Parts for your 2009 Subaru Impreza-Gas struts

2009 Subaru Impreza gas struts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical references including the Subaru Impreza GE/GH/GR Service Manual (Body – Rear Gate section), Subaru’s MY2009 parts catalogue for the Impreza (which lists gas‑charged “Stay Assy – Rear Gate” left and right for the 5‑door), and aftermarket catalogues from Stabilus and Monroe that list rear lift supports for the 2009 Impreza hatch, gas struts are indeed fitted to the 2009 Subaru Impreza hatchback’s rear liftgate. The bonnet typically uses a prop rod from factory, and the 4‑door sedan’s boot is supported by torsion bars rather than gas struts, which is normal industry practice for sedans of this era.

On the 5‑door Impreza, the gas struts (often called lift supports or stays) do the heavy lifting for the rear gate. They’re small, gas‑charged dampers that balance the weight of the tailgate so it pops up smoothly and stays put without a shoulder workout. When healthy, they make loading the weekly shop or sports gear a breeze and prevent the hatch crashing down in a southerly or when it’s chilly.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check the struts every service or 10,000–15,000 km. A quick once‑over saves headaches later. Look for:

• Slow or incomplete lift, especially worse in cold weather
• Needing to “help” the hatch open, or it won’t stay up
• Oil mist or residue around the rod seal
• Visible pitting, rust, or bent rods

If any of these show up, plan a replacement. There’s no practical re‑gassing for most automotive struts, swapping them out is the go. Replace in pairs so the hatch lifts evenly and holds reliably. Use a prop or a helper to support the gate, then flick the retaining clips off the ball sockets with a small flat screwdriver and pop the new units on. Keep fingers clear of the hinge area and don’t rely on one tired strut to hold the lot.

Maintenance is easy: keep the chrome rods clean and dry, avoid grabbing or scratching them, and don’t grease the rods (it attracts grit that chews out the seals). In hot Aussie and Kiwi summers and cold winters, lifespan can vary, but many sets last 5–8 years. If you’ve added a heavier accessory like a spoiler, consider heavy‑duty spec struts matched to the extra weight.

For bonnet support on this model, a prop rod is standard, and for sedans the boot uses torsion springs—both setups are chosen by manufacturers for simplicity, weight, and cost, so gas struts aren’t used there from factory.

Do all 2009 Subaru Imprezas have gas struts?

The 5‑door hatchback does—two gas struts on the rear liftgate. The 4‑door sedan uses torsion bars for the boot, and the bonnet on most trims has a prop rod. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist if someone wants the convenience upgrade.

How long do the rear hatch gas struts usually last?

Many owners see 5–8 years depending on climate and use. Cold weather often exposes weak struts first. Once they struggle to hold the gate up or leave an oil film, replacing the pair is the best fix rather than trying to re‑gas them.

Can they be replaced at home?

Yes, it’s a straightforward job with basic tools. Support the hatch securely, pop off the retaining clips, swap both struts, and click the clips home. If unsure, a workshop can sort it quickly during a standard service.