Parts for your 2012 Mazda Cx-9-Gas struts

2012 Mazda CX-9 Gas Struts: What They Do, When They Fail, and How to Keep Them Sweet

Technical confirmation: Per Mazda’s CX-9 (TB, 2007–2015) Workshop Manual (Body — Liftgate — “Liftgate Gas Stay Removal/Installation”) and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for “Liftgate Stay,” the 2012 CX-9 is fitted with gas-filled struts on the rear liftgate. The bonnet on this model typically uses a prop rod in many markets, not factory gas struts, although aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist. So yes — gas struts are relevant to the 2012 CX-9, specifically for the tailgate.

On the CX-9, the rear gas struts do the heavy lifting, literally. They counterbalance the weight of the tailgate and control its movement so it opens smoothly, holds steady at full height, and doesn’t drop on anyone’s head. Inside each strut is pressurised gas and a little oil for damping, over time, that pressure can fade, especially with age, temperature swings, and a big, glass-laden liftgate like the CX-9’s.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the struts a quick check. If the tailgate rises slowly, won’t stay up without a helping hand, sags in cold weather, or you can see oily residue on the rod, the struts are on the way out. Most workshops treat these as a pair-replace item: swap both left and right together to keep lift and balance even. Mazda’s workshop procedures also note correct orientation (rod down) for proper lubrication and sealing.

Maintenance is simple: keep the shiny rods clean and dry — no grease on the rods themselves, as that can chew up the seals. A light spritz of silicone on the ball studs is fine, but avoid contaminating the rod. Don’t slam the tailgate against failing struts, that stresses hinges and latches. In winter, remember gas pressure dips with temperature, so marginal struts will feel worse on a frosty morning.

Replacement is straightforward for a pro and a tidy DIY job with care. Always support the tailgate securely (use a prop or a helper), pop the retaining clips, and change one side at a time. Confirm the part number against the Mazda EPC for your VIN to nail the correct force rating. Quality aftermarket or genuine struts both work, the key is matching the spec. Given the age of a 2012 CX-9, original struts are often due — refreshing them restores that easy, one-hand lift and brings back the factory feel.

• Key signs to act: tailgate won’t hold up, jerky travel, visible oil on the rod, or needing two hands to lift.
• Service tip: replace in pairs, rod down, and don’t lubricate the rod.

How do I know my 2012 CX-9 tailgate struts are failing?
If the tailgate drops, won’t stay fully open, lifts slowly (worse in cold weather), or there’s oil weeping on the rod, the gas charge is fading. Any bounce or uneven motion is another giveaway the internal damping isn’t doing its job.

Do I need to replace both struts at once?
Yes, best practice is to replace them as a pair. A fresh strut paired with a tired one can twist the tailgate and wear hinges. Pair replacement restores balanced lift and holding force.

Can I fit bonnet gas struts to a 2012 CX-9?
From factory, most 2012 CX-9s use a bonnet prop rod, not gas struts. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits are available, just ensure the kit is CX-9 TB–specific and mounts without drilling into structural areas.