Parts for your 2018 Nissan Serena-Gas struts

2018 Nissan Serena (C27) gas-struts

Gas struts are fitted to the 2018 Nissan Serena (C27). Nissan’s electronic parts catalogue (FAST) lists “Stay Assy–Back Door (gas)” and dedicated stays for the flip-up back-door glass on C27 models, and the C27 Body/Doors sections of the Nissan workshop manual outline removal and installation procedures for the back-door stays. Major aftermarket catalogues (for example, Stabilus Lift-O-Mat and Monroe Max-Lift) also list lift supports for the 2016–2019 Serena C27. Note that the bonnet on this model uses a manual prop rod rather than gas struts.

On this Serena, gas struts do the heavy lifting for the main tailgate and the separate flip-up glass panel of the Dual Back Door. They counterbalance the weight so the door opens smoothly, holds at full height, and doesn’t crash down on a windy day. They’re small, sealed cylinders charged with nitrogen gas and a splash of oil for damping, designed to work quietly in the background, year after year.

Like any wear item, gas struts lose pressure over time. Heat, cold snaps, and coastal conditions can speed things along, so owners typically see service life anywhere from five to eight years. When they tire out, the back door may lift slowly, sag, or need a helping hand. The glass hatch on Dual Back Door models uses its own smaller struts, those can fade too, often a touch earlier.

Replacement is straightforward if the right specs are followed. It’s smart to replace struts in pairs on the main tailgate to keep lift and hold even. Match the original length, stroke, end fittings (usually ball sockets), and force rating, the wrong force can make the door hard to close or fail to stay up. Support the door safely with a prop or helper before popping the clips. After fitting, cycle the door a few times to ensure smooth motion and full hold height. If the vehicle has any power-assist features, follow the workshop manual for any initialisation steps.

For everyday care, keep the chrome rod clean and dry—no grease or solvent on the rod, as that attracts grit and can damage the seal. A light wipe of the ball studs with silicone-safe lubricant helps prevent squeaks. Signs it’s time to book replacement include:

• Door or glass won’t stay up, especially in cold weather
• Notable slow lift, binding, or uneven support side-to-side
• Visible oil film or nicks on the rod

Done right, fresh gas struts restore that easy one-hand lift and confident hold the Serena is known for.

Technical references (no external links): Nissan FAST EPC for C27 Serena (Body/Rear Door – Stay Assy–Back Door), Nissan Serena C27 Workshop Manual, Doors & Locks (DLK) and Exterior (EXT) sections, Stabilus Lift-O-Mat and Monroe Max-Lift application catalogues listing 2016–2019 Serena C27 tailgate and glass lift supports, Nissan product literature describing the Dual Back Door (flip-up glass) feature on C27.

Popular questions

Does the 2018 Nissan Serena have bonnet gas struts?
No. The C27 Serena uses a manual prop rod for the bonnet. Gas struts are used on the rear tailgate and the separate flip-up glass panel, as shown in the Nissan parts catalogue and workshop manual procedures for the back-door stays.

How can an owner tell the rear gas struts need replacing?
Common signs are the tailgate or glass not staying up, slow or uneven lifting, needing a hand to start movement, or an oily film on the rod. Performance often drops further on cold mornings. If any of that shows up, it’s time to plan a replacement.

Should both rear struts be replaced at the same time?
Yes, for the main tailgate it’s best to replace in pairs to keep lift and hold consistent. The flip-up glass has its own smaller struts, those are typically replaced as a set as well. Mixing an old and a new strut can twist the hinges and shorten service life.