Parts for your 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer-Gas struts

1998 Mitsubishi Lancer gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on technical sources — Mitsubishi’s ASA electronic parts catalogue for CE/CK series (1996–2003), the Factory Service Manual Body/Exterior section, and Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for Lancer/Mirage/Colt (approx. 1996–2004) — the 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer sedan and coupe do not use gas struts on the bonnet or boot. They run a bonnet prop rod and torsion bars for the boot lid. The Lancer wagon of the same era is fitted with gas-filled lift supports (gas struts) on the tailgate. So, gas struts are relevant for the 1998 Lancer wagon’s rear door, but not for the sedan or coupe.

For owners of the 1998 Lancer wagon, the rear gas struts do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the tailgate’s weight, making it easy to open and keeping it safely up while loading. Over time, seals wear and the gas charge drops, especially in colder climates, and the tailgate might sag or refuse to stay up — not ideal when grabbing the groceries on a windy Wellington day.

Servicing is straightforward. These struts are a sealed, maintenance-free item — there’s nothing to grease or top up — and they’re replaced when performance fades. Best practice is to swap them in pairs so lift is even on both sides. Use a prop or helper to support the tailgate, flick the retaining clips at the ball sockets, pop the old struts off, then press the new ones on. Keep the shaft pointed down when fitted to lubricate the internal seal, and avoid grabbing or scratching the polished rod.

Signs it’s time for new gas struts on a 1998 Lancer wagon:

• Tailgate won’t stay up, or drops suddenly part-way.
• Opens sluggishly, especially in cold weather.
• Visible oil mist or dampness around the rod seal.
• Needing a shoulder or broom handle to keep it open.

Replacement cadence is “as needed”, many originals last 5–10 years, but climate and use make a big difference. When ordering, match the OE length, extension force, and end fittings for the CE/CK wagon. Re-gassing isn’t typically recommended for these sealed units, new struts are the reliable fix. As part of regular servicing, give the rods a quick wipe with a clean, dry cloth, keep grit away from the seals, and check the bracket fasteners are snug. With fresh struts, the tailgate pops open smoothly and stays put — the way it left the factory.

FAQs

Do all 1998 Mitsubishi Lancers have gas struts?
No. According to Mitsubishi’s parts catalogue and workshop literature, the 1998 Lancer sedan and coupe use a bonnet prop rod and boot torsion bars — no gas struts there. Only the 1998 Lancer wagon has gas struts, and they’re on the rear tailgate.

How can someone tell the rear struts on a Lancer wagon need replacing?
Classic clues are a tailgate that sags or won’t stay up, sluggish opening in cold weather, or a light oily film on the rod. If it needs help to lift or a broom handle to hold it up, the struts have lost pressure and should be replaced in pairs.

Can the original gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
They’re generally sealed units on this model, so replacement is the dependable option. Matching the correct length, force and end fittings for the CE/CK wagon gives factory-like lift and long service life without fuss.