Parts for your 2007 Toyota Camry-Gas struts

2007 Toyota Camry gas struts — what’s actually fitted from factory?

Based on Toyota’s factory repair information and the OEM parts catalogue for the 2007 Camry (XV40), this model does not use gas struts from new. The bonnet is supported by a simple prop rod, and the sedan’s boot lid uses gooseneck hinges with torsion bars. Neither the bonnet nor the boot is shown with gas lift supports in the Toyota EPC, and workshop procedures cover prop-rod bonnet support and torsion-bar boot adjustment rather than gas strut servicing. The owner’s manual illustrations for this generation likewise depict a bonnet stay, not struts.

Why no gas struts on the 2007 Camry sedan? It comes down to the way the car is built and what Toyota optimised for at the time:

• Packaging and boot space: Torsion bars and gooseneck hinges keep the boot trim simple and preserve luggage room without strut towers.
• Cost and reliability: A prop rod and torsion bars are inexpensive, light, and rarely fail, which suits fleet and private buyers alike.
• Model type: Gas struts were more common on hatches, wagons, and select coupes of the era. The four-door Camry sedan stuck with conventional hardware.

Keen on the convenience of gas struts? Aftermarket bonnet-strut kits exist for the XV40 and can be a neat upgrade. Choose a kit that uses bolt-on brackets specific to the Camry to avoid drilling, treat any exposed metal to prevent corrosion, and check that the strut force and stroke match the bonnet’s weight and hinge geometry. For the boot, most sedan kits replace or supplement the torsion bars, verify clearance so the gooseneck doesn’t contact luggage or trim. There’s no scheduled maintenance for gas struts—once they start sagging (especially in cold weather) or leave an oily mist on the shaft, replacement is the fix.

Does a 2007 Camry have gas struts from factory?

No. The XV40 sedan sold in Australia and New Zealand uses a bonnet prop rod and torsion-bar boot hinges, with no gas lift supports fitted by Toyota. Different body styles like the Camry Solara (coupe/convertible, not the AU/NZ sedan) did use struts, which can cause parts-catalogue confusion.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet or boot?

Yes, bonnet-strut kits are popular and generally bolt on using existing mounting points. Pick vehicle-specific brackets, confirm the strut force, and install in pairs. For the boot, options are more limited due to the gooseneck/torsion-bar design—some kits exist, but check for interference and make sure the boot still closes smoothly.

How do you know a retrofit gas strut needs replacing?

If the bonnet or boot won’t stay up, drops suddenly, moves very slowly in cold weather, or the strut rod has an oily film, it’s time to replace. Most automotive gas struts are sealed and not re-gassed. Replace in matched pairs and always support the panel safely during the swap.