Parts for your 2004 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2004 Subaru Impreza gas struts — what they do and when to swap them

Technical sources confirm where gas struts are (and aren’t) on a 2004 Subaru Impreza. The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the 2004MY Impreza (chassis GD/GG) and Subaru’s parts catalogue list gas‑charged “rear gate stays” on the GG wagon’s tailgate, while the GD sedan uses torsion bars for the boot and a prop rod for the bonnet. So, gas struts are relevant to the wagon’s rear hatch, they are not used on the sedan’s boot or the bonnet on either body style.

On the 2004 Impreza wagon, the gas struts take the grunt work out of lifting the rear hatch and hold it safely overhead while loading the weekly shop or the camping gear. They’re compact, nitrogen‑charged dampers that provide a smooth, controlled lift and stop the tailgate from thumping down on a windy day. As part of routine servicing, it’s worth giving them a quick once‑over: check for oily weeping around the shaft seal, any bending or corrosion on the tube, and whether the hatch needs a shoulder‑nudge to get moving or sags back down in the cold.

Signs they’re due include a hatch that drops suddenly, struggles to rise in cooler mornings, or makes you lift higher than normal to latch. Because they wear in pairs, replacement is best done two at a time with the correct force rating for the GG wagon. Subaru documentation calls these “rear gate stays,” and the factory procedure stresses supporting the tailgate securely before removing the clips at the ball‑sockets. A broom, prop, or a helper is a must.

• Replacement tips: Support the hatch, flick out the retaining clips, and pop the old struts off the ball studs. Press the new ones on until they click. Don’t twist the rod or clamp it with pliers.
• Maintenance dos and don’ts: Keep the chrome shafts clean, but don’t grease them (it attracts grit and chews out the seals). If there’s a rear spoiler or added weight on the hatch, consider heavier‑duty struts matched to the load.
• Safety: If a strut is weak, treat the hatch as unstable. Don’t put your head or hands under it without support. Old struts are pressurised—hand them to a recycler rather than drilling or crushing them.

Look after the struts and they’ll return the favour with years of tidy, one‑handed tailgate action, making the Impreza wagon as practical as it is dependable.

Popular questions

Does a 2004 Subaru Impreza sedan have gas struts?
Not on the boot or the bonnet. The GD sedan uses torsion bars to counterbalance the boot lid and a simple prop rod for the bonnet. Only the GG wagon’s rear hatch is fitted with gas struts from factory.

How long do rear hatch gas struts last on a 2004 Impreza wagon?
Typically 5–10 years, depending on climate and use. Cold weather, coastal corrosion, and frequent heavy tailgate use can shorten their life. Replace when the hatch won’t stay up reliably, needs a shove to start moving, or you can see oil seepage.

Can a home mechanic replace the gas struts?
Yes—it's a straightforward job with basic tools. Support the hatch, remove the retaining clips at each end, pop the old struts off, and push the new ones on until they click. Replace both sides together and double‑check secure engagement before lowering the hatch.