Parts for your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder: What You Need to Know

The 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is a sturdy and popular SUV, known for its versatility and family-friendly features. If you're checking out parts or thinking about maintenance, you might wonder about gas struts and whether they are used on this vehicle. Gas struts, also called gas springs or lift supports, are common in many cars for assisting with the opening and holding open of hoods, tailgates, and liftgates. So, does the 2013 Pathfinder have gas struts?

Yes, the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder is fitted with gas struts, primarily on the rear liftgate. These gas struts are vital for making it easy to open and keep the liftgate open without needing to hold it manually. They provide a controlled lift and smooth operation, helping prevent the heavy hatch from slamming shut accidentally. However, the front bonnet (hood) on the Pathfinder typically uses a more traditional prop rod instead of gas struts.

This means the gas struts you'll likely deal with on your Pathfinder are the ones installed on the rear gate. Their job is to support the weight of the liftgate and ensure it opens and closes safely with minimal effort. It's a small but important part that many drivers take for granted until it starts to fail.

Gas struts under the liftgate consist of a sealed cylinder filled with gas, usually nitrogen, that's compressed by a piston. This buildup of gas pressure helps lift and hold the gate open. Over time, these struts can lose pressure or the seals can wear out, which means the liftgate won't stay up or may feel heavier when lifting. Because of this, checking these gas struts is a smart part of regular maintenance if you want to keep your 2013 Nissan Pathfinder functioning smoothly.

Here's why looking after the gas struts on your Pathfinder is a good idea:

• Ease of Use: Healthy gas struts make opening and closing the liftgate much easier, especially if you're carrying groceries, kids, or camping gear.
• Safety: Faulty gas struts can cause the liftgate to slam down unexpectedly, which could lead to injury or damage to the vehicle.
• Preventing Damage: Slamming or forcing the gate open can cause unnecessary wear on the hinges or bodywork, so functional struts help protect other components.

When it comes to replacing or maintaining these gas struts, there are a few things to keep in mind. Gas struts are generally considered a 'wear and tear' part, meaning they won't last forever. The lifespan can vary depending on the climate, how often the gate is used, and the quality of the struts initially installed. For instance, if you often live in humid or salty environments, corrosion can speed up wear.

Signs that the gas struts on a 2013 Nissan Pathfinder need to be replaced include the liftgate feeling heavy, sagging instead of staying up, or making unusual noises when opening or closing. If the liftgate unexpectedly falls or seems hesitant to open, it's time to swap out the struts.

Replacing gas struts is often straightforward, with no special tools required apart from maybe a flathead screwdriver to pop the clips holding the struts to the vehicle. It is usually best to replace both struts at the same time even if only one seems faulty, because they work in pairs and tend to wear at a similar rate. Upgrading to high-quality aftermarket or OEM parts ensures the best fit and longevity.

During regular servicing, mechanics might check the gas struts as part of the routine inspection. It's worth asking your mechanic to take a look if you've noticed any problems with the tailgate not staying open. Some might also lubricate the strut mounting points or hinges to make sure everything moves smoothly without binding or squeaking.

One handy tip is to avoid prolonged holding of the liftgate in a partially open position for extended periods because this can put uneven pressure on the gas struts and reduce their lifespan. Also, try to open and close the liftgate gently to avoid sudden impacts.

In short, although the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder does not use gas struts to hold up the bonnet, it certainly relies on gas struts to support the liftgate. These components play a quiet but crucial role in everyday convenience and safety. Keeping them in good nick with proper checks and timely replacement will help avoid frustrating issues and keep the rear hatch operating smoothly for years to come.