Parts for your 2020 Volkswagen Amarok-Gas struts

2020 Volkswagen Amarok — Gas Struts

Based on Volkswagen’s official repair information (erWin/ELSA Repair Manual for Amarok 2H/2HS, MY2020: Body—Bonnet and Tailgate) and the VW ETKA parts catalogue for the 2020 Amarok, factory gas struts are not fitted to the bonnet or the tailgate on this model. VW Genuine Accessories and dealer brochures list gas struts only for certain accessories such as hard tonneau covers and some canopies, not for the base vehicle itself. That means a 2020 Amarok ute doesn’t use OE gas struts for opening panels unless an accessory that requires them is fitted.

Why no gas struts from factory? Volkswagen opted for a simple bonnet prop rod and a conventional cable-and-hinge tailgate layout on Amarok. It keeps weight and cost down, improves durability in rough, dusty conditions common across Australia and New Zealand, and makes field repairs straightforward. The tailgate’s design and balance provide easy operation without the complexity of a gas spring. Where the Amarok is supplied with a genuine hard lid or an approved canopy, those accessories typically include gas struts to hold the lid or windows up—however, that’s accessory-specific rather than standard fitment.

Owners who want the extra convenience can retrofit quality gas strut kits. Bonnet strut kits are popular and usually bolt to existing points without drilling. Tailgate dampers are also available to slow the drop of the gate. Choose kits with the correct force rating for the panel or accessory, stainless or zinc-coated brackets for corrosion resistance, and hardware that suits off-road vibration. Installation should follow the kit maker’s torque specs and safety steps.

• Where gas struts are relevant on a 2020 Amarok:
  • Hard tonneau covers and genuine hard lids
  • Canopy rear doors and side lift-up windows
  • Aftermarket bonnet strut kits
  • Tailgate dampers/lift-assist kits (aftermarket)

Basic care for accessory gas struts: keep the shaft clean and dry, don’t lubricate the chrome rod (oil attracts grit and damages seals), replace in pairs when lift weakens, and check brackets and ball studs for play at each service. Cold weather can reduce strut force temporarily, and oversized accessories may need uprated struts.

Does a 2020 Amarok have bonnet gas struts from factory?

No. The 2020 Amarok uses a prop rod for the bonnet. Gas struts may be present only if an owner has fitted an aftermarket bonnet strut kit.

Which parts on an Amarok typically use gas struts?

Accessory hard lids and canopies commonly use gas struts to hold the lid or windows up. The base vehicle’s bonnet and tailgate don’t have factory gas struts.

Can gas struts be retrofitted to the bonnet or tailgate?

Yes. Quality bolt-on kits are available for the bonnet and tailgate. Select the right force rating for your setup, follow the supplied instructions, and recheck fasteners after a few drives.