Parts for your 2015 Toyota Crown-Gas struts

2015 Toyota Crown gas struts — what they do and when to replace them

Gas struts are fitted to the bonnet on the 2015 Toyota Crown (S210 series, including Royal and Athlete grades). This is supported by Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog for S210 models, which lists “Stay Assy, Hood (with damper), RH/LH” under Body/Bonnet, and by Toyota’s Global Service Information (repair manual) procedures that cover removing and installing the hood support dampers on these vehicles. The boot on the S210 Crown uses torsion-bar hinges and, on some grades, a powered closer, not gas struts.

On this Crown, the bonnet gas struts make lifting effortless and hold the bonnet steady while work’s being done. They’re nitrogen-charged dampers that control movement, stopping the bonnet from slamming or sagging, and reducing stress on hinges. Over time, seals harden and gas pressure drops, especially in cold weather, so they stop holding up as well as they used to.

There’s no fixed service interval for bonnet struts, but at 8–11 years old many S210 Crowns are due. It’s smart to inspect them whenever the car’s in for a service. Signs they’re on the way out include:

• Bonnet won’t stay up without a prop, or drops unexpectedly.
• Sluggish lift or uneven support side to side.
• Oil misting around the rod seal, or visible scoring/pitting on the shaft.

Replacement is straightforward, but safety matters. Always support the bonnet with a prop or helper before unclipping a strut. Replace in pairs so the lift and holding force stay balanced. Avoid gripping the polished rod with pliers, and never grease the rod — oil or grit on the shaft can wreck the seals. If a new strut feels very firm, that’s normal, don’t pre-compress it in a vice. Dispose of old units responsibly, as they’re pressurised.

When choosing parts, stick to quality OE or equivalent struts matched to the S210 Crown’s bonnet mass. Cheap, under-spec units won’t hold properly in winter and may fail early. If the car has had front-end repairs or a bonnet replacement, double-check application by VIN because trim and bonnet weight can vary by grade.

A quick bonnet strut check at each service keeps the Crown safer to work on and nicer to live with — no more surprise head knocks when the wind picks up.

Does the 2015 Toyota Crown use gas struts on the bonnet or the boot?

Yes for the bonnet, Toyota’s S210 Crown uses gas-damped hood stays. The boot uses torsion-bar hinges and, on some trims, a power closer rather than gas struts.

How long do the bonnet struts typically last on a 2015 Crown?

There’s no set lifespan, but many last 5–10 years. By now, original units often feel weak in cold weather or let the bonnet sag, which is a good cue to replace them in pairs.

Is it safe to keep using weak bonnet struts?

Not really. A bonnet that won’t hold can drop without warning, risking injury and damage. Support it with a prop until the struts are replaced.