Parts for your 2012 Mazda Axela-Gas struts

2012 Mazda Axela gas struts: what they do, where they’re used, and when to replace them

Based on Mazda’s BL-series technical information, gas struts are used on the 2012 Mazda Axela hatchback (liftgate), but not on the sedan boot lid or the bonnet. The Mazda 3/Axela (BL, 2009–2013) Workshop Manual (Body – Liftgate/Trunk Lid) and Mazda’s electronic parts catalogue list gas-filled liftgate stays for the hatch, while the sedan boot uses torsion bars and the bonnet is held up by a prop rod. The 2012 Owner’s Manual also depicts a prop rod for the bonnet rather than struts. That means gas struts are relevant for Axela hatch owners, but not for the sedan boot or the bonnet on either body style.

For the hatch, those gas struts do the heavy lifting—literally. They counterbalance the tailgate’s weight so it opens smoothly and stays put overhead, even on a windy day at the beach or a frosty Wellington morning. As the internal gas charge slowly diminishes with age and use, the struts lose oomph: the hatch may rise sluggishly, refuse to stay up, or sag as temps drop. That’s your cue they’re due.

Replacement is straightforward and usually a DIY-friendly job. Always support the hatch safely (get a mate to hold it or use a prop) and replace struts in pairs so opening force and damping stay even left to right. Swap one side at a time, clipping the new strut onto the ball studs—most use spring clips or retaining tabs. Avoid twisting the rod shaft and keep greasy hands off it, contaminants chew out the seals. If the joints are creaky, a light silicone spray on the ball sockets (not the chrome rod) keeps things quiet. In Aussie heat or a South Island winter, performance will vary a bit with temperature—that’s normal—but a hatch that won’t hold itself up is not.

How often? There’s no fixed interval, but many last 5–10 years depending on use. If you regularly load gear with the hatch up, or park in full sun, expect a shorter life. Go for quality, vehicle-specific replacements matched to the Axela’s hatch weight, “universal” struts with the wrong force can slam or overstress hinges. If you’ve got the sedan, don’t stress—there aren’t factory gas struts on the boot because the torsion-bar setup is lighter, cheaper, and does the job fine. Likewise, the bonnet uses a prop rod by design, aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but they’re a convenience upgrade rather than a factory fit.

• Signs your hatch struts are failing:
  • Hatch drops or won’t stay up
  • Needs a shove to open or feels heavy
  • Worse in cold weather
• Quick tips:
  • Replace in pairs, support the hatch, and don’t touch the rod surface
  • Choose Axela-specific force rating

Popular questions

Does a 2012 Mazda Axela have gas struts on the bonnet?
No. Factory cars use a bonnet prop rod. Mazda’s manuals show no bonnet gas struts for the BL-series. If bonnet struts are wanted, look for a quality aftermarket kit designed for the BL Axela.

Do the 2012 Axela sedan boot and hatch use the same struts?
No. The hatchback uses gas struts on the liftgate. The sedan boot uses torsion bars, not gas struts. Order parts to suit your body style.

Can gas struts be re-gassed, or should they just be replaced?
Most OE-style automotive struts are sealed and are replaced rather than re-gassed. Re-gassing is uncommon and often not cost-effective compared with fitting new, correct-rate units.