Parts for your 2002 Subaru Forester-Gas struts

2002 Subaru Forester Gas Struts — Purpose, Care, and When to Replace

Yes, gas struts are fitted to the 2002 Subaru Forester — they support the rear tailgate. Subaru’s Factory Service Manual for MY02 Forester (Body/Rear Gate section) identifies a gas-pressurised “Stay Assembly – Rear Gate,” and Subaru’s genuine parts catalogue for the SF-series Forester lists back door stay assemblies as gas-charged components. The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod, not gas struts.

On this Forester, the tailgate gas struts (gas springs) do the heavy lifting and hold the rear door up so loading the boot is easy and safe. They’re sealed, nitrogen-charged dampers designed to deliver smooth, controlled motion and keep the hatch steady in wind or on uneven ground. Over time, seals wear and gas pressure drops, especially with age and lots of tailgate cycles.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check the tailgate action. If the hatch feels heavy, drops suddenly, won’t stay up in cooler weather, or there’s an oily film on the strut rods, it’s time to replace them. Because each side shares the load, they should be replaced in pairs for balanced support.

• Quick care tips:
  • Keep the chrome rods clean and dry, don’t grease or paint them.
  • Avoid forcing the hatch if it’s obstructed — that can bend brackets.
  • If you’ve added a heavier accessory (rear ladder, extra trim), consider uprated struts.
• Replacement advice:
  • Support the tailgate with a prop or a helper — it will drop once a strut is removed.
  • Most Forester struts use ball-socket ends with a small spring clip, lift the clip with a flat screwdriver and pop the socket off.
  • Snap the new strut on with the rod facing down, ensure clips are fully seated.
  • Replace both sides, then open/close a few times to confirm smooth operation.

There’s no set replacement interval, but many owners see 5–10 years depending on climate and use. Old struts can be recycled — they’re pressurised, so hand them to a metal recycler or workshop rather than puncturing them at home. Keeping the gas struts in good nick means a safer, easier-to-use Forester every time the tailgate swings open.

Popular questions about 2002 Subaru Forester gas struts

Do 2002 Foresters have gas struts on the bonnet?
No — the bonnet uses a prop rod. The factory-fit gas struts are on the rear tailgate only, as noted in the Subaru Factory Service Manual and parts listings for the SF-series Forester.

How can someone tell the tailgate struts need replacing?
If the hatch won’t stay up, drops quicker than usual, struggles in cooler weather, or the chrome rods show oil misting, the struts are tired. A good test is to open the hatch fully and lightly push, if it won’t resist or hold steady, new struts are due.

Should both gas struts be replaced at the same time?
Yes. Replacing in pairs keeps lift and hold balanced and prevents overloading the older strut. It also restores the smooth, even opening the Forester had from factory.