Parts for your 2005 Honda Odyssey-Gas struts

2005 Honda Odyssey gas struts

Technical sources confirm gas struts are indeed used on the 2005 Honda Odyssey. The 2005–2010 Honda Odyssey Service Manual (Body/Tailgate) specifies gas‑charged lift supports for the tailgate, and OEM parts catalogues (e.g., Honda electronic parts listings) show tailgate support strut/stay assemblies for this model. Aftermarket catalogues from major lift‑support makers also list direct‑fit rear liftgate struts. The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod rather than gas struts.

On a 2005 Odyssey, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting: they help raise the tailgate smoothly, hold it open at full height, and control the last bit of closing so it doesn’t slam. When they get tired, the tailgate can sag, feel heavy, or refuse to stay up—especially on cold mornings. A light film of oil on the rod, a faint hiss, or a tailgate that needs a shoulder to nudge it up are all signs they’re due.

There’s not much day‑to‑day maintenance, but a few habits make a difference. Keep the shiny rod clean—just a soft cloth, no solvents or grease. Don’t push the tailgate down by the strut itself, and avoid loading accessories that stress the upper door without supporting struts to match. When replacement time comes, always swap them in pairs so lift and hold are balanced.

Quick replacement advice for a home service on an Odyssey tailgate:

1. Support the tailgate fully (prop, helper, or a rated support bar). Safety first—these struts are pressurised.
2. Note orientation, most fit rod‑down. Pop the metal retaining clips at each end with a small flat screwdriver.
3. Lever the old strut off the ball studs. Press the new strut on until it clicks, ensure clips are seated.
4. Cycle the tailgate a few times and check it holds at full extension.

Power tailgate models still rely on at least one gas strut to balance the weight alongside the powered actuator. Choose struts matched to power or manual tailgate variants. Typical service life ranges from about 5–10 years depending on climate and use, high heat, dust, and big kilometre family duty can shorten that. Don’t puncture or crush old struts—treat them as pressurised components and recycle per local guidance.

Worth remembering: the Odyssey’s bonnet uses a prop rod, so there’s no factory gas strut setup there—any bonnet struts you see are aftermarket conversions.

Popular questions about 2005 Honda Odyssey gas struts

How long do the Odyssey’s tailgate gas struts usually last?
Most owners see 5–10 years, but climate and use matter. Cold weather shows weakness first—the tailgate won’t stay up, or it lifts slowly. If you’re nursing it along with a shoulder or broom handle, it’s time to replace both struts together.

Is there a difference between power and manual tailgate struts?
Yes. On power tailgate models, a motorised actuator does much of the work, but a gas strut still balances the door. Manual tailgates use two gas struts. Always order struts to suit your variant, and don’t mix old and new on opposite sides.

Does the 2005 Odyssey have gas struts on the bonnet?
No. The bonnet uses a prop rod from factory. Gas‑strut bonnet kits exist aftermarket, but they’re not OEM. If fitting a kit, follow the supplier’s instructions and check that nothing fouls the bonnet or guards.