Parts for your 2014 Ford Transit-Gas struts

2014 Ford Transit gas struts — what’s fitted and what to service

Technical documentation confirms that gas struts are used on certain 2014 Ford Transit configurations. Ford’s Workshop Manual for Transit (2014–2019, section 501-03 Body Closures) specifies gas-charged support struts for vehicles with the one-piece rear liftgate. Models with twin rear cargo doors (barn doors) don’t use gas struts at the back. The bonnet on the 2014 Transit is supported by a manual prop rod rather than gas struts. This split is consistent with Ford ETIS/Microcat parts listings and the Haynes Ford Transit (2014 on) manual, which list liftgate struts but no bonnet gas struts.

For 2014 Ford Transits fitted with the single rear liftgate, the gas struts do the heavy lifting, quite literally. They counterbalance the liftgate’s weight so it opens smoothly, stays put overhead, and closes without a fight. That’s more than just convenience, it’s a safety item that prevents an unexpected drop on a busy workday. Over time, seals wear and the nitrogen charge can fade, especially with high kilometres, harsh heat, or frequent use.

Servicing advice is straightforward. If the liftgate starts to sag, needs a helping hand to rise, or slows down noticeably on cold mornings, the struts are likely due. Any oily film on the shafts is another giveaway. For a Transit that sees daily duty, a quick visual check during routine servicing is smart, and most owners will find replacement somewhere around the 5–8 year mark depending on climate and usage.

• Always replace in pairs to keep lift and balance even.
• Support the liftgate securely before removing a strut—don’t rely on the remaining one.
• Match length, end fittings, and force rating to the original spec for proper operation.
• Keep the chrome shafts clean, avoid silicone sprays or grease on the shafts (they attract grit).
• Inspect ball studs and clips, replace worn hardware and lightly lubricate the ball joints only.

Owners with barn-door Transits won’t have rear gas struts to worry about, and the factory bonnet uses a prop rod, so there’s nothing to service there unless choosing an aftermarket bonnet-strut kit. For liftgate-equipped vans and wagons, fresh struts keep the back end working safely and make day-to-day loading feel brand new again.

Popular questions about 2014 Ford Transit gas struts

Does the 2014 Ford Transit bonnet have gas struts?
From factory, no. The bonnet uses a manual prop rod. Only Transits with the one-piece rear liftgate use gas-charged support struts. Aftermarket bonnet-strut kits are available if hands-free lifting is preferred.

How long do the rear liftgate gas struts last on a 2014 Transit?
It depends on use and climate, but 5–8 years is typical. If the liftgate sags, won’t stay up, feels slow (especially when it’s chilly), or the struts show oil misting, it’s time to replace—ideally as a pair.

Can 2014 Transit gas struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
Most OE-style struts are sealed and not designed to be re-gassed safely. Replacement with new units that match the original force and dimensions is the recommended and safer route.