Parts for your 2008 Toyota Bb-Gas struts

2008 Toyota bB gas struts — purpose, servicing and when to replace

Based on technical references — Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for chassis codes QNC20/21 and the Toyota bB (QNC2#) Repair Manual procedures for “back door stay” removal/installation — the 2008 Toyota bB is factory-fitted with gas-filled struts on the rear hatch. The bonnet uses a manual prop rod rather than gas struts, and the doors are hinge-sprung, not strut-assisted.

On the bB, the rear hatch gas struts do the heavy lifting: they counterbalance the hatch, help it rise smoothly, and keep it safely held at full height. When they’re healthy, opening the hatch feels light and confidence-inspiring. As the internal nitrogen charge and oil damping fade with age, performance drops — the hatch rises sluggishly, won’t stay up in cooler weather, or sinks a few centimetres after opening.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the hatch a quick check. Open it fully and watch for any drop or bounce. If it won’t reach full height, needs a shove to start moving, or drifts down, the struts are due. Most last 5–10 years depending on climate, use, and added accessories on the hatch.

• Tell-tale signs: hatch sagging or closing on its own, hissy/jerky movement, oily residue at the rod seal, or needing two hands to push up.
• Service tips: keep the chrome rods clean and dry, don’t grease the rod — lubricants attract grit and can damage seals. Wipe with a soft cloth only.
• Replacement advice: always replace in pairs to keep lift and balance even. Support the hatch with a prop or a mate before unclipping the struts.

DIY replacement is straightforward: most bB struts use ball-stud sockets with spring clips. Pry the clip slightly, pop the old strut off, click the new one on the ball, then seat the clip. Fit the body end first, then the rod end with the hatch raised. Choose OE or quality aftermarket units matched to the bB’s spec, Toyota EPC lists these as “Stay, Back Door”, and correct force is model-specific. If you’ve added a spoiler or sound deadening to the hatch, consider a higher-force option recommended for the extra load.

For ongoing care, avoid forcing the hatch closed in extreme cold, and don’t use the hatch as a handle to pull yourself up. A quick strut check at each service keeps the bB’s boot easy, safe, and drama-free.

Popular questions about 2008 Toyota bB gas struts

Does the 2008 Toyota bB have gas struts on the bonnet?
From factory, the bB uses a manual prop rod for the bonnet, so there are no bonnet gas struts. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but they’re not OEM. The only factory gas struts are on the rear hatch.

How can someone tell if their bB’s tailgate struts need replacing?
Open the hatch and see if it reaches and holds full height without drifting down. If it sags, feels heavy, moves in jerks, or shows oil at the rod seal, the struts are tired. Cooler mornings often make weak struts show their age sooner.

Should both rear hatch struts be replaced at the same time?
Yes. Replacing in pairs keeps lift even and prevents twisting the hatch. Mixing an old weak strut with a new strong one can stress hinges and make the hatch open unevenly.