Parts for your 2000 Subaru Legacy-Gas struts

2000 Subaru Legacy gas struts

Gas struts are relevant to the 2000 Subaru Legacy wagon (including Outback) because the rear liftgate uses gas-filled stays to hold the tailgate up. This is documented in the Subaru Factory Service Manual for MY2000 Legacy/Outback (Body section – Rear Gate) and reflected in the Subaru FAST parts catalogue listings for the “Stay Assy–Rear Gate.” The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, as shown in the Owner’s Handbook and Service Manual. The 2000 Legacy sedan’s boot lid is supported by torsion bars, not gas struts, which is common for sedans of this era for packaging and cost reasons.

On the wagon, the gas struts do the heavy lifting every time the tailgate goes up. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers that counterbalance the hatch, making it easy to raise and keeping it safely open while loading the pram, the esky, or the surf gear. Over time, the pressure drops and the seals wear, especially in colder climates where weak struts really show up. If the tailgate starts drifting down, won’t stay up without a helping hand, or needs an almighty shove to open, the struts are due.

Replacement is a quick driveway job and a tidy win during routine servicing of a 2000 Subaru Legacy wagon. Always support the liftgate securely with a prop or a mate before removing a strut. Swap them in pairs so the opening force and damping stay balanced. Pop off the retaining clips at the ball sockets, ease the old strut away, then click the new one on. A dab of suitable grease on the ball studs helps prevent squeaks and corrosion, but keep any lubricant off the chrome shaft and seals.

There’s no real maintenance beyond keeping the shafts clean and free of nicks. Don’t push the tailgate closed by the strut body, and avoid using the hatch as a handle when the car’s parked on a steep camber. Re-gassing isn’t recommended, once they’re weak, replacement is the go. Good aftermarket units or genuine-spec replacements restore the original lift and hold, making the rear door feel near-new again.

• Typical symptoms: slow lift, hatch won’t stay up, clunking or uneven movement.
• Service tip: replace both sides together, and check the hinge torque and alignment while you’re there.
• Safety: always support the hatch before removing a strut.

For sedans, gas struts aren’t used because the boot lid is much lighter and the torsion-rod setup provides reliable spring force without the cost or space of gas stays. The bonnet prop rod is likewise a simple, dependable solution that suits the engine bay packaging of this generation.

Popular questions

Does a 2000 Subaru Legacy sedan have gas struts on the boot or bonnet?
No. The sedan uses torsion bars for the boot lid and a manual prop rod for the bonnet. Only the wagon’s rear liftgate uses gas struts. This setup keeps costs down and saves space in the sedan’s boot area.

How long do rear gas struts last on a 2000 Legacy wagon?
Anywhere from 5 to 10 years is typical, depending on climate and how often the hatch is used. Cold weather, dust, and frequent cycles shorten life. If the hatch won’t stay up or feels lazy, it’s time to replace them in pairs.

Can old gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
For automotive liftgates, replacement is the standard fix. Re-gassing isn’t commonly supported and usually doesn’t restore proper sealing or long-term performance. New, correct-rate struts are the reliable solution.