Parts for your 2014 Subaru Forester-Gas struts

2014 Subaru Forester gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Gas struts are absolutely relevant on the 2014 Subaru Forester (SJ). Technical documentation confirms this: the Subaru Service Manual (Subaru Technical Information System, Body section “Rear Gate”) specifies two gas‑charged rear gate stays and details their removal/installation, the official Subaru electronic parts catalogue (FAST) lists left and right “Stay Assembly – Rear Gate” for the 2014 Forester, and the 2014 Owner’s Manual includes rear gate safety cautions consistent with gas‑charged supports. Note that the bonnet on this model uses a prop rod rather than bonnet gas struts, which is also reflected in the service manual.

On the Forester, the rear gate gas struts take the load of the tailgate, making it easy to lift and keeping it safely open. They’re nitrogen‑charged dampers designed to counterbalance the weight of the door and control its movement. When healthy, they hold the gate high and steady, when tired, the gate can sag, shut unexpectedly, or feel heavy. In cold Kiwi and Aussie winters, weak struts often show up first, because gas pressure and seal performance dip with temperature.

As part of routine servicing, a quick check of the rear gate operation is smart. A technician will feel for uneven resistance, listen for hissing, and look for oil film around the shaft seals. If the tailgate won’t stay up, rises sluggishly, or needs to be “helped” the last bit, it’s time for new struts. Replacement is straightforward and typically done in pairs to keep lift and damping balanced left‑to‑right, protecting hinges and brackets from twist loads.

• Safety first: always support the rear gate with a prop or a second person during replacement. A failing strut can let go suddenly.
• Fit quality, model‑correct struts. Mixing lengths or forces can stress the body mounts.
• Do not grease the polished shafts, oil or silicone can damage seals and attract grit. Keep them clean with a soft cloth only.
• Expect performance to vary a touch with weather, if the gate drops in the cold or in a breeze, the struts are past it.

Fresh gas struts restore that easy, one‑hand lift and tidy auto‑rise, and they’re a small cost for a big bump in daily convenience and safety on a 2014 Forester.

Popular questions

How long do rear gate gas struts last on a 2014 Forester?
Service experience suggests 5–10 years is typical, depending on climate and use. Vehicles frequently parked in the sun, or used on rough roads with lots of tailgate cycles, tend to need them sooner. If the gate won’t stay up, drops in cold weather, or needs an extra shove to open fully, the struts are due.

Can the original Forester gas struts be re‑gassed, or should they be replaced?
Most OEM‑style automotive gas struts are sealed units and are replaced rather than re‑gassed. Replacement in pairs is recommended to keep opening force and damping even on both sides.

Does the 2014 Forester have bonnet gas struts?
No. The 2014 Forester (SJ) uses a prop rod for the bonnet. Gas struts are fitted to the rear gate only on this model, per Subaru service manual and parts catalogue information.