Parts for your 2010 Toyota Ractis-Gas struts

2010 Toyota Ractis gas struts — fitment, purpose, and servicing tips

Gas struts are fitted to the 2010 Toyota Ractis on the back door (tailgate). Technical sources that confirm this include: the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), which lists the “Stay Assembly, Back Door” for XP120/NCP120 Ractis, Toyota Ractis workshop manual procedures covering “Back Door Stay — Removal/Installation”, and reputable aftermarket catalogues used in Australia and New Zealand (e.g., Stabilus, Monroe/Max-Lift) that list direct‑replacement tailgate gas struts for the 2010 model. Note: the bonnet on this vehicle uses a manual prop rod from factory, not gas struts.

On a 2010 Ractis, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting — literally. They counterbalance the boot door so it opens smoothly and stays safely overhead without a wrestle. Inside each strut is pressurised gas and a bit of oil, over time, seals age and pressure drops, which is when the tailgate stops rising properly or sags on a cold morning.

For day‑to‑day use, there’s not much to “service,” but a couple of easy habits help them last. Keep the chrome rods clean and free of grit, don’t lube them with oil or silicone (that attracts dust and can ruin the seals), and avoid slamming the tailgate. If the boot feels heavier than usual, won’t stay up, hisses, or leaves an oily film on the rod, it’s time to replace.

Replacement is straightforward and best done in pairs so lift and hold are balanced. Support the tailgate safely (a mate or a prop), pop off the spring clips at each end, and swap like‑for‑like with the rod end oriented downwards when fitted to the body side (helps lubricate the internal seal). Click the clips home and check for smooth, even operation. If the struts are vehicle‑specific, there’s no need to measure, if they’re universal, match extended length and end fittings to the originals.

Workshops in AU/NZ often treat gas‑strut checks as part of routine servicing on hatchbacks. A quick test is to open the tailgate to half‑way and see if it holds without drifting. Cold‑weather fade is common, but if it drops or needs a shoulder to keep it up, swapping the struts is a simple, low‑cost fix that restores safety and convenience. And just to clear it up: factory bonnet struts aren’t a thing on the Ractis — a prop rod does the job — though aftermarket kits exist if someone wants that upgrade.

• Signs they’re due: tailgate sags, slow or no lift, clicking/creaking, oily residue, worse in cold weather.
• Good practice: replace in pairs, don’t clamp the rods, keep rods clean, orient correctly, and support the door during the job.

Popular questions about 2010 Toyota Ractis gas struts

How long do Ractis tailgate gas struts usually last?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many see 5–10 years of service, shorter if the car lives outdoors or in hotter climates. Cold snaps often expose weak struts first. If the boot won’t stay up reliably, that’s the cue to replace rather than wait for a head knock.

Can Ractis gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
Most owners simply replace them. While some specialists can re‑gas, modern struts are sealed units and affordable to swap. Replacement avoids the risk of a short‑lived fix and ensures the correct pressure and damping are restored.

Does the 2010 Ractis have bonnet gas struts from factory?
No — it uses a manual prop rod. Only the back door has gas struts from factory. Aftermarket bonnet‑strut kits exist, but they’re an optional upgrade rather than original equipment.