Parts for your 2009 Honda Odyssey-Gas struts

2009 Honda Odyssey gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Gas struts are absolutely relevant on the 2009 Honda Odyssey. Honda’s factory Service Manual (2005–10 Odyssey, Body—Tailgate section) and the Honda Genuine Parts Catalogue for 2009 show two gas‑charged support struts fitted to the rear liftgate. Honda also issued a safety recall/service communication for power tailgate struts on certain 2008–09 Odyssey variants, further confirming the use of gas struts on the tailgate. Note: the bonnet on this model uses a prop rod, not gas struts.

On the Odyssey, gas struts counterbalance the weight of the tailgate, making it easy to lift and steady to lower, while holding the door safely open. On power‑tailgate models, the struts share the load with the electric motor so the system can open smoothly and close without thumping.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check the tailgate struts—especially on a 2009 vehicle that’s clocked plenty of kilometres. There’s no fixed replacement interval, lifespan depends on heat, cold, and use. Typical signs they’re due include:

• Tailgate droops, won’t stay up, or closes on its own.
• Slow or uneven lift, especially worse in cold weather.
• Needing two hands or a shoulder to push the tailgate open.
• Visible oil film on the strut shaft or a faint hiss/leak.
• Power tailgate stops mid‑travel or reverses unexpectedly (after ruling out sensors).

Maintenance is simple: keep the chrome shafts clean and dry, don’t lubricate them with oil or silicone—contamination can damage the internal seals. Inspect the ball studs and brackets for play or corrosion. If one strut’s weak, replace both together so they share the load evenly and protect hinges and, on power systems, the drive motor.

Replacement is usually straightforward with basic hand tools. Always support the tailgate with a prop or a mate before unclipping a strut. Fit the clip ends squarely onto clean ball studs and confirm they’re locked. On power‑tailgate models, follow the Honda service procedure to initialise the tailgate after strut replacement (cycle the door fully open and closed using the switch). A quick check of opening speed and hold‑open height finishes the job.

Does the 2009 Odyssey have gas struts on the bonnet?

No. The bonnet uses a prop rod. Gas‑charged struts are fitted to the rear tailgate only, as shown in the Honda Service Manual and parts catalogue for the 2009 model.

How can someone tell the Odyssey’s tailgate struts need replacing?

If the tailgate won’t stay up, sags, needs extra shove to open, moves slowly in cold weather, or shows oil on the shaft, the struts are likely tired. Power tailgates that stop or reverse after starting the lift can also point to weak struts once sensors and obstructions are ruled out.

Should both struts be replaced, and is any programming required?

Best practice is to replace them as a pair to keep the lift balanced and to reduce stress on hinges and the power drive. For power‑tailgate models, follow the Honda initialisation routine after fitting—usually cycling the door fully open and closed via the interior switch.