Parts for your 1998 Toyota Crown-Gas struts

1998 Toyota Crown gas struts — what they do and how to keep them sorted

Technical sources confirm the 1998 Toyota Crown is fitted with gas-charged bonnet struts. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the S150-series Crown (JZS15#/GS15#, production circa 08/1995–09/1999) lists “Damper, Hood” in the Body/Bonnet section, and the Toyota body repair manual illustrations for S150/S170 show gas-filled hood supports. Aftermarket application guides from brands commonly used in Australia and New Zealand (e.g., KYB, Stabilus/Lift-O-Mat, StrongArm) also catalog bonnet gas struts for 1995–1999 Crown models. Boot support can vary by trim and market, many Crowns of this era use torsion rods for the boot lid, while bonnet struts are standard fitment on the sedan.

On the 1998 Toyota Crown, gas struts take the grunt work out of lifting and holding the bonnet. They’re small nitrogen-charged dampers that counterbalance the bonnet’s weight and keep it safely propped while you’re topping up fluids or chasing an oil weep. When healthy, they lift smoothly and hold firm, when tired, they droop, hiss, or refuse to extend in cold weather—never fun on a frosty South Island morning.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the bonnet struts a quick once-over. Look for:

• Loss of lift or the bonnet sagging over time
• Oil film on the rod or body of the strut
• Notchy movement, squeaks, or binding
• Struts that struggle more in cold temps

Replacement is straightforward and best done in pairs. Support the bonnet with a prop or a mate, pop the retaining clips, and swap each strut like-for-like. Avoid grabbing the polished rod with pliers and don’t grease it—contamination ruins the seals. Choose struts matched to the Crown’s bonnet weight, generic “close enough” units can overextend or under-support. Most gas struts aren’t meant to be re-gassed in everyday service—new quality units are the reliable fix.

Typical lifespan varies with use and heat, but 5–10 years is common. If the bonnet won’t stay up or needs a heave to lift, that’s your cue. Replacing tired struts protects paint and fingers, and makes under-bonnet checks far less of a chore. It’s a small job that restores that tidy, premium feel the Crown is known for in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Popular questions about 1998 Toyota Crown gas struts

Does a 1998 Toyota Crown have gas struts on the bonnet or boot?
Yes, the 1998 Crown (S150 series) uses gas-charged bonnet struts as listed in the Toyota EPC and shown in Toyota body repair documentation. Boot support varies by trim and market—many cars use torsion rods rather than gas struts for the boot lid.

How long do bonnet gas struts typically last on a Crown?
Expect around 5–10 years depending on climate and how often the bonnet’s opened. Heat cycles and contamination shorten life. If the bonnet won’t stay up, drops suddenly, or the struts feel weak in cold weather, it’s time to replace them.

Should gas struts be replaced in pairs?
Yes. Replacing both keeps lift force balanced and prevents a new strut from being overworked by an old weak mate. It also ensures smooth, even lifting and proper holding force at full extension.