Body Mechanical & Trim
Hatch Strut
A hatch strut is a gas filled support that lifts and holds open your rear hatch or liftgate glass. We list 35 hatch struts from $12 to $420 for vehicles from 1982-2016, from Stabilus, Rhino Pac and Sachs, with fits for the Chevrolet Corvette, Tahoe and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Shop hatch strut by vehicle
Signs your struts are worn
Gas struts lose pressure over time. A worn strut lets the hatch drift down, needs a push to open, or will not hold the hatch up at all, especially in cold weather. Oil on the shaft or a dented body are also signs of failure.
A hatch that falls can injure someone, so prop it with a sturdy support until the struts are replaced.
Matching the right strut
Struts are rated by length, force and end fitting. Listed compressed lengths here include 12.402 in and 14.173 in, with extended lengths around 19.9 in to 21.9 in. End fittings differ, so compare the shaft and body connections with your old strut.
Some vehicles use separate struts for the hatch and the glass, and positions can be left, right or rear. Replace struts in pairs so both sides carry the same load.
Safe replacement
Have a helper hold the hatch or prop it securely before removing a strut. Most ball socket ends release by lifting a small clip with a flat screwdriver.
Install new struts in the orientation shown on the listing or your old part, which on many designs is shaft down. Never heat, puncture or crush an old strut, since it holds pressurized gas.
Hatch Strut questions
Should hatch struts be replaced in pairs?
Yes. Replacing one strut leaves uneven support, which can twist the hatch and wear out the new strut faster. Replace both at the same time.
Why does my hatch close by itself in cold weather?
Gas pressure drops in the cold, and worn struts may not have enough force left to hold the hatch. Replacement is the fix once struts start to sag.
Are hatch struts and liftgate glass struts the same?
Not always. Some SUVs use separate struts for the glass. Check the listing position and length to get the right one. Compare end fittings with the old strut too.