Parts for your 2017 Volkswagen Amarok-Gas struts

2017 Volkswagen Amarok — Are gas struts used?

For the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok (2H), factory gas struts are not fitted to either the bonnet or the tailgate. Technical documentation and parts references back this up: the MY2017 Amarok Owner’s Manual section on opening and closing the bonnet depicts a manual stay rod, not gas springs, Volkswagen’s official ETKA parts catalogue for the Amarok (2H) lists a bonnet support rod and tailgate support cables, with no gas struts specified for these assemblies, and the body repair/workshop procedures for bonnet and tailgate service make no mention of gas struts in the OEM setup. Gas struts only appear in Volkswagen Accessory catalogues for items like canopies and hard lids, or via aftermarket retrofit kits.

Why no gas struts from factory? Volkswagen engineers prioritised durability, simplicity, and cost control for a work-focused ute. A steel stay rod for the bonnet is robust, unaffected by dust and heat, and cannot lose gas charge. At the rear, the Amarok tailgate is designed around strong hinges and support cables, again favouring simple, field-reliable hardware over pressurised components. Fewer sealed parts also means one less wear item to age, leak, or squeak in harsh Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

Owners who’d prefer the convenience of gas-assisted lifting still have options. Reputable aftermarket kits exist for bonnet lift-assist and “soft-open” tailgate damping. When choosing a kit, it’s worth matching the Newton (N) rating to the intended load, opting for corrosion-resistant hardware, and following torque specs carefully. For accessory canopies and hard lids already running gas struts, basic care keeps them sweet: keep the chrome shafts clean and dry, avoid lubricants or silicone sprays on the shafts (they can damage seals), replace struts in pairs if lift support fades or the panel drops, and check hinge fasteners at each service. If a canopy window or hard lid starts to slam shut, loses lift, or hisses oil, it’s time to replace the struts. These are normal wear items, typically lasting several years depending on use and climate.

• Factory vehicle: no bonnet or tailgate gas struts on MY2017 Amarok.
• Accessories: canopies and hard lids commonly use gas struts.
• Aftermarket: bolt-on bonnet/tailgate kits are readily available.

Popular questions about 2017 Volkswagen Amarok gas struts

Does the 2017 Amarok have gas struts from factory?
No. The bonnet uses a support rod and the tailgate uses support cables. Gas struts are only found on accessories like canopies and hard lids, or via aftermarket retrofit kits. This aligns with the MY2017 Owner’s Manual illustrations and the Amarok (2H) ETKA parts listings.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet or tailgate?
Yes. Quality bolt-on kits are available for bonnet lift-assist and soft-open tailgate functions. Choose kits with correct load ratings, stainless or zinc-plated brackets, and follow the fitting instructions. Re-check fasteners after a few hundred kilometres.

How long do accessory gas struts last, and what maintenance is needed?
Three to seven years is typical, depending on use and climate. Keep shafts clean, don’t grease them, and replace in pairs if lift weakens or closing gets abrupt. Inspect brackets and hinges during regular servicing.