Parts for your 2014 Toyota Avensis-Gas struts

2014 Toyota Avensis gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on technical references including the Toyota Avensis (T27, 2012–2018) Owner’s Manual, Toyota Europe Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and major OE supplier catalogues (e.g., Stabilus and Monroe application guides), gas struts are factory-fitted to the rear tailgate on the 2014 Toyota Avensis Tourer (wagon). The 2014 Avensis saloon uses torsion bars on the boot lid and a support rod for the bonnet, so there are no bonnet gas struts from factory and no boot gas struts on the saloon. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits exist, but they’re not original equipment.

On the Avensis Tourer, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the door’s weight, control opening and closing speed, and hold it safely at full height — handy when loading the pram, work gear, or the weekly shop. Because they’re sealed, nitrogen-charged units, there’s no routine “service” like topping up fluid. Instead, care is about inspection and timely replacement when they weaken.

Tell-tales that it’s time to sort them out include the tailgate dropping or not staying up (especially worse on cold mornings), needing two hands to lift, slow or jerky movement, oily weep marks around the rod seal, or a nicked/chipped chrome rod. If any of these show up, replace the pair — fitting one new strut against one tired strut loads the hinges unevenly and shortens the new unit’s life.

• Don’t grease the shiny rod — lubricants attract grit and can chew out the seal.
• Keep the rod clean, wipe away road grime with a soft cloth.
• Support the tailgate securely during replacement, it’s heavier than you think.
• Use correct-spec struts (length, force, end fittings) per Toyota EPC or reputable catalogues.

Replacement is typically a quick job: pop the retaining clips, swap the struts, and ensure the ball studs and sockets are sound. Genuine or OE-equivalent units usually last many years, but climate, dust, and usage (lots of open/close cycles) will shorten lifespan. For the saloon, there’s no gas-strut service — the boot uses torsion bars — and for the bonnet on both body styles, the factory support rod is the go. Owners wanting a one-handed bonnet lift can opt for an aftermarket kit, but it’s not required for standard servicing.

FAQs

Does the 2014 Avensis saloon have gas struts?
Not from factory. The saloon boot uses torsion bars, and the bonnet uses a support rod. Only the Tourer (wagon) gets gas struts on the rear tailgate.

How long do Avensis Tourer tailgate gas struts last?
There’s no set interval, but many see 5–10 years depending on climate and use. Cold weather exposes weak struts faster. Replace as a pair when the tailgate won’t stay up, opens sluggishly, or shows oil weep.

Can gas struts be re-gassed?
Most automotive tailgate struts are sealed and designed for replacement rather than re-gassing. For consistent force and safety, fit new OE or OE-equivalent struts matched to the Avensis Tourer’s specifications.