Parts for your 2011 Mazda Premacy-Gas struts

2011 Mazda Premacy gas struts (liftgate) — purpose, checks and replacement

Technical sources confirm the 2011 Mazda Premacy (CW series, also sold as Mazda5) is factory-fitted with gas‑charged liftgate struts. Mazda’s CW Workshop Manual includes a dedicated “Liftgate Gas Stay — Removal/Installation” procedure, and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists the rear liftgate gas stay for this model. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Stabilus/StrongArm listings for 2010–2018 Mazda 5/Premacy) also specify direct‑fit liftgate gas springs. Note: the bonnet on this model uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, by design.

On a 2011 Premacy, the gas struts (often called gas stays) do the heavy lifting for the rear hatch, using nitrogen pressure to balance the door’s weight. They make the tailgate easy to raise, hold it safely at full height, and stop it dropping on a windy day. When they’re tired, the hatch feels heavy, won’t stay up in cooler weather, or needs a shoulder to prop it open — all signs it’s time to replace them.

As part of routine servicing, it’s worth giving the liftgate a quick functional check. If the hatch doesn’t open smoothly or sinks, inspect the strut shafts for nicks, rust or an oily film. Don’t lubricate the shafts — grease attracts grit and damages the seals. Keep the ball studs clean and lightly protected from corrosion, but leave the chrome shafts dry and clean.

• Typical wear signs: slow lift in cold temps, hatch won’t hold full height, hissing/oil weep, or visible pitting on the rod.
• Replacement tip: always replace in pairs for even support and correct opening height.

DIY replacement is straightforward: support the hatch safely with a prop (or a mate), then pop the spring clips off each end with a small flat screwdriver and swap the strut over. Clip-on ball sockets make it a quick job — just don’t twist the rod. Quality matters here, OEM-equivalent gas pressure and stroke length keep the opening height correct and prevent premature wear on hinges. Old units should be disposed of responsibly, as they’re pressurised.

Because the bonnet uses a simple prop rod, there’s no bonnet gas strut to service or replace on this generation — a sensible choice for cost and long-term reliability. Focus attention on the rear liftgate struts, and the Premacy will keep that family-friendly tailgate action sweet for years.

• How long do the liftgate gas struts last on a 2011 Premacy?
  In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, many last 5–10 years, but climate and use make a big difference. If the hatch starts dropping or won’t reach full height, that’s the cue to replace them rather than waiting for a complete failure.
• Can the Premacy’s gas struts be re‑gassed, or should they be replaced?
  They’re sealed units. Re‑gassing isn’t generally recommended for this style, replacement with quality new struts is the reliable, cost‑effective fix.
• Does the 2011 Premacy have bonnet gas struts?
  No — the bonnet uses a manual prop rod. Only the rear liftgate is fitted with gas struts from factory on this model.