Parts for your 2016 Suzuki Splash-Gas struts

2016 Suzuki Splash gas struts — what’s fitted and how to look after them

For the 2016 Suzuki Splash, gas struts are fitted to the tailgate (boot) from factory, while the bonnet uses a manual prop rod. This is supported by technical sources including Suzuki’s workshop manual (Body/Exterior: Back Door shows a damper/gas stay, Body/Exterior: Hood specifies a support rod), Suzuki’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for “Back Door Stay/Damper” on Splash through 2016, and application catalogues from major gas spring manufacturers (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-Mat and Monroe Max-Lift) that list tailgate gas springs for Suzuki Splash/Ritz 2008–2016.

On the Splash, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting, counterbalancing the hatch so it opens smoothly and stays put without slamming down. They’re small, sealed hydraulic/gas cylinders charged with nitrogen, with just enough force to make the boot easy to lift and safe to stand under. Over time, seals wear and the charge bleeds off, especially with heat, dust, and salt air that are common around Australia and New Zealand.

As part of routine servicing on a 2016 Suzuki Splash, it’s smart to give the tailgate struts a quick check. Look for these tell-tales:

• Boot lid feels heavy, drops unexpectedly, or won’t stay up.
• Slow or jerky opening, worse on cold mornings.
• Oily film on the shaft or body of the strut.
• Needing two hands or a “heave” to get it moving.

If any of that sounds familiar, plan a replacement. Best practice is to change them in pairs so lift and hold are balanced. It’s a straightforward job with a flat-blade screwdriver to pop the retaining clips, but support the hatch securely first — a second person or a prop is essential to avoid a head knock or paint damage. Fit the new struts with the shaft pointing down (as specified by most manufacturers) to keep internal lubrication where it belongs, and cycle the tailgate open/close a few times to settle the joints. If ball-stud mounts are removed, nip them back to the specified torque and use new clips if supplied.

Maintenance is minimal: keep the chrome shafts clean and dry, don’t grease them (it attracts grit and ruins seals), and avoid using the struts as grab handles. With normal use, they’ll often last 5–10 years, coastal climates, frequent loading, or accessory tailgate racks can shorten that. A quick functional check every service interval or 40,000–60,000 km helps catch weak struts before they become a safety risk.

Popular questions about 2016 Suzuki Splash gas struts

How long do Splash tailgate gas struts usually last?
Most owners get 5–10 years out of a set, depending on climate and usage. Heat, UV, and salt air can age the seals faster, and heavy accessories on the hatch add load. If the boot won’t stay up or feels heavy, they’re due.

Can they be replaced at home and what tools are needed?
Yes, it’s a simple DIY for many owners. Support the tailgate, then use a small flat screwdriver to release the locking clips. Swap one side at a time, clip on the new strut, and ensure it’s seated. Having a helper and a safe prop is the key tool here, no special gear required.

Does the 2016 Splash have bonnet gas struts?
No — the bonnet is supported by a prop rod. Only the tailgate uses gas struts on this model, as noted in Suzuki service documentation.