Parts for your 1995 Nissan Primera-Gas struts

1995 Nissan Primera gas struts: what they do and how to look after them

Based on the Nissan Primera P10 Factory Service Manual (Body section), the Haynes Owners Workshop Manual for Nissan Primera 1990–1999, and Nissan FAST parts catalogue listings (rear “Stay Assy—Back Door”), gas-charged struts were factory-fitted to the rear hatch (liftback) and wagon tailgate on the 1995 Nissan Primera. The sedan’s boot uses torsion bars rather than gas struts, and the bonnet is supported by a prop rod. So if the car is a hatch or wagon, gas struts are absolutely relevant, if it’s a sedan, they won’t be on the boot from factory. Application guides from major strut makers (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-Mat) reflect the same fitment.

On hatch and wagon models, gas struts do the heavy lifting of the rear door. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers that hold the hatch up securely, open it smoothly, and stop it from slamming—handy when loading the weekly shop or the cricket gear. As they age, pressure falls and the hatch can sag or shut on its own, especially in cold weather. If there’s an oily film on the shaft, if they hiss or bind, or if you need to “help” the hatch up, it’s time to replace them.

Replacement is straightforward and best done in pairs to keep lift and balance even. Support the hatch with a prop or a mate’s hands, flick the spring clips off the ball-joint ends with a small flat screwdriver, and swap them over. Don’t scratch or grab the chrome shafts, and refit with the cylinder body up or down as per the original orientation. A tiny dab of light grease on the ball studs is fine—just keep it off the shafts. Check the hinge fasteners and ball studs for looseness or wear while you’re there.

There’s no set service interval—struts are replaced on condition. Quality aftermarket units typically last years in Aussie and Kiwi climates, but seaside exposure and dust can shorten life. Keep the shafts clean, avoid forcing the hatch against low carpark roofs, and don’t use struts to hold added loads (like heavy ladder racks on a wagon) unless they’re spec’d for the extra weight.

• Tell-tales you need new ones: hatch won’t stay up, opens slowly, drops suddenly, or shows oil weep.
• Always replace in pairs and match length, force, and end fittings to the VIN/body style.
• Never heat, puncture, or disassemble old struts—dispose of them safely as pressurised items.

Popular questions

Does the 1995 Nissan Primera bonnet have gas struts?
From factory, no. The P10 bonnet uses a manual prop rod per the Nissan workshop manual. Aftermarket conversion kits exist, but they’re not OE.

Should gas struts be replaced in pairs on a Primera?
Yes. Pair replacement keeps lift balanced and ensures the hatch or tailgate opens and holds evenly, reducing hinge stress.

How do I pick the right gas struts for my Primera?
Match by body style (hatch or wagon), VIN, extended length, and end fittings. Force ratings vary, using the correct spec ensures proper lift and safe holding.