Parts for your 2022 Nissan X-trail-Gas struts

2022 Nissan X‑Trail gas struts

Based on technical sources—including the Nissan T32 Owner’s Manual, the Nissan Electronic Parts Catalogue (listing the “Stay Assy – Back Door”), and the T32 Series Service Manual sections covering the back door/liftgate—the 2022 Nissan X‑Trail is fitted with gas‑charged struts on the rear tailgate. The bonnet on this model uses a prop rod rather than gas struts, so the relevant service item is the tailgate (and, on some trims, power tailgate) gas struts.

On the X‑Trail, gas struts do the heavy lifting for the rear door. They counterbalance the weight of the tailgate so it opens smoothly and stays up without a wrestle, even when the boot’s packed for a long weekend. On models with a power tailgate, the actuator works in tandem with gas‑charged struts to control speed and hold the door safely at full height.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the struts a quick once‑over. Keep the polished rod clean and dry—no grease or silicone sprays on the shaft, as that can attract grit and damage the seals. A light wipe with a clean, lint‑free cloth is enough. Check the ball‑joints and brackets for play, corrosion or cracked clips, and look for any oil weep around the rod seal. If there’s visible leakage or the tailgate drops, it’s time for new struts.

Replacement is straightforward but should always be done in pairs to keep lift and damping even. Support the tailgate securely (a second set of hands helps), pop the spring clips off the sockets, and swap the struts like‑for‑like by part number or a quality OEM‑equivalent. For power tailgate variants, follow the service manual routine—after installation, cycle the door fully a few times and, if specified, re‑set the opening height. Cold weather can make tired struts feel worse, so if the door struggles on frosty mornings, don’t ignore it.

• Signs they’re on the way out:
  • Tailgate won’t stay up or sags mid‑stroke
  • Slow or jerky opening/closing, especially in the cold
  • Oil on the strut body or a bent/pitted rod
  • Needing a shoulder or hip to help it up

Fresh struts restore that easy, one‑handed lift and keep things safe around the family—exactly what’s wanted from a well‑sorted X‑Trail.

How long do the gas struts last on a 2022 X‑Trail?
In typical Aussie and Kiwi conditions, five to eight years is common, depending on use, temperature swings, and whether the tailgate’s opened multiple times a day. If the tailgate starts to sag or slows right down—especially in cold weather—they’re due.

Can the factory gas struts be re‑gassed, or do they need replacement?
Most automotive gas struts are sealed units, so re‑gassing isn’t recommended. Replacement with quality, correct‑rate units is the reliable fix, and they should be changed as a pair to keep the lift even and predictable.

Are power tailgate struts different on some X‑Trail models?
Yes. Power tailgate setups pair an electric actuator with gas‑charged assists. They must match the vehicle’s spec and may require a reset or calibration after fitting. Using the wrong type can upset opening speed or stall protection, so stick with the correct part numbers.