Parts for your 2014 Volkswagen Amarok-Gas struts

2014 Volkswagen Amarok Gas Struts

Gas struts are relevant to the 2014 Volkswagen Amarok. Technical sources including Volkswagen’s parts catalogue (ETKA, Amarok 2H platform) list a gas-filled spring for the bonnet (commonly referenced under P/N family 2H0 823 359), and OE suppliers such as Stabilus publish application data confirming bonnet gas struts for Amarok models of this era. Note the tailgate does not use gas struts from factory, it’s cable-supported with an assist mechanism, while gas struts may be present on accessories such as canopies or hard lids.

On the Amarok, the bonnet gas struts do the heavy lifting—literally. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers designed to assist lifting and hold the bonnet safely while work’s done under the bonnet. Over time the internal seals and oil can wear, gas pressure drops, and performance tails off, especially in colder weather. They’re sealed units, so replacement is the go-to fix.

What owners should look for during regular servicing:

• Bonnet no longer rises smoothly or needs extra effort to open.
• Bonnet won’t stay up or sags, particularly when it’s cold.
• Oil mist on the strut body, or a nicked/pitted chrome rod.
• Audible hiss or uneven damping through the stroke.

Best practice is to replace struts in pairs to keep lift balanced. Use quality, vehicle-specific units with the correct force rating—genuine VW or reputable OE-equivalent. Before swapping, support the bonnet with a prop or helper. Struts usually clip onto ball studs, a small flat-blade will release the spring clip, then the strut simply pops off. Inspect the ball studs and brackets for wear or looseness and torque any fasteners to spec.

A few maintenance tips help them last the distance:

• Keep the polished rod clean—wipe off grit and don’t grease it (grease attracts dust and can damage seals).
• Avoid forcing the bonnet against the stops, let the struts do their job.
• If a canopy or hard lid on the tray uses gas struts, apply the same checks there and replace matched pairs when weak.

In normal Aussie and Kiwi conditions, bonnet struts often last 5–10 years, but harsh heat, dust, and salt air can shorten that. If there’s any doubt, a quick strut replacement is cheap insurance against a heavy bonnet coming down unexpectedly.

Popular questions

Do Amarok tailgates have factory gas struts?
From factory, the 2014 Amarok tailgate uses cables and an assist mechanism, not gas struts. Many owners fit aftermarket “tailgate assist” kits that add a damper or gas strut to control the drop and make lifting easier.

Can bonnet gas struts be re-gassed or should they just be replaced?
They’re sealed units, so re-gassing isn’t typically recommended. Replacement with the correct-spec struts is the reliable fix and generally straightforward.

How often should bonnet gas struts be checked?
Include them in annual servicing. If the bonnet doesn’t stay up, feels heavy, or the struts show oil or rod damage, plan a pair replacement.