Parts for your 2021 Ford Transit-Gas struts

2021 Ford Transit gas struts — what they do, where they are, and how to keep them working

Technical sources confirm gas struts are used on the 2021 Ford Transit. The Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) for 2015–2022 Transit details “Hood/Bonnet Support Strut — Removal and Installation” in Section 501-02 (Front End Body Panels), and “Liftgate Support Strut — Removal and Installation” in Section 501-03 (Body Closures and Security) for vehicles optioned with a rear liftgate. The Ford Electronic Parts Catalogue likewise lists gas springs for the bonnet and for liftgate-equipped variants. Transit models with rear swing-out (barn) doors don’t use gas struts on those doors, they use check arms and detents.

On a 2021 Transit, the gas struts take the weight of the bonnet and, where fitted, the rear liftgate, so they open smoothly and stay put without a prop rod. Each strut is a sealed, nitrogen-charged spring with a light oil film for lubrication and damping. They make day-to-day access easier, safer and quicker—handy in workshops and on job sites across Australia and New Zealand.

As part of routine servicing, it’s worth giving the gas struts a quick look. Wipe the exposed shafts with a clean, lint-free cloth, and check the ball-stud mounts for corrosion or looseness. Don’t apply grease to the shafts—grease attracts grit that chews the seals. Avoid forcing a panel closed by the strut body, always use the designated pull points.

• Replace when the bonnet or liftgate opens sluggishly, needs a hand to stay up, sags in cold weather, or shows oil misting around the rod seal.
• Replace in pairs on the same panel to keep lift effort balanced.
• Match the correct force rating for the specific body style and options (e.g., liftgate with glazing or wiper).

Swapping them is straightforward: support the panel securely, pop the spring clips at the ball sockets with a small flat screwdriver, remove, click the new units on, and verify smooth motion. Because they’re high-pressure, don’t heat, puncture or “re-gas” them, the WSM calls for replacement, not refurbishment. Quality OE or reputable aftermarket struts are both fine. Many workshops check operation at every service or at least annually, with typical life ranging from 5–10 years depending on use and climate.

Safety tip: even weak struts can fail suddenly—always support the bonnet or liftgate before removal.

Do 2021 Transits with barn doors have gas struts at the back?

No. Rear swing-out (barn) doors use mechanical check arms and detents, not gas struts. Only wagons/vans optioned with the single-piece rear liftgate use gas struts at the back. All models still use gas struts for the bonnet.

How long do the gas struts usually last?

In typical AU/NZ conditions, expect 5–10 years. High heat, dust, frequent cycling, and added accessories (like rear glass and wiper on a liftgate) can shorten life. Annual checks catch weak struts before they become a hazard.

Can gas struts be re-gassed, or should they just be replaced?

They’re sealed units. The service approach specified in Ford’s workshop procedures is replacement. Re-gassing isn’t recommended for safety and reliability reasons, and new struts are inexpensive compared to the risk of a heavy panel dropping unexpectedly.