Parts for your 2001 Subaru Forester-Gas struts

2001 Subaru Forester Gas Struts

Gas struts are fitted to the rear tailgate of the 2001 Subaru Forester. This isn’t guesswork — the Subaru Factory Service Manual for the model year references gas‑charged rear gate stays in the Body/Rear Gate procedures, and OEM parts catalogues list left and right “rear gate stay/lift support” for the 1998–2002 Forester range. Major aftermarket catalogues also stock rear liftgate gas struts for the 2001 Forester, confirming their use on this vehicle.

On this Forester, the gas struts do the heavy lifting for the rear hatch, making it easy to open and keeping it safely held at full height. When they’re healthy, the tailgate glides up smoothly and stays put, even on a windy day. When they’re tired, you’ll notice the hatch creeping down on your head, lifting slowly, or refusing to stay open in cold weather.

As part of routine servicing, it’s worth checking them. A quick test: open the tailgate and see if it holds position without drifting, feel for uneven lift or stiction, look for a light misting of oil on the shaft. If there’s any doubt, replace them in pairs — mixing an old strut with a new one can twist the hatch and prematurely wear hinges.

Replacement is straightforward with basic tools. Support the tailgate with a prop or a mate, flick out the small retaining clips at each end of the strut, and pop the strut off the ball studs or brackets. Fit the new ones with the rod end pointing down where possible, which keeps the internal seal lubricated. Don’t grease the chrome shaft, just keep it clean and free of grit. Avoid solvent sprays or paint on the body of the strut, as they can damage the seals.

A couple of handy tips for Aussie and Kiwi owners: cold mornings can make weak struts feel much worse, so if the hatch sags in winter, they’re due. If the tailgate is heavy with an accessory like a spare‑wheel carrier or added trim, choose heavy‑duty struts rated for the extra mass. And for clarity, the 2001 Forester’s bonnet uses a prop rod from factory, not gas struts, so don’t go hunting for hood lifters that aren’t there unless you’re fitting an aftermarket kit.

• Replace in pairs for balanced lift and hinge health
• Support the hatch securely during replacement
• Keep shafts clean, no grease or silicone on the rod

Popular questions about 2001 Subaru Forester gas struts

Do 2001 Foresters have gas struts on the bonnet?
From factory, no — the bonnet uses a prop rod. Gas struts are fitted to the rear tailgate only. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but they’re not OEM.

How long do rear gas struts typically last?
Expect around 5–10 years depending on climate and use. Heat, cold, dust and extra tailgate weight shorten their life. Replace when the hatch sags, lifts slowly, or won’t stay up.

Can Forester gas struts be re‑gassed, or should they be replaced?
They’re sealed units, so for most owners it’s a straight swap to new struts. Re‑gassing isn’t commonly supported for these, replacement is the reliable, cost‑effective fix.