Parts for your 2013 Mazda Axela-Gas struts

2013 Mazda Axela gas struts — fitment, purpose, and servicing tips

Based on Mazda’s BL-series workshop literature and parts catalogues for the 2010–2013 Mazda Axela/Mazda3, gas-charged lift supports (often called gas struts) are fitted to the hatchback’s liftgate. The Mazda Body & Accessories Workshop Manual for the BL platform includes procedures titled “Liftgate Stay Damper Removal/Installation,” and the Mazda Electronic Parts Catalogue lists “Stay, Liftgate” components for the hatch. The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod, not gas struts, and the sedan’s boot uses a torsion-bar hinge system rather than gas struts. Haynes/Autodata-style guides for the BL Mazda3 back this up with similar fitment notes for hatch vs sedan.

For the 2013 Axela hatch, those rear gas struts quietly do the heavy lifting. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers that counterbalance the liftgate’s weight, letting it open smoothly and stay put without slamming. Over time, seals harden and gas pressure drops, especially with heat cycles and Kiwi/Oz climate swings, so lift performance declines.

Tell-tale signs it’s time to sort the struts include a hatch that won’t stay up on a cold morning, slower or gritty movement, or a light oil film on the rod. If any of that shows up, plan a pair replacement—doing one side only can twist the liftgate and the fresh strut will be overworked.

• Safety first: use a prop or a helper when changing struts. The hatch is heavier than it looks.
• Don’t grab the chrome rod with pliers or add grease—damage or contamination ruins the seal.
• Most OE-style struts use ball studs with spring clips. Pop the clip, lever the socket off, swap, then re-seat the clip. No need to decompress a new strut by hand.
• If there’s a “handed” (left/right) part number, match each side correctly. Torque ball-stud fasteners to spec if removed.

There’s no fixed replacement interval, but many owners see 5–10 years depending on usage and climate. As part of regular servicing, give the struts a quick check: open the hatch fully, feel for even resistance, listen for squeaks, and ensure it holds at the top of travel. Wipe the rods with a clean, dry cloth only—no lubricants. If roof racks, bikes, or a heavier accessory spoiler have been fitted, consider higher-rate struts matched to the added mass.

Fresh gas struts make day-to-day use feel new again—no head knocks, no shoulder strain, just a smooth, confident lift and hold the way the BL Axela hatch was designed to work.

Does the 2013 Mazda Axela have gas struts on both the hatch and the bonnet?

The hatchback does—two gas-charged liftgate struts. The bonnet uses a simple prop rod, so there are no bonnet gas struts from factory. If it’s a sedan, the boot lid uses torsion bars rather than gas struts.

How long do the liftgate struts usually last?

Anywhere from about 5 to 10 years is common, with colder winters and hotter summers shortening life. If the hatch sags, lifts slowly, or won’t stay up in colder weather, that’s a solid cue to replace them.

Should both struts be replaced at the same time?

Yes. Replacing in pairs keeps the lift even, avoids twisting the hatch, and ensures the new strut isn’t overworked by a weak mate. It’s a quick job and the parts are relatively affordable.