Parts for your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder-Gas struts

2017 Nissan Pathfinder gas struts

Technical documentation confirms gas struts are used on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The Nissan R52 (2017) Service Manual (Body – Liftgate/Back Door) details liftgate “stay”/damper components, and Nissan’s Electronic Parts Catalogue (FAST) lists gas-pressurised back door stays for this model, including variants with a power liftgate. Major OE suppliers also catalogue direct-fit gas springs for the 2017 Pathfinder liftgate, further verifying fitment.

On a 2017 Pathfinder, the gas struts take the heavy lifting out of the rear tailgate, controlling its rise and supporting its weight so it opens smoothly and stays put without sagging. Even models with a power liftgate rely on gas struts to balance the door and take load off the motor, without healthy struts the power unit strains, moves slowly, or gives up part-way.

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth giving the liftgate struts a quick once-over. Look for oily weeping around the rod seal, pitting or rust on the chrome shaft, a faint hiss under load, or any tailgate that rises lazily, drops in cold weather, or won’t hold at full height. If one side is tired, replace both together to keep lift and balance even.

A few practical tips make life easier:

• Support the tailgate securely before removal (a helper or a prop). Those doors are heavier than they look.
• Do not grease the shiny shaft—just wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Oils attract grit and can ruin the seal.
• Use the correct clips/orientation, most struts are “rod down” in the installed position to keep the internal seal lubricated.
• On power liftgate cars, follow the service manual steps to recalibrate the open height after replacement.

There’s no strict kilometre interval—gas struts are a “replace on condition” item. Climate, usage, and dust exposure make a big difference. If the boot won’t stay up, or the door thumps the last bit on closing, they’re due. Quality replacements are quick to fit with basic hand tools, and restoring proper lift takes the load off hinges, the power unit (if fitted), and—most importantly—heads and fingers under the tailgate.

Note: The bonnet on many Pathfinders uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, so checks typically focus on the rear liftgate.

• How do you know if the 2017 Pathfinder’s tailgate struts need replacing?
  If the liftgate won’t stay up, rises slowly, sags in cold weather, or shows oil around the seal, the struts are on the way out. A healthy tailgate should lift smoothly and hold at full height without bouncing or drifting.
• Can you replace 2017 Pathfinder power liftgate struts at home?
  Yes—support the door, swap the struts one at a time, and then initialise the power liftgate’s open height per the service manual. If the door binds, stops mid-travel, or the motor labours, recheck orientation and clips, and perform the height reset again.
• Should gas struts be lubricated?
  No. Don’t spray oil or silicone on the chrome shaft—just keep it clean. Lubes can attract grit that damages the seal and shortens strut life. Lightly clean the mounting ball studs if needed.