Parts for your 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer-Gas struts

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer gas struts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on factory documentation, gas struts are used on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback (rear liftgate), but not on the standard sedan’s boot or bonnet. The 2012 Lancer Owner’s Manual depicts a bonnet support rod, not struts, the Lancer Service Manual (Body – Liftgate – Lift Support Cylinder) covers the Sportback’s gas-charged lift supports, and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue lists liftgate lifter assemblies (gas springs) for the Sportback while the sedan’s boot uses torsion bars and the bonnet uses a prop rod. So, gas struts are relevant if the vehicle is a Sportback, or if aftermarket bonnet struts have been fitted.

On the 2012 Lancer Sportback, gas struts quietly do the heavy lifting every time the hatch goes up. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers that hold the liftgate open, prevent sudden drops, and make the hatch easier to raise with one hand. When they’re tired, the hatch can sag, refuse to lift in cold weather, or come down faster than it should—none of which is much fun in a Bunnings car park or on a wet Wellington morning.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but in Aussie and Kiwi conditions most factory struts last around 5–10 years. Heat, UV and coastal air can speed up wear. During routine servicing, it’s smart to check for tell-tales: a hatch that won’t stay up, a slow or jerky lift, a faint oily film on the rod, or a noticeable hiss and lack of damping. If any of that’s happening, plan to replace them—ideally in pairs so the hatch lifts evenly.

• Safety first: support the hatch with a prop or a mate before removing a strut.
• Fitment: most use ball-stud ends, release the clip, pop off, and swap in the new unit. Don’t pry on the rod.
• Orientation: install rod-down to keep the internal seal lubricated.
• Care: keep the chrome rod clean, don’t grease it (grease traps grit). A soft wipe is enough.

If you’ve added a spoiler or carry heavier accessories, consider heavy-duty rated struts matched to the extra mass. Re-gassing isn’t common on OE-style units—they’re sealed—so full replacement is the usual fix. For Lancer sedans, the boot uses torsion bars and the bonnet has a prop rod from factory, but quality aftermarket bonnet gas strut kits are available if easier lift and a cleaner engine-bay look are on the wishlist.

Does my 2012 Lancer sedan have gas struts from factory?

No. The sedan uses torsion bars for the boot and a prop rod for the bonnet. Only the Sportback has gas struts on the rear liftgate as standard. If you want struts for the bonnet, aftermarket kits are an option and can be fitted without permanent mods on most trims.

How often should the Sportback’s gas struts be replaced?

There’s no set kilometre count. Replace them when they no longer hold the hatch up, lift weakly (especially in cold weather), or show oil on the rod. In AU/NZ conditions, many owners see 5–10 years, but coastal and hot climates can shorten that. Always replace in pairs for balance.

Can gas struts be re-gassed or should they just be replaced?

OE-style Lancer struts are sealed units. While re-gassing exists, it’s uncommon for these, new struts are the reliable, time-efficient fix and usually cost-effective. Choose the correct pressure rating, especially if you’ve added a spoiler or roof accessories that change hatch weight.