Parts for your 2015 Subaru Legacy-Gas struts

2015 Subaru Legacy gas struts: what’s actually fitted and why

Short answer: the 2015 Subaru Legacy sedan isn’t fitted with gas struts on the bonnet or the boot from factory. Technical documentation backs this up. The Subaru Factory Service Manual for the BN/BS platform (2015 Legacy/Outback, Body section) specifies a prop/support rod for the bonnet and torsion bars for the boot lid. The Subaru global parts catalogue (FAST) lists a bonnet stay (rod) and boot torsion spring assemblies for Legacy BN, with no gas-charged lift supports shown for the sedan, gas stays are listed for the Outback’s rear liftgate only. The Body Repair Manual illustrations for BN/BS also depict a torsion-bar counterbalance on the Legacy boot. Put simply, gas struts aren’t part of the Legacy sedan’s OE hardware.

Why did Subaru skip gas struts here? It’s a mix of packaging, weight, cost, and durability. Torsion bars neatly tuck into the hinge area, keep the boot action light, and are hard to kill. A simple bonnet prop rod is light, cheap, and reliable, with fewer moving parts to wear or leak. On a conventional boot lid (unlike a tall wagon tailgate), gas struts offer less of a usability gain compared with the added cost and long-term maintenance they can demand.

• Boot: counterbalanced by torsion bars, hinges and latch handle the rest.
• Bonnet: held open by a prop rod, no factory gas struts.
• Gas struts: factory-fitted to Outback liftgates, not Legacy sedans.

What should owners service instead? For the bonnet, make sure the prop rod is straight, the pivot clip is secure, and the locating hole is clean. For the boot, inspect hinge fasteners, adjust latch alignment if the lid bounces or won’t hold shut, and lubricate hinge pivots lightly to keep the action smooth. If the boot feels heavy, the torsion bars may be out of adjustment or fatigued, replacing or reindexing them is the proper fix. Also check the boot seal for water ingress and the emergency release for smooth operation.

Thinking about retrofitting gas struts? There are aftermarket kits, but they typically add brackets and may require drilling. Confirm load ratings, clearances, and paint protection at the contact points, and be aware that non-OE hardware can affect panel alignment if not installed spot-on. For many owners, maintaining the factory setup is the most reliable and cost-effective route.

• Does the 2015 Subaru Legacy have gas struts from factory?
  From factory, no. The Subaru Factory Service Manual and the Subaru FAST parts catalogue show a bonnet prop rod and boot torsion bars for the Legacy sedan, with no gas-charged lift supports listed for the bonnet or boot.
• Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet or boot?
  Yes, with aftermarket kits. Quality and fit vary, and installation can require added brackets or minor drilling. Check load ratings, clearances, and warranty implications before committing.
• What maintenance replaces “gas strut” servicing on a Legacy boot/bonnet?
  Keep the bonnet prop rod and clip intact, lubricate hinge pivots lightly, ensure latch alignment, and inspect boot torsion bars for proper tension and any signs of fatigue or noise.