Parts for your 2015 Nissan Serena-Gas struts

2015 Nissan Serena gas-struts

Gas struts are used on the 2015 Nissan Serena’s rear liftgate. This is confirmed by technical sources including the Nissan Serena C26-series Service Manual (Body/Back Door section, which details the “Back Door Stay”), the Nissan FAST electronic parts catalogue for C26 models (Group 90 showing “STAY ASSY–BACK DOOR”), and major gas-spring application catalogues from Stabilus and Monroe that list rear door gas springs for Serena C26 (2010–2016). The bonnet on this model uses a manual prop rod rather than gas struts.

On a 2015 Serena, the rear gas struts are there to do the heavy lifting—quietly balancing the big tailgate so it opens smoothly, stays up safely, and closes without a fight. They’re sealed, gas-charged springs tuned for the hatch weight, and when they’re healthy, the door glides open and holds at full height without dropping. Because they’re pressurised, the struts are non-serviceable, once performance fades, replacement is the go.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to give the struts a quick once-over. Wipe the shafts clean with a soft, lint-free cloth (no grease or silicone sprays on the shafts), check the ball-joint ends for play, and look for oil misting or dents on the bodies. Temperature matters—struts feel weaker in cold weather—so if the tailgate struggles in winter or won’t stay up on a breezy day, they’re nearing end-of-life. Most see 5–8 years depending on use, climate, and how often the tailgate is cycled.

• Common signs they need replacing:
  • Tailgate sags or drops, especially halfway up
  • Needs a shove to start opening, or won’t reach full height
  • Oily residue on the strut body or a faint hiss/leak
  • Uneven lifting left-to-right

Replacement is straightforward but mind the safety. Support the liftgate with a prop or a helper, then flick up the metal retaining clips at each end and pop the strut off the ball studs. Fit the new units rod-end down (as per the OE orientation) to keep internal lubrication over the rod seal. Replace in pairs so the door lifts evenly and latch alignment isn’t stressed. Reuse or replace the ball studs as needed and tighten to the manufacturer’s spec. If the vehicle has a power-assisted back door, match part numbers and opening force (N rating) to the exact trim so the motor and struts play nicely.

Handled this way, fresh struts restore that easy, one-hand lift and keep the big Serena tailgate safely overhead—very handy when loading the pram, the dog, or the weekend’s camping kit.

Popular questions about 2015 Nissan Serena gas-struts

Do both gas struts need to be replaced at the same time?
Yes—on the Serena’s large tailgate, always replace in pairs. Mixing an old, weak strut with a new one can twist the hatch, stress hinges and latches, and shorten the life of the fresh unit. Pairing keeps lift and holding force balanced left-to-right.

Why do my struts work worse in winter?
Gas pressure drops with temperature, so weak struts often show up first on cold mornings. If the door won’t stay up when it’s chilly—but felt only “okay” in summer—the struts are likely due. New, correctly rated units will hold properly year-round.

Are power tailgate models different?
Some trims use standard gas struts while others may pair them with power-assist hardware. The struts still provide counterbalance, but the force rating can differ. Always order by VIN or OE part number so the gas springs match the specific back-door setup.