Parts for your 2008 Holden Commodore-Gas struts

2008 Holden Commodore gas struts

Gas struts are relevant to the 2008 Holden Commodore range, but only on certain body styles. Technical references including the Holden VE Series Service Manual (Body sections), the GM Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for VE, and aftermarket catalogues such as Monroe’s lift support listings confirm that the VE Sportwagon uses gas-charged lift supports on the tailgate. The VE sedan boot uses torsion bars with gooseneck hinges, and the bonnet on most VE variants uses a prop rod rather than struts. The Ute tailgate is cable-supported, some hard-lid accessories may use gas struts, but that’s accessory-specific.

For owners of a 2008 Commodore Sportwagon, the gas struts make everyday life easier by safely taking the weight of the tailgate and controlling the opening and closing speed. They’re sealed, nitrogen-charged dampers with a little oil inside for lubrication and damping. Over years of use, seals harden and the gas pressure drops, especially in colder weather, and that’s when the tailgate starts to sag or refuses to hold itself up.

There’s no fixed service interval for gas struts, but plan on replacement on condition—often somewhere around the 5–10 year mark depending on climate and use. When the tailgate won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, needs a helping hand, or leaves an oily film on the strut body, it’s time. Replace in pairs to keep lift and damping even.

Basic care helps them last: keep the shiny shafts clean and dry, don’t grease them (grease traps grit and damages the seals), and avoid using the tailgate as a perch or load stop. If working in the cold, remember struts feel weaker—normal behaviour for gas-charged units.

DIY-friendly? Generally, yes. Support the tailgate with a prop or a helper, pop off the spring clips at each end, swap one strut at a time, and press the new ball sockets onto the studs until they click. Refit clips if supplied loose. If your wagon has trim close to the upper mounts, take care not to crease it. For torque specs or model-specific cautions, follow the Holden service manual. If your 2008 Commodore is a sedan or Ute without factory struts, aftermarket kits exist for bonnets or hard lids—just ensure they’re designed for the VE platform and rated for the panel weight.

• Symptoms of worn struts: tailgate drops or won’t hold, slow or jerky lift, hissing, or oil mist on the tube.
• Replacement tips: change in pairs, support the tailgate, wear eye protection, and confirm part numbers by body style.

Popular questions about 2008 Holden Commodore gas struts

Do all 2008 Commodores have gas struts?
No. The VE Sportwagon uses gas struts on the tailgate. The VE sedan boot uses torsion bars and typically has no gas struts, and most VE bonnets use a prop rod. The Ute tailgate is cable-supported, only certain hard-lid accessories use gas struts. Always check the body style before ordering parts.

How long do gas struts last on a VE Sportwagon?
Many last 5–10 years, but climate, usage, and build quality matter. If the tailgate starts to sag, opens slowly, needs a nudge, or you see oil mist on the strut, they’re due. Replace in pairs to keep the tailgate balanced.

Can gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
Most OEM-style lift supports are sealed-for-life and aren’t designed to be re-gassed. Replacement with new, correctly rated units is the usual, safer approach and typically not expensive.