Parts for your 2002 Toyota Echo|yaris-Gas struts

2002 Toyota Echo/Yaris gas struts: what’s fitted and how to look after them

Referencing Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the NCP10/NCP13 series (1999–2005), the 2002 Echo/Yaris hatch is fitted with gas-charged back-door stays (gas struts), typically listed as “Stay, Back Door” with market-dependent part numbers such as 68950‑52020 (RH) and 68960‑52020 (LH). The Toyota repair manual for the same platform shows a bonnet prop rod rather than bonnet gas struts, and the Echo sedan’s boot lid is supported by torsion springs rather than gas struts. So, gas struts are relevant to the hatch’s tailgate only.

On the 2002 Echo/Yaris hatch, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting so the back door opens smoothly and stays put, even in a bit of Wellington wind or a hot Perth arvo. Each strut is a sealed, nitrogen-charged spring that controls the tailgate’s speed and holds it open safely. When they’re healthy, loading groceries or the pram is a breeze, when they’re tired, the hatch can sag, slam, or refuse to lift without a shove.

Good servicing includes a quick check of the struts. Typical tell-tales that they’re on the way out:

• Hatch drops or won’t stay fully open, especially in cold weather
• Needing two hands or a shoulder nudge to start it lifting
• Oily mist around the shaft or body, or a faint hiss when operating
• Uneven lift if one side is weaker than the other

When replacement’s due, do both sides together so the hatch stays balanced and the forces match. It’s a straightforward job: support the tailgate safely (a mate or a prop), flick the retaining clips, and swap the struts onto the existing ball studs. Avoid prying directly on the polished shaft, and don’t grease it—just keep the shaft clean and free of grit. If the car runs a heavier accessory like a tailgate spoiler, choose struts with the correct force rating specified for the added mass.

There’s no real maintenance beyond cleanliness, these units are sealed and not designed for re-gassing. Genuine or quality aftermarket struts both do the trick—just match by VIN or body code (NCP10/NCP13 hatch) for correct length, end fittings, and force. For safety, never work under an unsupported tailgate, and dispose of old struts responsibly as they’re pressurised.

FAQs

Are gas struts used on every 2002 Echo/Yaris?
Not quite. The hatch uses gas struts on the tailgate. The bonnet uses a simple prop rod, and the Echo sedan’s boot lid relies on torsion springs, not gas struts.

How long do tailgate gas struts last, and should both be replaced?
Five to ten years is common, depending on climate and use. Replace them as a pair so the lift and hold are even, which protects the hinges and your head.

Can Echo/Yaris gas struts be re-gassed?
They’re sealed units, so re-gassing isn’t recommended. Replacement with the correct spec struts is the reliable, cost-effective fix.