Parts for your 2014 Toyota Hiace-Gas struts

2014 Toyota HiAce gas struts — what’s fitted and what to service

Based on Toyota’s technical literature and parts data, gas struts are relevant to the 2014 HiAce (200 Series, KDH/TRH) when the vehicle has a lift-up rear tailgate. The Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue lists a “Back Door Stay (gas spring)” for lift-up tailgate variants, and the Body Repair/Repair Manual details removal and installation of the back door stay. Major aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-Mat, Monroe/Max-Lift) also supply tailgate gas struts for 2005–2019 HiAce models. For vans with twin rear swing-out doors, there are no rear gas struts, those use hinges and check straps instead, and the side sliding doors don’t use gas struts either.

On lift-up tailgate HiAce models, the gas struts do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the tailgate, make opening smooth, and hold it up safely so there’s no surprise drop while loading gear. Over time, seals wear and the gas charge drops, especially in colder climates or coastal areas where corrosion creeps in. That’s when the tailgate starts to feel heavy, needs a helping hand to rise, or won’t stay up on a breezy day.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to check the tailgate struts every 6–12 months. Look for oil misting around the shaft, rust on the tube, a bent rod, or a tailgate that lifts slowly or sags. If one’s tired, replace them as a pair so the door sits even and opens with the right force. Stick with the correct length, end fittings and force rating (in newtons) specified for the HiAce tailgate, as commuter/minibus and van variants can differ.

• Support the tailgate securely before removal (don’t trust a weak strut).
• Swap one side at a time to keep alignment true, replace ball studs if worn.
• A light silicone on the ball sockets is fine, keep grease off the chrome rod.
• Avoid grabbing the rod with tools, any nick can kill a new strut quickly.

Re-gassing is generally not recommended on modern sealed units, proper replacement is safer and usually more cost-effective. With fresh struts fitted, the HiAce tailgate will lift smoothly and stay put, which is kinder on shoulders and safer on site.

Popular questions about 2014 Toyota HiAce gas struts

Does every 2014 HiAce have gas struts?
Not all of them. If the van has a single, lift-up tailgate, it uses gas struts on the back door. If it has twin swing-out rear doors, there are no rear gas struts. The sliding side doors and the small front service panel don’t use gas struts either.

How long do HiAce tailgate struts last?
Typically 5–10 years, depending on use, climate and load. If the tailgate won’t stay up, rises slowly, or shows oil misting on the rod, they’re due. Replace in pairs to restore balanced lift and proper hold-open.

Can HiAce gas struts be re-gassed?
Most sealed units on late-model vehicles aren’t designed for re-gassing. Replacement with quality, correct-spec struts is the reliable and safer option, and usually faster than chasing a re-gas.