Parts for your 2009 Toyota Blade-Gas struts

2009 Toyota Blade gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Gas struts are relevant on the 2009 Toyota Blade. Technical sources including the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the E15# series (Auris/Blade, 2006–2012) list gas‑pressurised “Stay Sub‑Assy, Back Door” units on both sides of the tailgate, and the factory Repair Manual includes removal/installation procedures for the back door stay. Those same documents show the bonnet uses a manual support rod rather than bonnet gas struts from factory. So, for this model year, gas struts are fitted to the rear hatch, not the bonnet.

On a 2009 Toyota Blade, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the hatch so it opens smoothly, stays up safely, and closes without a fight. By holding the hatch steady, they prevent slamming and protect hinges, trims and the rear wiper arm. They’re a simple, sealed, nitrogen‑charged part that quietly makes everyday use far easier.

Because gas struts are sealed, they slowly lose charge with age and cycles. After eight to twelve years—or sooner in harsh heat, salt air, or frosty winters—they can get lazy. A quick check each service (say, every 10,000–15,000 km) is smart: open the hatch, feel for uneven resistance, and see if it holds at full travel. Wipe the shiny shafts with a clean microfibre and keep grit off them. Don’t lubricate the shafts with oil or silicone, contaminants can be drawn past the seals and shorten life.

• Replace in pairs to keep lift balanced and stop twisting the hatch.
• If the hatch drops, won’t stay up when it’s cold, hisses, or shows an oily film, the struts are due.
• Support the hatch with a prop or a helper before popping off the spring clips.
• Reuse or replace the ball‑studs as needed and snug the brackets to the repair manual spec.

Choosing parts is straightforward: match them to the Blade (E15 platform) by VIN where possible. OEM or quality aftermarket struts both work well when they’re the correct length and force. Most units are sealed and not economically “re‑gassed”, fit new ones and enjoy a hatch that lifts and holds like it did from new. Some owners retrofit bonnet struts, but that’s an accessory job—factory fitment on the 2009 Blade is the prop rod for the bonnet and gas struts for the tailgate.

Popular questions about 2009 Toyota Blade gas struts

Do 2009 Toyota Blade models have gas struts on the bonnet?
From factory, no. The 2009 Blade uses a manual support rod for the bonnet. Gas struts are fitted to the rear hatch only. Bonnet strut kits do exist as aftermarket accessories if someone wants a hands‑free lift.

How long do the tailgate gas struts usually last?
Typically 5–10+ years depending on use and climate. Colder mornings will expose weak struts first. If the hatch won’t hold itself up or needs a shove to open, it’s time to replace—ideally as a pair.

Can tired gas struts be re‑gassed, or should they be replaced?
Most automotive lift supports on the Blade are sealed units. Re‑gassing isn’t common or reliable for these, replacement with the correct spec struts is the recommended fix.