Parts for your 2017 Subaru Legacy-Gas struts

2017 Subaru Legacy gas struts: what’s fitted and what isn’t

For the 2017 Subaru Legacy (known as Liberty in Australia), gas struts aren’t used on the bonnet or the boot lid from factory. The bonnet is supported by a manual prop rod, and the boot uses gooseneck hinges with torsion bars rather than gas-charged stays.

Technical sources backing this up include the 2017 Subaru Legacy Owner’s Manual, which instructs owners to secure the bonnet with a support rod, and the Subaru Service Manual (Body section) that details a prop-rod “hood stay” and a torsion-bar style “rear lid” mechanism, not gas struts. Subaru’s genuine parts catalogues for the BN/BS series also list a hood support rod and rear lid torsion components, with no gas strut part for the sedan’s bonnet or boot.

Why doesn’t the 2017 Legacy sedan use gas struts? It’s largely a design and packaging choice. A prop rod is simple, reliable, and light, and it keeps costs down without compromising serviceability. For the boot, torsion bars provide consistent lift assistance and hold-open force, all while keeping the hinge arms compact inside the boot aperture so luggage space isn’t pinched by bulky strut tubes. Gas struts are more common on wagons and hatches—Subaru’s Outback of the same era, for example, uses gas struts on the rear gate—where heavier tailgates and larger openings benefit from that type of support.

What does that mean for servicing? Because there are no factory gas struts on the 2017 Legacy sedan’s bonnet or boot, there’s no gas-strut maintenance in a normal service schedule. Instead, it’s worth checking the bonnet prop rod for secure clips and rubber grommets, ensuring the hinges are lightly lubricated, and confirming the boot opens smoothly with the torsion bars providing adequate assist. If the boot feels heavy to lift or doesn’t stay up well, a technician can inspect hinge alignment and torsion bar preload.

Keen on an upgrade? Aftermarket bonnet gas-strut kits exist, but they require bracketry and sometimes drilling or bolt-on adapters. Fitment should be done carefully to avoid panel misalignment, and owners should consider local regulatory requirements and any warranty or insurance implications before modifying.

• Key takeaway: The 2017 Legacy sedan doesn’t have OEM gas struts on the bonnet or boot, so routine servicing focuses on hinges, prop rod condition, and boot torsion assist—no gas-charged components to replace.

Popular questions

Does a 2017 Subaru Legacy have gas struts on the bonnet or boot?
No. The bonnet uses a manual prop rod, and the boot uses torsion bars with gooseneck hinges. There are no factory gas struts on either end of the 2017 sedan.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the 2017 Legacy’s bonnet?
Yes, aftermarket bonnet strut kits are available. Proper brackets and careful installation are essential to avoid stressing the bonnet or guards. Check that the kit is designed for the BN/BS Legacy, and consider compliance and insurance before modifying.

What should be checked during servicing if there are no gas struts?
Have the technician confirm the bonnet prop rod clips are secure, hinges are lubricated, and the boot opens smoothly and stays up. If the boot action feels off, torsion bar adjustment or hinge inspection may be needed.