DIY Tailgate Strut Replacement Guide-skip The Mechanic
- 01. DIY tailgate strut replacement that saves you money
- 02. Why replace your tailgate struts?
- 03. Tools and parts you'll need
- 04. Step-by-step: DIY tailgate strut replacement
- 05. Comparing common tailgate strut types
- 06. Cost and time savings of DIY replacement
- 07. Safety precautions and best practices
DIY tailgate strut replacement that saves you money
Replacing tailgate struts yourself is a straightforward job that most weekend mechanics can finish in under 30 minutes, and it can cut typical dealer labor costs by roughly 60-80 percent compared with a shop visit. By matching the correct gas strut length and force rating, supporting the tailgate weight properly, and swapping both struts at once, you ensure a safe, smooth lift-gate operation for years.
Why replace your tailgate struts?
Modern tailgate lift supports are gas-charged cylinders that gradually lose pressure over time; industry data suggests most gas strut assemblies begin sagging noticeably after 70,000-100,000 miles or about 5-8 years, depending on climate and usage frequency. Common failure signs include a tailgate that will not stay open, drops suddenly after 6-10 inches, or requires two hands to lift against heavy resistance.
Skipping a tailgate strut replacement can raise safety risks: a weak strut can fail mid-opening, causing the tailgate to slam shut and potentially pinch fingers or damage cargo. DIY replacement also avoids the typical shop markup; in 2024 studies one UK garage network charged an average of £95-£140 for a boot-lid strut job, while parts-only cost via online retailers hovered around £25-£45 for a matched pair.
Tools and parts you'll need
For a typical passenger car or SUV, you need a basic set of hand tools and a few consumables. Common items include:
- Socket wrench set (often 10 mm and 13 mm sockets)
- Small flat-head screwdriver for prying retainers
- Needle-nose pliers for wire clips or safety cables
- Shop towel or microfiber cloth for cleaning around mounts
- Protective gloves and safety glasses
- One or two sturdy props such as a wooden block or PVC pipe to hold the tailgate open
New tailgate lift struts should be purchased as a pair: mismatched units can cause uneven loading and shorten the life of both supports. When shopping, match the original part number, length (usually 18-24 inches), and force rating (often 150-400 N) listed on your worn strut or in your vehicle's repair manual.
Step-by-step: DIY tailgate strut replacement
Begin by safely supporting the tailgate weight in the open position. Use a wooden block or ladder leg to prop the liftgate just below the fully vertical plane, then manually release the tailgate latch and gently lower it to rest on the prop. This prevents the tailgate from dropping if a strut fails during removal and keeps your hands clear of the hinge area.
- Open the tailgate fully and secure it with a prop or have a helper hold it steady.
- Inspect the existing gas strut mounts at both ends; one end attaches to the vehicle body or hinge bracket, the other to the tailgate skin or frame.
- Use a flat-head screwdriver to pry the retaining clip or eyelet off the ball-end of the strut, then slide the strut rod out of the socket.
- If there is a safety cable or cotter pin, remove the retaining bolt or pin and detach the cable from the tailgate hinge bracket.
- Repeat Steps 2-4 on the opposite strut so both tailgate struts are fully removed.
- Lay the new strut next to the old one to confirm identical length, eyelet size, and ball-end orientation before installation.
- Slide the new strut's socket onto the ball-end at the vehicle-side mount, then push until the retaining clip snaps into place.
- On the tailgate end, insert the strut eyelet over the mounting bolt or ball-stud and secure it with the provided nut, retaining clip, or bolt.
- Reattach any safety cable or retaining hardware to the tailgate hinge bracket and torque fasteners to the manufacturer's specification if listed.
- Close and reopen the tailgate several times to verify smooth operation and full-range support.
A well-executed DIY tailgate strut replacement should restore the tailgate to a "one-hand" opening feel, with the lid holding steady at any angle and resisting sag for at least another 5-7 years under normal use.
Comparing common tailgate strut types
Different vehicles ship with subtly different tailgate strut designs, but the core principles of force and length remain the same. The table below summarizes typical parameters for popular replacement series used on passenger cars and SUVs.
| Strut series | Typical length (inches) | Force rating (N) | Common vehicle types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic hatchback series | 18-20 | 150-220 | Compact hatchbacks, small SUVs |
| Mid-SUV series | 20-22 | 220-300 | Mid-size SUVs, larger wagons |
| Heavy-duty series | 22-24+ | 300-400 | Full-size SUVs, pickup beds, vans |
Choosing the wrong gas strut length can cause binding, premature wear, or insufficient support; for example, installing 18-inch struts on a 22-inch-specified liftgate often shortens their life by 30-40 percent due to over-compression.
Cost and time savings of DIY replacement
Historical pricing data from 2023-2025 shows that a typical DIY enthusiast replaces a pair of tailgate lift struts for roughly €25-€50 in parts, depending on brand and region, while labor-inclusive shop quotes commonly range from €90-€160 in Europe and $110-$200 in North America. At a median labor rate of around €80-€100 per hour, this represents a savings of roughly €60-€110 per job, or roughly 60-75 percent of the total cost.
Time-wise, documented DIY projects average 15-30 minutes for the same job once basic hand tools are on hand, versus a shop quoted interval of 45-60 minutes to account for prep, inspection, and documentation. Over a 10-year ownership period, this recurring saving can easily exceed €400-€1,000 when factoring in multiple strut replacements and other minor body-related jobs the owner can tackle themselves.
Safety precautions and best practices
Gas-charged tailgate struts operate under high internal pressure, so rupturing or over-prying them can cause sudden recoil or flying hardware. Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses, support the tailgate fully before unclipping any strut, and avoid hammering or bending the strut body during removal or installation.
Once the new gas strut assemblies are mounted, test the tailgate through several full cycles, checking that the liftgate tracks straight, does not bind, and stays open at shoulder height without creeping closed. If one side feels stiffer or the tailgate cocks to one side, verify that both struts are of the same series and that their ball-ends are fully seated in the sockets.
Everything you need to know about Diy Tailgate Strut Replacement Guide Skip The Mechanic
How long do tailgate struts usually last?
Most factory-fitted tailgate lift struts remain functional for about 5-8 years or 70,000-100,000 miles, though frequent use in hot climates or on heavy-duty vehicles can shorten life to 4-6 years. After this period, sagging or stuttering operation usually indicates the need for DIY tailgate strut replacement.
Can I replace just one tailgate strut?
Technically yes, but practice strongly recommends replacing both gas strut assemblies as a pair to maintain balanced load distribution and consistent lift force. Using a new strut on one side with an old, weakened strut on the other can cause uneven stress and premature failure of the new unit.
What happens if tailgate struts fail?
Failed tailgate struts can cause the liftgate to drop suddenly when opened, increasing the risk of pinching or crushing injuries and potential damage to cargo or trim. In extreme cases, a heavily worn strut can fracture its mounting hardware, leading to rattling, misalignment, or complete loss of support.
How can I tell if my struts need replacement?
Look for a tailgate that cannot stay open, falls from the top few inches, or requires two hands to lift against noticeable resistance as signs that the tailgate lift supports are wearing out. If the tailgate slowly creeps closed while in use or makes a loud "clunk" when lifted, schedule a DIY tailgate strut replacement before a full failure occurs.
Is a DIY tailgate strut replacement hard for beginners?
Most owner-manuals classify replacing tailgate struts as a beginner-friendly job that requires only basic hand tools and about 15-30 minutes. The main challenges are safely supporting the tailgate weight and ensuring the new struts are correctly length- and force-matched, both of which are covered by this guide.