Parts for your 2017 Suzuki Splash-Gas struts

2017 Suzuki Splash gas struts — fitment, purpose and service tips

Technical fitment sources including Suzuki’s body/EPC listings and major lift-support catalogues (e.g., Stabilus Lift-O-MAT and Monroe Max-Lift application guides for Suzuki Splash/Opel Agila B) confirm the Splash is built with a pair of rear tailgate gas struts. The bonnet uses a manual prop rod, so there are no bonnet gas struts from factory.

On the 2017 Suzuki Splash, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting. They counterbalance the weight of the hatch, control the lift speed, and hold the door safely open so there’s no nasty whack to the head. They also dampen movement, which stops the tailgate bouncing or slamming shut in a gust of wind. For a compact hatch used around town, that reliability and ease-of-use matter heaps.

Servicing-wise, they’re largely set-and-forget, but they don’t last forever. Gas struts are sealed, nitrogen-charged units, over years and kilometres they slowly lose pressure. Cold weather, dust, salt air and worn ball joints speed that up. A good rule for the Splash is to check tailgate struts at each service or roughly every 20,000 km. When they’re fading, the hatch gets lazy to lift, won’t stay up on cooler mornings, or needs a shoulder nudge to open. Oil misting on the shaft, a faint hiss, or pitting and rust on the chrome rod are other tell-tales.

• Replace in pairs to keep the tailgate lifting evenly and to the proper height.
• Use the correct length and force rating (N) matched to the Splash, avoid “universal” guesses.
• Support the hatch with a prop before unclipping the old units, safety first.
• Keep the rods clean, don’t grease the shaft — it attracts grit and chews out the seals.

Replacement on a Splash is a quick clip-off, clip-on job with a small flat-blade to ease the spring clips. Inspect the ball studs and brackets, if they’re loose or corroded, sort that while you’re there. In windy spots across Aus and NZ, closing the hatch by guiding it from the handle (not pushing on the strut) helps their lifespan. If a heavier accessory has been fitted to the tailgate (e.g., a larger spoiler), a higher-force strut may be required — matching to spec keeps the latch, hinges and glass happy.

Popular questions about 2017 Suzuki Splash gas struts

Does the 2017 Splash have gas struts on the bonnet?
From factory, the Splash uses a simple prop rod for the bonnet and gas struts for the rear tailgate only. Owners looking for bonnet struts would be considering aftermarket kits, which need correct brackets and clearances.

How long do Splash tailgate gas struts usually last?
In typical Australian and New Zealand conditions, owners can expect roughly 5–10 years, depending on climate and use. If the hatch won’t stay up, drops in cool weather, or opens unevenly, it’s time to replace both struts together.

Can added weight on the tailgate affect the struts?
Yes. Extra weight such as a larger spoiler or accessories can overwhelm standard struts. The fix is to choose struts with the correct higher force rating for the new setup, ensuring safe opening height and proper latch operation.