Parts for your 2005 Ford Falcon-Gas struts

2005 Ford Falcon gas struts — what they do and when to replace

Gas struts are fitted to the 2005 Ford Falcon. Technical documentation lists factory gas lift supports on the bonnet across BA Mk II and early BF models, and on the wagon’s rear liftgate. The sedan’s boot generally uses torsion bars rather than gas struts. This is recorded in the Ford BA/BF Falcon Workshop Manual (Body—Closures), the Ford parts catalogue/EPC (hood lift support base number 16C826, back door lift support base number 406A10), and well-known local repair guides such as Gregory’s BA–BF Falcon manual.

On a 2005 Falcon, the gas struts are simple, sealed, nitrogen-charged dampers that counterweight heavy panels and stop them from slamming. They make lifting the bonnet easy, and on wagons they hold the tailgate up safely while loading the boot. When they’re healthy, panels lift smoothly and stay put, when they’re tired, things sag or drop—never ideal around heads and fingers.

They’re maintenance-free items, but they do wear out. As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check them annually, especially before long trips or if the car lives outdoors in Aussie or Kiwi heat.

• Common signs they’re due: the bonnet or wagon tailgate won’t stay up, rises sluggishly in cold weather, needs two hands to lift, or shows oily misting, rust, or bent shafts.
• Best practice is to replace in pairs to keep lift and balance even.
• Match the OE part number or the Newton (N) rating printed on the old strut to avoid panels that fly up or won’t hold.

DIY replacement is straightforward, but safety first—support the panel with a prop or a mate.

1. Secure the bonnet or tailgate fully open with a prop.
2. Using a small flat-blade screwdriver, lift the metal retaining clip on the strut’s socket and pull the socket off the ball stud. Repeat for the other end.
3. Clip the new strut on (cylinder/body end typically mounts to the fixed side to keep seals lubricated). Press until it snaps over the ball. No need to remove the clip.
4. Gently cycle the panel and check it holds at full height without binding or noise.

Don’t pry, heat, or puncture old struts—they’re pressurised. Dispose of them according to local guidelines. For utes with canopies or hard lids, use canopy-specific struts, they’re a different rating. If in doubt, quote the VIN to a parts specialist for the correct spec.

How long do bonnet or tailgate struts last on a 2005 Falcon?

Typically 5–10 years, but climate and usage matter. High heat, dust, and constant cycling shorten life. If the panel won’t stay up or moves sluggishly—particularly in cold mornings—it’s time to replace.

Can 2005 Falcon gas struts be re-gassed?

While some services offer re-gassing, most OE-style struts are designed as sealed, replace-only items. Given the cost and variable results of re-gassing, new struts are usually the more reliable fix.

Does the 2005 Falcon sedan boot use gas struts?

Most 2005 Falcon sedans use torsion bars for the boot rather than gas struts. Wagons do use gas struts on the rear liftgate, and all body styles use gas struts on the bonnet.