Parts for your 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer-Gas struts

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer gas struts: what’s fitted and what to service

Here’s the short take, backed by technical references: the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (hatch) is factory-fitted with gas lift struts on the rear tailgate, while the 2010 Lancer sedan is not fitted with gas lift struts on either the bonnet or the boot. This is confirmed by the Mitsubishi Lancer CJ/CF Workshop Manual (Group 51 – Body, Liftgate, Group 51 – Hood) and the Mitsubishi ASA/CAPS parts catalogue, which list tailgate lift supports for the Sportback and show a bonnet prop rod and torsion-bar boot hinges for the sedan. The 2010 Owner’s Manual illustrations also show a prop rod for the bonnet on sedan models.

For owners of the 2010 Lancer Sportback, those rear gas struts do the heavy lifting, holding the tailgate up safely and smoothly. Over time, the internal gas charge and seals can fade, especially in colder Kiwi and Aussie winters, which is why tailgates can start to sag or need a helpful shove to open.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the struts a quick once-over. Look for these tell-tales:

• Tailgate opens slowly, won’t stay up, or drops unexpectedly
• One side sags more than the other (replace in pairs)
• Oil sheen on the shaft or body, or a faint hiss after cycling

Replacement is straightforward but do support the tailgate securely before unclipping the old units. Follow the original orientation on refit (ball-ends and body/rod direction as per OE). Most kits are a simple clip-on swap, and replacing both sides together keeps lift and balance even. Typical service life is 5–10 years depending on climate and use.

Care tips are simple: keep the chrome shafts clean and free of nicks, don’t grease the shafts (it attracts grit that chews out the seals), and avoid using the tailgate as a perch. If you’re hearing creaks, it’s usually the hinges or mounts—dab of appropriate lubricant on the pivots, not on the strut shafts, does the trick.

Driving a 2010 Lancer sedan? It didn’t get gas struts from the factory on the bonnet or boot—Mitsubishi used a prop rod and torsion bars to keep weight and cost down. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but check clearance around the guard/bonnet and stick to kits designed for the CJ series for safe, tidy fitment.

Popular questions about 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer gas struts

Does the 2010 Lancer sedan have gas struts on the bonnet or boot?
No. The sedan uses a bonnet prop rod and torsion-bar boot hinges, not gas lift struts. This layout is shown in the Mitsubishi CJ/CF Workshop Manual (Body section) and the 2010 Owner’s Manual. Only the Sportback’s rear liftgate has gas struts from factory.

How long do Sportback tailgate struts last, and when should they be replaced?
Most last 5–10 years in typical Aussie/NZ conditions. Replace when the tailgate won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, or shows oil on the shaft. Always change them in pairs to keep lift balanced and avoid twisting the hatch.

Can I retrofit bonnet gas struts to my 2010 Lancer?
Yes, aftermarket kits are available for the CJ series. Choose a vehicle-specific kit, verify mounting points and bonnet/guard clearances, and follow torque and orientation notes from the kit maker. It’s a popular upgrade for convenience but wasn’t an OE fitment on the sedan.