Parts for your 2019 Subaru Legacy-Gas struts

2019 Subaru Legacy gas struts: what’s fitted and what isn’t

For the 2019 Subaru Legacy (sold as the Liberty in Australia and New Zealand), factory gas struts aren’t used on either the bonnet or the boot. Subaru’s own technical literature confirms this: the 2019 Legacy Owner’s Manual describes a bonnet support rod, the Subaru Factory Service Manual (Body/Exterior sections for Bonnet and Trunk Lid) details a bonnet stay and torsion-bar boot hinges, and the genuine Subaru parts catalogue for MY2015–2019 Legacy (BN platform) lists no gas-charged lift supports for the bonnet or boot. By contrast, Subaru’s Outback wagon tailgate of the same era does use gas struts.

Why no gas struts here? On sedans like the Legacy, a simple prop rod and torsion-bar hinge system is lighter, cheaper, and very reliable. The boot lid is relatively light, so torsion bars provide the counterbalance without the added complexity of gas-charged cylinders. For the bonnet, a stay rod is robust, easy to service, and avoids the long-term loss of gas pressure that can affect struts in harsh Aussie and Kiwi climates.

• What that means for servicing: there are no gas struts to inspect or replace on a stock 2019 Legacy bonnet or boot.
• Good practice: check the bonnet prop-rod clip and grommet, lightly lubricate bonnet and boot hinges with a silicone-safe or white lithium lube, and make sure the boot torsion bars are seated correctly.
• Boot won’t hold position or feels heavy? The torsion bars may be out of position or fatigued — best left to a technician, as re-tensioning can be hazardous without the right procedure.

Thinking about adding gas struts? Aftermarket bonnet-strut kits exist for the BN Legacy/Liberty and can make one-handed opening a breeze. Choose a reputable kit with corrosion-resistant brackets, confirm it’s designed for your exact model year, and ensure there’s clearance around the guard and bonnet when closed. Many kits are bolt-on, if drilling is required, that’s a job for a pro to avoid paint damage and rust. Converting the boot to gas struts is far less common due to hinge geometry and usually not recommended.

Does the 2019 Subaru Legacy come with gas struts?

No. From factory it uses a bonnet support rod and torsion-bar boot hinges, with no gas-charged lift supports on either end.

Can gas struts be added to the bonnet later on?

Yes, via aftermarket kits designed for the BN Legacy/Liberty. They’re popular, but the installation needs careful bracket placement and clearance checks. Opt for quality hardware and professional fitting if unsure.

What maintenance keeps the bonnet and boot operating smoothly?

Inspect the bonnet prop-rod clip, keep hinges lightly lubricated, and don’t attempt to re-tension boot torsion bars without the right tools and guidance. If the bonnet or boot feels unusually heavy, get it checked by a technician.