Parts for your 1998 Daihatsu Gran move-Gas struts

1998 Daihatsu Gran Move gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Daihatsu’s Gran Move/Pyzar G3-series workshop literature and the Daihatsu Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for the back door stay, the 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move is fitted with gas-filled struts on the rear tailgate. The bonnet is supported by a prop rod, not gas struts, so gas struts are relevant to the tailgate only.

On the 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move, the tailgate gas struts are there to make life easier and safer. They counterbalance the weight of the back door so it lifts smoothly and stays up without a fight. Good struts mean no juggling groceries with a shoulder under the tailgate and no sudden drops on the back of the head. They also protect hinges and the body by keeping opening and closing forces controlled, which helps the little Daihatsu feel tight and tidy even after plenty of kilometres.

Because they’re sealed, gas struts naturally lose pressure over time. Heat, cold, dust and simple age take their toll. It’s smart to treat them as a wear item and check them during routine servicing.

• Signs they’re on the way out: the tailgate won’t stay up, rises slowly, needs a shove to start moving, or sags in cold weather. You may spot a light oil mist around the shaft or hear squeaks as the internal seal dries.
• When to replace: at the first sign of sagging or if one strut fails. Always replace them in pairs to keep lift and balance even.

Replacement is straightforward with basic tools. Support the tailgate safely with a prop or a mate’s help. Pop the clip at each ball socket, swap the strut, and click the new one on. Don’t nick the chrome shaft, don’t rotate the body excessively, and never try to compress a new strut by hand. Most quality aftermarket units arrive pre-charged and ready to fit, and they’re inexpensive compared with the grief a falling tailgate can cause.

Maintenance is minimal: keep the shafts clean, avoid silicone sprays or greases on the shaft (they attract grit), and give the pivots a light lubricant if they squeak. If the tailgate sees a lot of beach or dusty use, wipe the strut shafts occasionally to keep grit off the seals. With decent quality parts, expect many years of service, but remember that colder southern winters in NZ and Aus will show weakness earlier—so test-lift the tailgate at service time.

• Does the 1998 Daihatsu Gran Move have gas struts on the bonnet?
  The bonnet uses a manual prop rod, not gas struts. Only the rear tailgate is supported by gas-filled struts on this model, as reflected in Daihatsu service information and EPC component listings.
• How long do Gran Move tailgate gas struts usually last?
  Typically 5–10 years depending on use, climate, and quality. If the tailgate sags, won’t stay up, or feels heavy—especially in colder weather—it’s time to replace them.
• Can the original struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
  Re-gassing is rarely cost‑effective for this vehicle. Most owners fit new, sealed replacement struts, they’re affordable, quick to install, and restore proper lift and hold.