Parts for your 2006 Nissan Navara-Gas struts

Are gas struts used on a 2006 Nissan Navara (D40)?

Short answer: not from the factory. On the 2006 Nissan Navara D40, gas struts aren’t standard on the bonnet or the tub tailgate. The Nissan D40 Factory Service Manual (Body – Hood) specifies a simple prop rod to hold the bonnet, and the tailgate section details check straps (cables) rather than gas dampers. Genuine parts catalogues for the D40 list a hood support rod and tailgate check straps but no OE gas stays, and general workshop guides for the D40/Frontier platform reflect the same setup.

That doesn’t mean gas struts are irrelevant to every Navara owner. Accessories such as canopies, hard-lids, and certain aftermarket tailgate assist kits commonly use gas struts. If a canopy or hard-lid is fitted, it will almost certainly rely on a pair of gas stays to hold the glass or lid safely open.

Why the factory didn’t use gas struts on the bonnet or tailgate in 2006:

• Simplicity and durability: a prop rod and tailgate check straps are robust, cheap, and handle dust, mud and corrugations well.
• Cost and serviceability: fewer moving parts keep ownership costs down and make roadside fixes easy.
• Weight and packaging: the D40’s bonnet and tailgate were designed around traditional supports, so struts weren’t necessary to meet lift/hold targets.

For owners running a canopy or hard-lid with gas struts, a few easy checks keep things sweet. If the lid won’t stay up on a cool morning, drops unexpectedly, opens sluggishly or shows an oily film around the shaft, the struts are on the way out. Replace in pairs, match the extended length and end fittings, and choose the correct Newton (N) rating printed on the old strut or provided by the canopy/hard-lid maker. Keep the chrome shafts clean, avoid getting silicone sprays or grease on them, and don’t use the lid as a handle when closing—grab the frame instead to avoid twisting the mounts.

Thinking about adding gas struts to the bonnet or tailgate? There are bolt-on kits for the D40 that don’t need drilling. Opt for stainless hardware where possible, treat any exposed metal if holes are required, and recheck fasteners after the first few trips on rough roads.

Q: Does a 2006 Nissan Navara have factory bonnet or tailgate gas struts?

No. On the D40, the bonnet uses a prop rod and the tailgate is supported by check straps, not gas dampers. Only accessories like canopies or hard-lids typically have gas struts. Aftermarket bonnet and tailgate-assist kits are available if wanted.

Q: Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet or tailgate of a 2006 Navara?

Yes. Several bolt-on kits are designed for the D40. Choose a reputable kit matched to the vehicle, follow torque specs, protect any drilled areas from corrosion, and recheck everything after a few hundred kilometres, especially if you’re on corrugations.

Q: How do I know if my canopy or hard-lid gas struts need replacing?

Signs include the lid not staying up, dropping in cold weather, slow or jerky motion, or oil weeping on the shaft. Replace them in pairs, match length and end fittings, and stick with the correct force rating so the lid opens smoothly without overloading the hinges.