Parts for your 2018 Ford Transit-Gas struts

Maintaining and Replacing Gas Struts on Your 2018 Ford Transit

Gas struts play a critical role in the convenience and functionality of your 2018 Ford Transit. You'll find these components used primarily in the tailgate and bonnet support, helping to smoothly and securely hold them open. Over time, gas struts can wear out or lose their effectiveness, making regular maintenance or eventual replacement a necessary part of keeping your vehicle operating smoothly.

Advising on gas struts may sound a bit technical but involves simple observations and actions that can extend the life of your vehicle and ensure everything functions smoothly. Here's a look at how you can manage the maintenance and replacement of gas struts in your Transit.

First off, you might notice if the gas struts are failing if the tailgate or bonnet doesn't stay open as it should. This can be due to a loss of pressure within the strut. Often, this occurs as the seals and internal components wear over time. Generally, gas struts do not require frequent replacement, but given their workload with regular use of the tailgate or bonnet, they can eventually wear out.

When it comes to replacement, it's advisable to replace both struts at the same time even if only one appears to be failing. This ensures even support and prevents further issues. Some tell-tale signs that your gas struts are reaching the end of their life include the presence of oil or grease on the struts, difficulty in keeping the door open, or unusual noises during operations, such as knocking or squeaking.

Here's a quick guide for when you're ready to replace the gas struts on your 2018 Ford Transit:

1. Getting the Right Struts: Always ensure that you purchase the right type for your specific Transit model. Gas struts vary in size and power depending on the application, so referring to your vehicle's manual or consulting with a professional can be invaluable.
2. Safety First: Be cautious during this process. Keep the bonnet or tailgate supported, as removing the gas struts will leave them without the necessary support. Use a sturdy pole or have someone assist by holding the bonnet or tailgate while you work.

The actual process of replacing the struts is relatively straightforward:

• Lift the tailgate or bonnet until it's fully open. Often, these panels must be held securely in place during the process. This is where having a second pair of hands or a support pole comes in handy.
• Locate the clips on the ends of the gas struts that secure them on the mounting ball studs. These clips can be easily pried off with a screwdriver. Once removed, the strut should easily come away from the mounting points.
• Install new struts by snapping them onto the existing ball studs. The clips should hold the new strut firmly in place once they've been secured over the new parts.

Regular maintenance and periodic checks can prolong the life of your gas struts, saving you from unnecessary repairs. You can conduct simple checks to assess the efficiency of the struts by gently opening and closing the tailgate or bonnet and noting if they stay open securely without additional force.

While replacing gas struts isn't a frequent task, taking care when you do so and ensuring they are in top-notch condition can aid in the overall maintenance of your 2018 Ford Transit. Keeping an eye out for early signs of wear will not only help you in staying prepared but also contribute to the safety and ease of operation of your vehicle.