Parts for your 2012 Mazda Bt-50-Gas struts

2012 Mazda BT-50 gas struts — what’s fitted and what isn’t

For the 2012 Mazda BT-50 (PX-series, shared platform with Ford Ranger PX Mk1), factory gas struts are not fitted to the bonnet or tailgate. Technical references that show this include the Mazda BT-50 Owner’s Manual (2012 AU/NZ print), which details a manual bonnet support rod rather than struts, the Mazda BT-50/Ranger PX workshop literature, which specifies bonnet prop-rod hardware, and Mazda Genuine Accessories catalogues of the time, which list tailgate-assist kits and canopy/hard-lid options with their own gas struts as accessories, not as standard vehicle equipment. Put simply, gas struts only appear on add-ons like canopies, hard lids or some aftermarket tailgate-assist kits — not on the base vehicle’s bonnet or tailgate from the factory.

Why didn’t Mazda fit gas struts on the 2012 BT-50 as standard? It comes down to design intent and durability for a work-and-play ute.

• Robust simplicity: A prop rod and cable-supported tailgate are tough, cheap to replace, and less sensitive to dust, mud, and corrosion common in Aussie and Kiwi conditions.
• Cost and weight: Skipping struts reduces build cost and avoids extra brackets and reinforcement in the bonnet and tub.
• Service access: A prop rod keeps under-bonnet packaging simple, with fewer components to fail in remote use.
• Platform commonality: The BT-50’s Ford Ranger PX underpinnings also used a prop rod, streamlining parts and tooling.

If easier lifting is on the wish list, owners often retrofit bonnet strut kits or tailgate-assist dampers. Quality kits bolt to existing points, won’t foul the bonnet’s closing line, and take the sting out of a heavy tailgate. When adding accessory struts (including canopy or hard-lid units), secure brackets to the correct torque, apply anti-corrosion where drilled, and recheck fasteners after a few hundred kilometres on corrugations. For maintenance, keep the chrome shafts clean, don’t grease them (dust sticks), and replace struts in pairs if lift or hold starts to weaken.

Popular questions

Can gas struts be retrofitted to a 2012 BT-50 bonnet or tailgate?
Yes. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits and tailgate-assist dampers are widely available. Choose vehicle-specific kits for the PX-platform BT-50 to ensure correct bracket geometry and clearance. Professional fitting is recommended if drilling is required or if the ute carries a canopy/hard lid that changes weight balance.

Does a factory BT-50 have any gas struts at all?
Not on the bonnet or tailgate. However, accessories such as canopies and hard lids typically use gas struts to hold the glass or lid open. Those accessory struts are serviced as part of the canopy/lid, not the base vehicle.

How long do accessory gas struts last?
It varies with use and environment. In coastal or dusty conditions, expect 3–6 years. Watch for slower lift, reduced hold, oil weep, or needing a hand to stay up — all signs they’re due for replacement.