Parts for your 2017 Toyota Rav4-Gas struts

Understanding Gas Struts on the 2017 Toyota RAV4: Purpose, Maintenance, and Replacement Tips

The 2017 Toyota RAV4 is a popular compact SUV known for its reliability and versatility, making it a favourite among Aussie drivers. When it comes to convenience features, one component that often goes unnoticed but plays a crucial role in everyday usability is the gas strut. These nifty little devices are used on the 2017 RAV4 to assist with the smooth opening and closing of the rear tailgate, as well as sometimes the bonnet or hatch supports. Gas struts help ease the effort in lifting heavy panels and keep them held open securely, improving both safety and comfort.

Gas struts, also called gas springs or lift supports, are essentially sealed cylinders filled with compressed gas. This pressure provides a pushing force that counterbalances the weight of boot lids, bonnets or hatch doors. In the case of the 2017 Toyota RAV4, the most common application is the rear tailgate struts. When you pop the boot open, the gas struts do the heavy lifting, so you don't have to struggle with the weight of the tailgate. When closing, they assist in slowing the door down, preventing it from slamming shut and protecting the vehicle and your fingers alike.

But like all car parts, gas struts don't last forever. Over time, the seals within the strut can wear out, causing the gas to leak and rendering the lifting power ineffective. This means the tailgate may not hold open properly or could fall unexpectedly. For a 2017 Toyota RAV4 owner, paying attention to how the tailgate behaves is a good indicator of when strut maintenance or replacement is due.

Maintaining the gas struts on the 2017 RAV4 isn't particularly complicated, but it does require a bit of care. Regularly checking for signs of wear or failure is helpful. These signs include:

• The tailgate doesn't stay up on its own
• It takes more effort to open the boot
• There's noticeable oil or grease leakage near the strut's seal
• The strut feels loose or wobbly when moved by hand

If any of these symptoms show up, it's probably time to have a closer look. Gas struts generally don't have scheduled service intervals. Instead, they are replaced as needed. When replacing them, it's important to get the right size and specifications that match the 2017 RAV4's factory fittings. This ensures the correct pressure and mounting points for safe and effective operation.

Installing gas struts is straightforward but can be a bit fiddly without the right tools. It usually involves unclipping the old struts from their mountings and clicking the new ones in place. Some tailgates might have clips or bolts securing the strut ends. And since the tailgate is heavy, it's best done with another person on hand to hold it steady during the swap.

One handy tip is to keep the strut shafts clean and free of dirt and debris. Wiping them down occasionally with a soft cloth helps prevent premature seal wear and maintains smooth operation. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or lubricants that could compromise the seal integrity. Factory gas struts are generally sealed and require no lubrication, so it's best not to tinker unnecessarily.

Many 2017 Toyota RAV4 owners don't think much about the gas struts until they start to go faulty, but replacing or maintaining them can dramatically improve the convenience of daily use. A well-functioning tailgate just opens and closes effortlessly, making loading groceries, equipment or camping gear a breeze. Plus, working struts help prevent accidental tailgate slams that could cause damage over time.

When heading in for a service, it's a good idea for RAV4 owners to ask their mechanic to check the gas struts. A quick inspection adds minimal time to the service but can save hassle down the track by catching worn struts early. Most mechanics will quickly test the struts by manually opening and closing the tailgate and examining the struts for any visible signs of leakage or damage.

Overall, gas struts may be a small part of the 2017 Toyota RAV4, but their role is vital in everyday usability and safety. Keeping them in tip-top shape means the tailgate works exactly as it should every time it's needed. So, if someone notices that their boot isn't quite holding up like it used to or feels heavier to lift, it's worth checking out those gas struts sooner rather than later. Few things improve day-to-day convenience more than a properly functioning pair of gas struts on your RAV4.