal components. Dust, road grime and moisture around the strut shaft can also contribute to wear if left to build up. Vehicles with heavier aftermarket accessories, such as a rear-mounted spare wheel, may place extra demand on the original struts as well.
Weak struts are not always the result of neglect. On an older vehicle, normal wear is often the simple answer. What matters is recognising when the support is no longer reliable.
How to diagnose weak tailgate struts
Start by parking on level ground and opening the tailgate as you normally would. Take care to keep clear of its path and do not place your head or arms beneath it while testing. A healthy pair of struts should raise the tailgate smoothly and hold it fully open without help.
If the tailgate only lifts partway, moves slowly or requires you to push it upwards, the struts may be losing pressure. This can be more noticeable in cool weather, as gas pressure naturally drops with temperature. However, struts that are genuinely worn will continue to feel weak even after the day warms up.
The clearest warning sign is a tailgate that will not stay open. It may gradually drift down, or it may drop quickly once it reaches a certain point. Either behaviour means the tailgate should not be trusted without a secure prop while you arrange replacement. Do not rely on one stronger strut to carry the entire load. If one is failing, the other has usually experienced similar wear and may not be far behind.
Listen and feel for rough movement as well. A squeak, binding sensation or jerky opening action can indicate worn mounting points, dry ball joints or a bent component. Weak gas pressure is common, but it is not the only possible fault.
Check for visible clues
With the tailgate safely supported, inspect both struts and their mounting points. Look for oil residue on the shaft or cylinder, dents in the strut body, corrosion, damaged clips and loose brackets. A light film of oil can suggest that the internal seal is failing.
Also check whether the shiny shaft is scratched, pitted or dirty. Damage to this surface can harm the seal and shorten the life of a replacement strut. Wipe away loose grime using a clean, soft cloth, but avoid applying heavy grease or using harsh cleaners. Gas struts are sealed units, not parts that can be restored by lubrication alone.
Rule out other tailgate problems
A tailgate can feel heavy for reasons beyond weak struts. Misaligned hinges, damaged tailgate seals, a collision repair issue or an obstruction around the opening can all change how it moves. On powered tailgates, a fault with the electric motor, latch, sensors or control system may also be involved.
If the tailgate sits unevenly, rubs against the body, makes a loud clunk or needs to be forced shut, a closer inspection is worthwhile before fitting new struts. Replacing struts will not correct a hinge or alignment problem, and it may mask the real cause temporarily.
When weak struts become a safety issue
It is easy to put up with a tailgate that feels a little heavy. But once it cannot stay open consistently, delaying the repair creates a real safety risk. The tailgate can close unexpectedly while you are loading a pram, unpacking tools, securing groceries or reaching into the boot.
Avoid using a broom handle, timber offcut or other improvised support as a long-term fix. It can slip, crack or be knocked out of position. If you must access the rear of the vehicle before the struts are replaced, use a purpose-made, stable support and keep people clear of the closing path.
This is particularly relevant for family vehicles and work utes. A loaded tailgate is heavier, and children may not recognise the risk of standing below it. Reliable struts should hold the tailgate securely every time, not only when the vehicle is parked on perfectly level ground.
Should you replace one strut or both?
In most cases, replacing gas struts as a pair is the sensible choice. They are designed to work together, and fitting one new strut beside an older, weaker one can leave the tailgate unevenly supported. You may still experience poor lifting performance, and the new strut may be forced to take more of the load.
There are exceptions. If one strut has been physically damaged while the other is relatively new and known to be in good condition, replacing the damaged unit alone may be appropriate. For everyday wear, though, a matched pair offers more even operation and better value over time.
Correct specification matters too. Tailgate struts differ by vehicle make, model, body style, mounting connection, extended length and force rating. A strut that looks similar may not safely support the tailgate. Overly strong struts can make the tailgate difficult to close or place strain on hinges, while under-rated struts will fail to do the job.
Why professional replacement is often the easier option
Replacing tailgate struts can appear simple, but the tailgate needs to be supported safely throughout the process. The retaining clips and ball-joint fittings must be handled carefully, and the replacement struts must be fitted in the correct orientation where required. A poorly fitted clip can allow a strut to detach without warning.
Professional replacement removes the guesswork around part selection and fitting. An experienced technician can confirm whether the struts are the source of the problem, inspect the mounting points and install correctly rated replacements for your vehicle. The tailgate can then be tested through its full range of movement before the job is complete.
For busy vehicle owners, a mobile service also saves the time and hassle of travelling to a workshop or waiting around for a repair. VIP Car Care provides professional gas strut replacement with the practical, personal service Australian drivers expect – helping keep your vehicle safe, presentable and ready for daily use.
Help your replacement struts last longer
New struts are built for regular use, but a little care helps protect them. Keep the tailgate opening clean, especially after driving on dusty roads or near the coast. Do not hang heavy items from an open tailgate unless the vehicle is specifically designed for it, and avoid forcing the tailgate beyond its normal opening position.
If your vehicle has had rear accessories added, mention them when arranging replacement. The added weight may require a different strut rating to ensure the tailgate opens and holds as intended. It is also wise to have the tailgate checked if it starts opening too forcefully, as that can be a sign the struts are not correctly matched.
A tailgate should feel effortless, controlled and dependable every time you open it. If yours needs a shoulder lift or cannot stay up on its own, treat it as a repair worth booking soon – before a minor inconvenience turns into an avoidable injury or damaged tailgate.
