Parts for your 2005 Holden Commodore-Gas struts

2005 Holden Commodore gas struts

Per the Holden VZ Service Manual (Body – Front End), the GM Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for the VZ series, and fitment charts such as the Monroe Max-Lift application guide, gas struts are used on the 2005 Holden Commodore. The bonnet uses a gas strut (some variants run two), and wagons use gas struts on the tailgate. Many ute hardlids also rely on gas struts. The sedan’s boot on this generation is supported by torsion bars rather than gas struts.

On a VZ Commodore, gas struts simply take the grunt work out of lifting and holding panels. They help the bonnet stay up securely while someone’s spannering away, and on wagons they control the lift and drop of the tailgate so it doesn’t crash down. Because they’re gas-charged with a small amount of oil inside, they provide smooth, damped motion and steady holding force.

There’s no strict service interval, but they’re a wear item. Heat, dust, and age slowly knock the gas pressure back. Typical lifespan is five to ten years, sometimes less in hot Aussie and Kiwi summers. Telltales of tired struts include panels that won’t stay up, needing a shove to start lifting, slow or jerky movement, or an oily film on the shaft. If one side has failed on a wagon tailgate, plan to replace in pairs so the lift is balanced. For bonnet setups with a single strut, just replace the unit that’s fitted.

Replacement is straightforward: support the bonnet or tailgate safely with a prop or helper, then pop the spring clips at each end and swap the strut. Don’t grease the chromed shaft, just wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth. Check the ball-studs and brackets for wear or looseness and tighten mounting hardware to manufacturer spec. Choose struts matched to the exact body style and option (sedan, wagon, ute, hardlid), with the correct force and length—going heavier than spec can stress hinges, and too light won’t hold safely.

Keeping the shafts clean, avoiding paint or silicone overspray, and replacing worn struts promptly will keep the Commodore’s bonnet and tailgate operating sweet as and help prevent accidental drops.

• Signs it’s time: panel won’t stay up, slow lift, visible oil, or needing two hands to raise.
• Good practice: support the panel, replace in pairs on twin-strut setups, and match OEM spec.

FAQs

Does a 2005 Commodore sedan have gas struts on the boot?
The VZ sedan boot uses torsion bars, not gas struts. You’ll still find a gas strut on the bonnet, and the wagon’s tailgate and many ute hardlids use struts. If you’re chasing boot lift issues on a sedan, you’ll be looking at hinge/torsion bar adjustment rather than strut replacement.

How hard is it to change a bonnet strut on a VZ?
It’s usually a 10–20 minute job. Support the bonnet, flick the retaining clips off the old strut ends, and pop the new one on. The key is safety—always prop the bonnet firmly and keep fingers clear as you release the old strut.

Can tired gas struts be re-gassed?
Most automotive gas struts are sealed and not designed for re-gassing. By the time they’re weak or leaking, replacing with a new, correct-spec unit is the reliable, cost-effective fix.