Parts for your 2006 Honda Odyssey-Gas struts

2006 Honda Odyssey gas struts — tailgate support, safety and servicing

Technical sources confirm the 2006 Honda Odyssey is fitted with gas-charged lift supports (often called gas struts, gas springs or stays) on the rear tailgate. The Honda Factory Service Manual for the 2005–2010 Odyssey lists “tailgate support stays” and provides removal/installation procedures, while the bonnet is supported by a simple prop rod (no factory gas struts). Honda’s Electronic Parts Catalogue and common fitment guides from OEM suppliers (e.g., Stabilus/SGS, Monroe, StrongArm) also list rear lift supports for this model, including power tailgate variants.

On an Odyssey, the gas struts counterbalance the heavy rear hatch so it lifts smoothly and stays put overhead. On power-tailgate models, they share the load with the drive motor, when they get weak, the motor strains, beeps, or reverses unexpectedly. Fresh struts restore that easy, confident lift and keep the back end safe while loading the kids’ gear or the weekly shop.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but most sets last years, climate, dust, and usage pattern all play a part. If the hatch needs a helping hand to open, sags in a breeze, drops suddenly near the top, or leaves a mist of oil on the shiny rod, it’s time. Any pitting or corrosion on the rod also ruins the internal seals quickly.

• Best practice is to replace struts in pairs and choose OE-quality units.
• Support the tailgate securely with a prop or a mate before unclipping the old struts.
• Do not grease the polished rod—just keep it clean and free of grit.
• Inspect the ball studs and plastic sockets, replace if worn.
• For power tailgates, follow the service manual to initialise/calibrate after fitting.

It’s a quick job with basic tools, but respect the weight—an Odyssey tailgate can cause real injury if it comes down. After installation, cycle the hatch a few times and check for even motion and full hold at various heights. If it still hesitates or won’t stay up, recheck mounting points, hinge alignment, and the power tailgate’s learn/reset routine. Disposal matters too: gas struts are pressurised, so don’t puncture them, hand them to a recycler or workshop that accepts pressurised components.

Worth noting for owners: the bonnet on the 2006 Odyssey uses a prop rod from factory. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but they aren’t OEM and will need additional brackets—handy if desired, but not essential.

FAQs

How can someone tell if their 2006 Odyssey tailgate gas struts are failing?
Signs include the hatch needing a shove to start moving, stopping short of fully open, or drifting down in wind or cold mornings. Oil on the rod, clicking at the sockets, or a sudden drop near the top are classic symptoms. On power tailgates, weak struts can trigger beeping and auto-reversal as the motor senses excess load.

Does the 2006 Odyssey bonnet use gas struts from factory?
No. The bonnet is held by a prop rod on this model. Only the rear tailgate uses gas struts. Owners keen on bonnet struts can fit aftermarket kits, but they’re not Honda factory equipment and require added brackets.

After replacing tailgate struts on a power-tailgate Odyssey, is there anything extra to do?
Yes. Follow the factory procedure to initialise or “learn” the new lift effort—usually cycling the tailgate fully open and closed with the switch. Check alignment, latch engagement, and that the motor doesn’t stall or reverse. Always support the hatch during the swap.