Struxa Gas Struts

Fitting & removing a gas strut

One flat screwdriver, two minutes. Just follow the simple steps below.

Prop the lid first - the strut is the only thing holding it up. We recommend replacing struts in pairs.
Step 1

Getting the old one off

The four moves
are below
Four moves to release a gas strut from a ball stud: locate the retaining clip, insert a flathead screwdriver under the clip, gently pry it out to loosen the clip, then pull the strut off the ball stud.

You need a flathead screwdriver. Prise the clip out, away from the ball stud - only loosen it, do not pull it all the way off. Then grab the shaft and pull it clear. Repeat at the other end.

Step 2

Which way up

Cylinder up, rod down. Judge it with the lid closed.

  • Fat cylinder at the top, chrome rod pointing at the ground.
  • Keeps the oil over the shaft seal. Rod up and it runs dry.
  • Replacing a factory strut? Copy how the old one came off.
Step 3

Putting the new one on

  • Push the shaft end onto the bottom mount first.
  • Spin the tube to line the top socket up with its ball stud.
  • Square it up and push hard - it takes a fair bit of force to pop on.
  • No need to touch the clip. Tug it to check it has latched.
  • Never twist an end fitting itself - that loosens it.

If it is not right

Reference
Will not stay upNeeds more pressure
Too hard to closeNeeds less pressure
Opens too far / not enoughDifferent length
Throwing the old one out

It is still pressurised. Scrap metal recycler - never cut, drill, heat or burn it.

Still stuck? Ask us →