Parts for your 2008 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2008 Subaru Impreza - What You Need to Know

The 2008 Subaru Impreza is a solid, reliable vehicle that lots of Aussies have relied on over the years. When it comes to gas struts, there's often some confusion about whether this part is used on the Impreza and what role it might play. So, for anyone owning or interested in this car, here's a straightforward guide to gas struts on the 2008 Impreza and what to consider if you're thinking about maintenance or replacement.

Simply put, gas struts are commonly found in many cars to assist with opening and holding open components like the bonnet (hood) or the tailgate. These struts contain compressed gas that helps reduce the effort needed to lift these parts and holds them in place safely once opened. They are especially handy for heavy panels, making it easier and safer for the driver or mechanic to work under the bonnet or access the boot.

Now, when it comes to the 2008 Subaru Impreza, it's important to realise that factory models generally do not come fitted with gas struts for the bonnet or tailgate. Instead, Subaru opted for traditional mechanical supports, such as bonnet props. The bonnet, for example, typically uses a manual prop rod that you lift and slot into place to keep the bonnet open. At the rear, the hatch or boot lid is usually manually lifted and stays open without gas struts as well, depending on the body style of the specific model.

Why does Subaru skip gas struts on the 2008 Impreza? The answer is mostly about cost-saving and simplicity. By using manual props, the 2008 Impreza keeps repairs and maintenance straightforward for owners while reducing the chances of failure. Gas struts do offer smoother and easier operation, but they also wear out over time and need replacing, which adds to the cost and complexity. For a compact car like the Impreza from this era, a prop rod performs the job adequately without the extra expense of gas struts.

If a 2008 Subaru Impreza owner wants to upgrade or customise their vehicle, aftermarket gas struts are available for bonnet or tailgate applications. These can make lifting and holding open the panels easier and more convenient. However, this is not standard, and fitting aftermarket gas struts requires ensuring the correct mounting points and compatibility to maintain safety and function.

For those who do have gas struts fitted - whether through aftermarket upgrades or on certain limited models - it is important to know the basics of how they work and what to watch out for when servicing your Impreza.

Gas struts are pressurised components that use nitrogen gas sealed inside a cylinder to provide force. This force assists in lifting heavy panels like bonnets or tailgates and then holds them securely open without manual support. Over time, these struts can lose pressure, the seals can degrade, and the struts may fail to provide enough lift or hold power. When this happens, the strut will become weak or completely collapse, causing the bonnet or boot to fall unexpectedly. This is not just annoying but can be dangerous.

Signs the gas struts need replacing include:

• Difficulty in lifting the bonnet or tailgate
• The bonnet or tailgate failing to stay open and falling down
• Visible damage or corrosion on the strut body
• Any leaking fluid or gas around the seal area

Replacing gas struts on models that use them is relatively straightforward. It usually involves unclipping the old struts from the mounting points and snapping in new ones. It's advised to replace gas struts in pairs, especially on the bonnet, to ensure balanced lifting force and safe operation.

Regular checks during servicing can help catch any weak struts before they cause problems. Even if there's no obvious sign of failure, testing the lift and hold function periodically is a good idea. Gas struts don't last forever, and their lifespan depends on usage, environment, and quality of the part.

For 2008 Subaru Impreza owners without gas struts, the good news is the manual props are low maintenance and very unlikely to fail, although checking for rust or bent parts during servicing is sensible. If upgrading to gas struts, investing in high-quality aftermarket parts designed specifically for the Impreza is essential for safety and durability.

So while the 2008 Subaru Impreza doesn't use gas struts from the factory, understanding what these parts do and their maintenance needs can be useful knowledge, especially if considering upgrades or if owning similar vehicles that do have gas struts fitted. Keeping any gas struts in good nick keeps your car safer and easier to work on, whether it's for routine servicing or those spontaneous roadside checks every Aussie driver encounters.