Parts for your 2018 Toyota Wish-Gas struts

2018 Toyota Wish gas struts

Based on Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalogue for the ZGE2# series (second‑generation Wish) and the model’s owner’s manual, the 2018 Toyota Wish is fitted with gas‑charged struts on the rear tailgate (often listed as “Back Door Stay Assembly”). The bonnet uses a prop rod from factory, not gas struts.

On the 2018 Toyota Wish, the tailgate gas struts do the heavy lifting behind the scenes. They counterbalance the hatch so it glides up easily, stays put at full height, and doesn’t come crashing down on a windy day. That’s safer for everyone reaching into the boot and far kinder on hinges and latches over time.

They’re sealed, nitrogen‑charged units, so there’s no regular service interval to worry about. Instead, they’re replaced when they lose charge or the internal seals wear. Typical signs they’re on the way out include the tailgate rising slowly or not at all, needing two hands to hold it up, dropping in cold weather, or a light film of oil on the rod.

As part of routine servicing, a quick functional check is smart: open the tailgate fully and confirm it holds steady, then pause it mid‑stroke and see if it creeps. If there’s any hesitation, sagging, or a knock at the mounts, plan a replacement.

When replacing, it’s best practice to fit gas struts in pairs so lift and damping remain balanced. Always match the correct part number and force rating for the Wish’s tailgate and any accessories (spoilers, cameras) it carries. A trained tech will support the hatch with a prop or helper, swap one strut at a time, and inspect the ball studs and brackets for wear or corrosion. A dab of suitable anti‑seize on the fasteners is fine, but don’t lubricate the chrome rod—oils and silicone sprays can damage the seals and shorten the strut’s life.

There’s no meaningful “re‑gassing” for these units, once performance drops, replacement is the reliable fix. Many owners see 5–10 years from a set, but heat, cold, and frequent use can swing that either way. Keeping the rods clean and free of grit, avoiding forcing the hatch closed, and not using the tailgate as a perch will all help the new struts go the distance.

Does the 2018 Toyota Wish have bonnet gas struts?

From factory, no—the bonnet uses a prop rod. Aftermarket bonnet‑strut kits exist, but they should be chosen carefully to suit the Wish’s hinge geometry and installed with proper brackets to avoid panel misalignment.

How long do tailgate gas struts last on a 2018 Wish?

Anywhere from about 5 to 10 years is common. Cold climates, dusty conditions, and lots of tailgate cycles can bring that forward. Replace when the hatch no longer lifts and holds confidently.

Can the gas struts be re‑gassed, or do they need replacing?

They’re sealed units and generally aren’t serviceable. For consistent, safe operation, replacement with new, correct‑spec struts is the way to go—ideally in pairs.