Parts for your 2009 Ford Transit-Gas struts

2009 Ford Transit gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Technical sources show gas struts are relevant on the 2009 Ford Transit only if the vehicle has the one-piece rear liftgate (tailgate). Ford’s Microcat parts catalogue for the 2006–2013 Transit (Mk7, V347/V348), the Ford workshop manual, and the Haynes Ford Transit Diesel 2000–2013 (No. 4791) all indicate the bonnet uses a prop rod, while Stabilus Lift-O-Mat application listings cover gas springs for the liftgate but not for twin rear barn doors. So, if the van has twin rear doors, there aren’t any gas struts at the back, if it has the lift-up tailgate, it does.

On liftgate-equipped Transits, the gas struts do the heavy lifting and hold the tailgate safely overhead while loading. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers with just the right force to counterbalance the door, keeping things under control in wind and on uneven ground. When they tire out, the door feels heavy, won’t stay up, or needs a helping hand to open—none of which is ideal on a workday.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth a quick check. Wipe the strut bodies clean, look for oil misting around the shaft seal, and listen for creaks at the ball sockets. Cold mornings can make weak struts show their age, and if the tailgate drops or sags—even a little—plan a replacement. There’s no set interval, but most see 5–10 years in mixed Aussie and Kiwi conditions, shorter if the van’s worked hard or parked in the sun all day.

• Replace in pairs to keep lift and balance even.
• Support the tailgate solidly before removal—don’t trust a tired strut.
• Pop the retaining clips at the socket ends, swap the strut, and click it back on the studs.
• Fit with the rod pointing down where specified to keep the internal seal lubricated.
• Do not grease the shiny rod—just keep it clean, a light dab of suitable lubricant on the ball studs is fine.

If your 2009 Transit runs twin rear doors, there are no gas struts to service, the doors use hinges, checks and stays instead. In that case, focus on hinge lubrication and latch adjustment during routine maintenance.

Popular questions about 2009 Ford Transit gas struts

How long do the tailgate gas struts usually last?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi use, many last 5–10 years. Heat, UV and heavy daily loading shorten their life, while garage parking and gentle use help them go the distance. If the door won’t stay up or feels heavy, they’re due.

Can they be re-gassed, or should they just be replaced?
For OEM-style Transit struts, replacement is the practical choice. Re-gassing isn’t commonly supported, and once the seal or internal valving is tired, a fresh pair is the reliable, cost-effective fix.

My Transit has twin rear doors—do I have gas struts anywhere?
Not on the rear doors or bonnet for the 2009 model. The bonnet uses a prop rod and barn doors use mechanical hinges and checks. Only the optional lift-up tailgate uses gas struts.