Parts for your 2014 Honda Civic-Gas struts

2014 Honda Civic gas struts: what they do and when to replace them

Based on Honda’s 2014 Civic owner’s manuals and OEM parts catalogues, gas struts are factory-fitted on the tailgate of the 2014 Civic Hatch (FK). The 2014 Civic Sedan and Coupe use torsion bars for the boot and a prop rod for the bonnet, so they don’t have OE gas struts in those positions. That means gas struts are absolutely relevant for hatch models, while sedans and coupes will only encounter them if an aftermarket bonnet or boot kit has been installed.

On the 2014 Honda Civic Hatch, gas struts support and control the tailgate, making it easy to lift and preventing it from crashing down. Each strut is a sealed, gas-charged damper with a small amount of oil inside, the gas provides lift force and the oil damps the motion so the tailgate opens and closes smoothly. Honda workshop literature notes these are non-serviceable assemblies—when performance drops, they’re replaced as units.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to check tailgate operation. If the tailgate sags, won’t stay up in a breeze, lifts unevenly, or needs a hefty shove to open, the struts are likely tired. A light oil film around the rod seal or a faint hiss can also point to wear. Because both sides age together, replacement is best done in pairs to keep lift balanced and hinge loads even.

Care is straightforward: keep the chrome rods clean and free of nicks, don’t paint or grip them with pliers, and avoid petroleum sprays on the seals. In cold weather they’ll feel weaker—that’s normal—but persistent poor holding means it’s time for new ones. During replacement, always support the tailgate with a prop or a mate, those clips can pop free quickly. Match the new struts to the original Honda part number or the force rating printed on the old strut body, and reuse or replace the ball-stud hardware as specified in the Honda service info. Disposal should go through metal recycling, as struts are pressurised.

Technical basis: Honda 2014 Civic owner’s manuals (body and maintenance sections), Honda EPC/parts catalogues for FK hatch tailgate support struts, and Honda workshop procedures indicating the assemblies are non-repairable and replaced as complete units.

• Replace in pairs to maintain even lift and alignment.
• Inspect at each service for slow lift, drop, or oil residue.
• Support the tailgate during removal and refit, wear eye protection.

FAQs

Does the 2014 Civic Sedan have gas struts?
No. The 2014 Civic Sedan uses torsion bars for the boot and a prop rod for the bonnet. Only the 2014 Civic Hatch has factory tailgate gas struts. Aftermarket kits exist for bonnets, but they’re not OE.

How can someone tell their Civic’s tailgate struts need replacing?
If the hatch doesn’t stay up, needs a shove to start lifting, or drops quicker than usual—especially in cooler weather—the struts are likely due. Oil mist around the seal or uneven opening side to side are also common signs.

Can just one gas strut be replaced?
It’s technically possible, but not recommended. Replacing in pairs keeps lift balanced, protects hinges, and restores smooth, even opening that feels like new.