Parts for your 2011 Subaru Exiga-Gas struts

2011 Subaru Exiga gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Gas struts are relevant to the 2011 Subaru Exiga. The YA‑series Exiga uses gas‑charged stays on the rear liftgate, while the bonnet is supported by a manual prop rod. This setup is documented in Subaru’s factory service information (Body: Rear Gate – “Rear Gate Stay”), Subaru FAST parts catalogues for the YA chassis (listed as gas spring/stay for the rear gate), and widely cross‑referenced in aftermarket catalogues from Stabilus (LIFT‑O‑MAT) and Monroe (Max‑Lift) for 2008–2015 Exiga tailgate applications.

• Subaru Factory Service Manual, Body section (Rear Gate Stay – gas spring)
• Subaru FAST parts catalogue, YA‑series Exiga (Rear Gate Stay/Gas Spring)
• Aftermarket catalogues: Stabilus LIFT‑O‑MAT and Monroe Max‑Lift (Exiga 2008–2015 rear hatch)

On the 2011 Subaru Exiga, the rear hatch gas struts do the heavy lifting — literally. They counterbalance the tailgate’s weight so it opens smoothly and stays put overhead, then close with a controlled, cushioned feel. When they’re healthy, there’s no wrestling the hatch in a windy Bunnings car park, and no shoulder holding acts while loading the pram.

Signs they’re on the way out include the hatch dropping or refusing to stay up (worse on cold mornings), needing two hands to lift, a hiss with little resistance, or a light oil mist on the strut shaft. If one’s gone soft, the other isn’t far behind — replace them as a pair to keep the lift even and the hinges happy.

Replacement is straightforward for a handy owner: support the hatch safely with a prop or a mate, flick the spring clips off the ball joints with a small flat screwdriver, pop the old struts off, then click the new ones on. Fit them rod‑end down if the design calls for it (most do) to keep the internal seal lubricated. Don’t grease the shiny shaft — just keep it clean. Tighten any bracket bolts snugly and check for any lost spacers or clips. After fitting, cycle the hatch a few times to make sure it opens fully and latches cleanly.

There’s no strict service interval — they’re a replace‑when‑needed item — but a quick check during routine servicing is smart. Lightly wipe the shafts, look for leaks, listen for binding, and test hold‑open height. If in doubt, quality aftermarket or genuine replacements are affordable and make a big difference to everyday use. Always support the hatch during work, a dropping tailgate can do real damage to heads and glass.

• Tip: Heat helps. If they’re marginal, they may hold in summer and fail in winter. Don’t ignore early sag — swap them before they surprise anyone under the hatch.

Popular questions about 2011 Subaru Exiga gas struts

How can someone tell if their Exiga’s tailgate struts are worn?
Common giveaways are a hatch that won’t stay up, slow or jerky opening, or needing a big heave to lift it. Cold weather usually makes weak struts feel worse. A light oil film on the shaft or around the seals is another sign they’re past their best.

Should gas struts be replaced in pairs, and how long do they last?
Yes — always replace them in pairs so the opening force is balanced and the hinges aren’t stressed. Lifespan varies with use and climate, but 5–10 years is typical. Vehicles parked outside or used frequently will go through them sooner.

Does the 2011 Exiga have gas struts on the bonnet?
No. The bonnet uses a manual prop rod from factory. Only the rear liftgate is supported by gas struts on the 2011 Exiga.