Parts for your 2005 Honda Fit-Gas struts

2005 Honda Fit (Jazz) gas struts — what they do and when to replace

Technical sources confirm the 2005 Honda Fit (sold as the Honda Jazz in Australia and New Zealand) uses gas‑charged lift supports on the rear hatch. The Honda Jazz/Fit GD workshop manual and Honda parts catalogue list gas struts for the tailgate assembly. The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod from factory, so there are no OE gas struts on the bonnet.

On the 2005 Fit/Jazz, the rear gas struts do the hard work of lifting and holding the hatch safely overhead. They’re sealed, nitrogen‑charged dampers that counterbalance the weight of the tailgate, making everyday loading feel light and drama‑free. When they’re healthy, the hatch glides up smoothly and stays put. As they age, internal pressure drops and seals wear, which shows up as a lazy lift or, worse, a hatch that won’t stay up — not ideal on a windy, rainy arvo.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the hatch operation a quick check. If the car’s parked nose‑up on a driveway or it’s a cold morning, weak struts will usually reveal themselves. Look for these tell‑tales:

• The hatch needs a big shove to start moving, or creeps back down on its own.
• A dull “bounce” at full open, or a wobble in light winds.
• Oily film around the shaft or end seals.
• One strut doing all the work (hatch twists slightly as it opens).

Replacement is straightforward and typically done in pairs to keep lift and balance even. Support the hatch with a prop or a mate, pop the spring clips at each ball joint with a small flat screwdriver, and swap the struts, rod end up. Don’t nick the chrome shaft with tools, and never lubricate the shaft with grease — it attracts grit and chews out the seals. A gentle wipe with a clean, dry cloth is all they need. Avoid heat or drilling, gas struts are pressurised and should be recycled or disposed of properly.

For most owners, replacement rather than “re‑gassing” is the go. While some services offer re‑gassing, the OE‑style crimped units on the Fit/Jazz are usually not designed for long‑term servicing, and new struts are affordable. Quality aftermarket or OEM‑equivalent parts restore that easy, one‑handed hatch lift and keep the boot safe during the weekly shop or school run.

Note: If bonnet gas struts are desired, there are aftermarket kits, but they’re not factory equipment on the 2005 Fit/Jazz.

Popular questions about 2005 Honda Fit gas struts

How long do the rear hatch gas struts usually last?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many last 5–10 years, but heat cycles, usage, and dust can shorten that. If the hatch won’t stay up, or struggles in cold weather, it’s time to replace both.

Can the original struts be re‑gassed?
Most OE‑style struts on the 2005 Fit/Jazz are crimped and not built for reliable re‑gassing. Replacement with quality new units is the more dependable, long‑term fix.

Are bonnet gas struts factory on this model?
No. The 2005 Fit/Jazz uses a bonnet prop rod from factory. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist if hands‑free opening is preferred.