What is a Tailgate Strut and Why It Matters
A tailgate strut, often referred to as a lift support or gas strut, is a hydraulic cylinder filled with compressed gas and oil that helps lift and lower your vehicle's tailgate with controlled ease. This mechanism is critical for preventing the tailgate from slamming shut unexpectedly and provides the necessary assistance to lift its weight, making loading and unloading significantly more convenient and safer.
- Tailgate struts are gas-filled cylinders assisting tailgate lifting and lowering.
- They prevent sudden drops and add controlled support for safety.
- Proper function ensures easy access to truck beds.
- Failure leads to manual lifting and potential damage.
Without functional tailgate struts, you would be solely responsible for supporting the entire weight of your tailgate every time you open it. This not only requires considerable physical effort but also increases the risk of dropping the tailgate accidentally, which can cause damage to the tailgate itself, your vehicle, or even result in personal injury. Understanding their role is fundamental to maintaining your vehicle's utility.
Core Components and Their Roles
The primary component is the sealed cylinder, typically made of steel. Inside, a piston rod moves within the cylinder, compressing gas (usually nitrogen) and oil. The oil acts as a dampener, controlling the speed of movement, while the compressed gas provides the lifting force. When you open the tailgate, the strut's internal pressure pushes the piston rod out, extending the strut and lifting the tailgate. Conversely, when closing, the oil assists in controlling the descent.
This mechanism is critical for everyday usability.
Common Symptoms of Failure
The most obvious sign of a failing tailgate strut is a tailgate that will no longer stay open on its own, often dropping suddenly or requiring you to hold it up manually. You might also notice that the struts feel weak, sticky, or excessively slow when opening or closing. Sometimes, a visible leak of oil from the seals can indicate internal damage. These issues compromise safety and convenience.
Understanding Tailgate Strut Mechanics and Types
How Tailgate Struts Work
The operation of a tailgate strut relies on basic principles of gas compression and fluid dynamics. When the tailgate is closed, the piston rod is compressed inside the cylinder. Upon opening, the pressure differential forces the rod outward, extending the strut and exerting an upward force on the tailgate. The oil within the cylinder dampens the motion, preventing the strut from extending too quickly and ensuring a smooth, controlled movement. This controlled extension is what makes the tailgate feel light and easy to manage.
This controlled extension is what makes the tailgate feel light and easy to manage.
Types of Tailgate Supports
While most modern trucks use gas struts, older vehicles might have used torsion bars or mechanical props. Gas struts are overwhelmingly preferred for their effectiveness and smooth operation. For specific applications, like a full strut turkey mount, specialized heavy-duty gas springs are employed. You might also encounter gas strut windows, which use a similar mechanism for lifting glass panels. The core principle remains the same: using gas pressure to provide assisted lift and controlled damping.
The primary consideration involves selecting the correct strut for your vehicle's specific weight and dimensions. Different vehicles require struts with precise force ratings (measured in Newtons) and stroke lengths to function correctly. For instance, a gas strut for a 1967 C10 tailgate will have different specifications than one for a modern SUV. Sourcing parts from reputable manufacturers like Lesjöfors gas struts, ensuring you check their rear specifications, guarantees compatibility and performance.
The precision engineered into a tailgate strut is paramount for seamless vehicle utility.
While universal strut clamps and strut angle brackets exist for custom installations or repairs, they are not typically part of the original factory tailgate strut system. These are more for reinforcing existing structures or creating custom mounting points. For standard vehicle applications, the focus is on direct-fit replacement struts that match OEM specifications.
Replacing and Maintaining Your Tailgate Struts
When to Replace Tailgate Struts
It is imperative to acknowledge that tailgate struts are wear items and will eventually degrade. The typical lifespan can range from 3 to 7 years, depending on usage, climate, and quality. If your tailgate starts to droop, feels excessively heavy, or slams shut unexpectedly, it's a clear signal that replacement is necessary. Ignoring these signs puts you and your vehicle at risk. Proactive replacement ensures you maintain the convenience and safety features of your truck.
Inspect your tailgate struts regularly by visually checking for oil leaks or physical damage to the rod or cylinder. A simple test is to try lifting the tailgate; if it feels significantly heavier than usual or won't hold itself up, the struts are likely failing.
DIY Replacement Steps
Replacing tailgate struts is a common DIY task. You'll typically need a second person to help support the tailgate, a flathead screwdriver or pry tool, and potentially a socket set or wrench. First, support the tailgate securely. Locate the mounting points for the old struts. Use the screwdriver to release the retaining clip or pry off the old ball socket from the stud. Unscrew the old strut if it's bolted, or detach it. Install the new strut in reverse order, ensuring the ball sockets snap firmly onto the studs. Repeat for the other side.
Best Practices for Longevity
To maximize the life of your tailgate struts, avoid slamming the tailgate shut. Allow the struts to control the closing motion. In extremely cold weather, gas struts may temporarily lose some of their lifting power; avoid forcing them and let them warm up. Regular cleaning of the strut rod can prevent dirt and grime from damaging the seals. If you've installed aftermarket accessories that add significant weight to your tailgate, consider upgrading to heavy-duty struts designed for increased load capacity.
Such precision is paramount for preventing premature wear.