Parts for your 2013 Nissan Navara-Gas struts

2013 Nissan Navara Gas Struts — Fitment and Service Info

Gas struts are not a factory-fitted item on the 2013 Nissan Navara (D40) for the bonnet or tailgate. The Nissan service manual for the D40 Body/Exterior section specifies a bonnet stay rod (manual prop) rather than gas struts, and the tailgate assembly is documented with support cables, not damped struts. The 2013 Owner’s Manual illustrations show a prop rod for the bonnet, and the Nissan FAST/parts catalogue lists the bonnet stay and tailgate cables with no OEM gas strut part numbers for those positions. In practice, the only common gas struts seen on these utes are fitted to accessories such as canopies, hard lids, or certain aftermarket “tailgate assist” kits (references: Nissan D40 Navara Service Manual – Body/Exterior, 2013 Navara/Frontier Owner’s Manual, Nissan FAST D40 parts catalogue).

Why no factory gas struts? Nissan engineered the D40 as a tough, work-ready ute where simplicity, cost, and durability take priority. A steel prop rod and tailgate cables are robust, easy to service in the field, and avoid the wear-out modes of gas-charged dampers. Tailgate weight and hinge geometry on the D40 are also suited to cable support, while accessory lids and canopy windows benefit more from struts for controlled lift and hold.

Plenty of owners do retrofit gas struts for convenience. If the vehicle runs aftermarket bonnet lifts, tailgate assist, or canopy/hard-lid struts, a few simple care tips help keep things sweet:

• Keep the chrome shafts clean and dry, wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid oil or grease on the shaft—it attracts grit and can damage seals.
• Replace struts in pairs if one goes weak to keep even lift and latch alignment.
• Watch for tell-tales: bonnet or lid won’t stay up, moves in jerks, or needs a hand past halfway. Any visible oiling around the seal means it’s time to swap them.
• Confirm ball-stud threads and torque to the kit supplier’s spec (often M6/M8). Don’t force-compress a strut by hand or in a vice.
• Remember gas struts lose force as temperatures drop—slower lift on a frosty morning is normal, persistent sagging isn’t.

If a canopy or hard lid is fitted, treat those struts as service items: most last 3–7 years depending on use, environment, and quality. Part numbers and force ratings are usually printed on the tube—match those when ordering replacements for the best result on a 2013 Navara.

Popular questions about 2013 Nissan Navara gas struts

Can gas struts be retrofitted to a 2013 Navara bonnet or tailgate?
Yes, retrofit kits exist for both. Bonnet kits replace the prop rod with two small struts and brackets, and tailgate assist kits add a damped strut so the gate doesn’t slam. They’re aftermarket solutions, not Nissan factory parts for the D40, so bracket quality and correct force rating matter.

Installation is usually bolt-on with basic tools. Always follow the kit’s torque specs and recheck fasteners after a week of use.

How long do aftermarket gas struts last on a Navara?
Lifespan varies with quality and conditions—expect roughly 3–7 years. Frequent dust, salt air, and lots of cycles shorten life. When they start losing lift, replacement is straightforward and best done in pairs for equal support.

Wiping the shafts clean and avoiding lubricants on them helps seals last longer.

Are canopy or hard-lid struts the same as bonnet or tailgate struts?
Not usually. Canopy windows and hard lids use different lengths, end fittings, and gas charge (force). Use the force rating and part number printed on the old strut or the canopy/lid maker’s spec to match replacements.

Mixing the wrong force can cause poor lifting or slamming, and may stress hinges or latches.