Parts for your 2015 Toyota Avensis-Gas struts

2015 Toyota Avensis gas struts: what’s fitted and how to look after them

Based on Toyota’s own documentation (Toyota Avensis T27 Owner’s Manual 2015 – Back Door/Tailgate, Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for “Stay Assembly, Back Door”, and Toyota Repair Manual body section for the lift-up back door), gas struts are fitted to the 2015 Avensis Tourer (wagon) tailgate. The 2015 Avensis saloon (sedan) uses torsion springs on the boot lid, and the bonnet on both body styles is held up by a prop rod, not gas struts. So, gas struts are relevant for the Tourer’s rear tailgate specifically.

On the 2015 Avensis Tourer, the gas struts do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the tailgate so it lifts smoothly, stays put at full height, and closes in a controlled way without thumping. That makes everyday use safer and far less of a workout, especially when the car’s loaded up for a weekend away.

These struts are sealed, nitrogen-charged units. There’s no regular service interval, but they’re a wear item. Typical signs they’re due for replacement include the tailgate drifting down, dropping in a gust of wind, a weak or jerky lift, oily film around the rod seal, or going noticeably lazier on cold mornings. A quick check during routine servicing is easy: open the tailgate and see if it will hold firmly around the mid to three-quarters position, then at full height. Any sag or bounce is a red flag.

When replacing, always do both sides together to keep even support. Use quality parts matched to the correct force rating for the Avensis Tourer—Toyota lists them as “Stay, Back Door” in the EPC. Fit with the rod pointing down to keep the internal seal lubricated, and support the tailgate with a prop or a helper while swapping them over. Reuse or replace the retaining clips as needed, and tighten mountings to manufacturer spec. Avoid grabbing the shiny rod with pliers, don’t paint it, and don’t lube it with oil or silicone—just keep it clean and free of grit. A quick wipe during a wash is all they need.

If the tailgate’s been slow for a while, also check the hinge points and the ball studs for wear or corrosion. Once fresh struts are on, the Tourer’s back door should lift with a light touch and stay rock solid—too easy.

Does the 2015 Avensis saloon have gas struts on the boot?
Not on the saloon. It uses torsion springs to counterbalance the boot lid, while the Tourer (wagon) has gas struts on the tailgate. The bonnet on both versions uses a prop rod.

Can Avensis tailgate struts be re-gassed, or should they be replaced?
They’re generally sealed-for-life. Re-gassing isn’t a reliable fix, replacement with correctly rated new struts is the usual, longer-lasting option.

How long do tailgate gas struts last on a Tourer?
There’s no set lifespan—many last 5–10 years. Heat, dust, and frequent use can shorten that. If the tailgate won’t hold itself up or feels sluggish, it’s time to replace them as a pair.