Parts for your 2014 Toyota Bb-Gas struts

2014 Toyota bB gas-struts: what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources confirm the 2014 Toyota bB is fitted with gas struts on the rear hatch. Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) for the QNC20/21/25 series (model run 2005–2016) lists the “Back Door Stay Assembly” in the Back Door section, indicating gas-charged lift supports on the tailgate. The Toyota Repair Manual for the bB (Body – Back Door) also details removal and installation of the back door stay. The bonnet on this model is supported by a prop rod rather than gas struts, which aligns with Toyota’s design for compact hatchbacks of this era.

On the 2014 Toyota bB, the rear hatch gas-struts do the hard yakka of lifting and holding the door open so loading the boot is easy and safe. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers designed to counterbalance the hatch weight, control opening speed, and prevent slamming. When they’re healthy, the hatch glides up smoothly and stays put, even on a slight incline. Because they rely on internal gas pressure and seals, age, heavy use, dust, and cold weather can gradually reduce their force.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to give the gas-struts a quick check. Wipe the chrome rods with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth, keep oils, silicone sprays, or grease off the rods and seals, as lubricants attract grit and can damage the seals. Inspect the end fittings and ball studs for play or corrosion. If the hatch creeps down, opens lazily, needs a shove to start moving, or you spot an oily film around a seal, the struts are due. Most bB owners find they last 5–8 years in typical NZ/AU conditions, shorter in very hot or coastal environments.

• Replace in pairs to maintain balanced lift and hold.
• Support the hatch securely before removal, don’t rely on a tired strut.
• Avoid prying on the rod, release the retaining clip at the socket correctly.
• After fitting, verify smooth operation through the full travel.

Swapping rear hatch gas-struts on a bB is usually a straightforward 10–20 minute job with a second person to hold the door. Most use ball-stud sockets with spring clips, new struts typically click straight on. Tighten any fasteners to the torque listed in the Toyota manual and don’t reuse damaged clips. Genuine or quality aftermarket units both work well—prioritise the correct force rating, stroke length, and end fittings for the QNC2# bB. Dispose of old struts responsibly, as they’re pressurised components.

FAQs

Do all 2014 Toyota bB models have rear hatch gas-struts?
Yes. Toyota’s EPC lists back door stay assemblies across the QNC2# bB range, so whether it’s a base or higher trim, the rear hatch uses gas-struts. The bonnet, however, uses a prop rod from factory.

How often should bB hatch gas-struts be replaced?
There’s no fixed kilometre interval. Replace them when they no longer hold the hatch up reliably or show oil weep. In AU/NZ climates, many owners see 5–8 years, but exposure to heat, salt air, and heavy use can shorten that.

Can bB gas-struts be re-gassed?
Most OEM-style automotive struts are sealed units. While some specialists may offer re-gassing, replacement with new, correctly rated struts is the usual, more reliable approach and is often more cost-effective.