If your car hood, trunk, door or tailgate doesn't open automatically like it used to, it may be time for a new lift support. Struts are one of the most popular and convenient ways to do this, but they wear out over time.
Gas struts store energy in the form of compressed air and use that to help move items like car hoods, trunks and doors. They work because air molecules are more densely packed together than those not under compression.
Cost
The cost of tailgate strut motors can vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. If you have an older model, the cost may be higher than a newer model.
Struts are essential parts of a vehicle, allowing you to lift the bonnet or tailgate without assistance. However, over time they can become faulty and difficult to lift.
Gas struts use pressurized air to compress pistons within their cylinders and move them up and down in an arc-like motion. Several valves are located at each end of the strut to allow more gas to enter and exit as needed.
When they wear out, you'll need to replace them as soon as possible. They typically lose around 3% of their strength per year and should be replaced every three to five years.
Convenience
Most cars have a pair of gas struts that help to lift and support their heavy tailgates, but these can wear out quickly. Fortunately, they can be easily replaced.
There are a variety of products on offer, from double-sided tailgate lift assists with shock absorbers to easy lift handles that make it easy for small-statured people to open and close their tailgates with one hand. These can be installed in an hour or less, and most kits include all the tools you need.
Most hatchbacks and estate cars have a pair of struts that help to lift and lower their heavy tailgates, but these can often wear out quickly. These can be replaced with a pair of strut dampers, which slow the tailgate opening or closing to prevent it from slamming shut.
Performance
Gas struts are a common form of self-powered lift support that can help you open your hood, trunk or tailgate. They store energy in the form of compressed air, which can be activated by pressing or pulling them down from their original position.
They work by compressing air within a chamber, which forces pressure to build on one side of the piston and decrease on the other. This creates movement in an arc-like motion, resulting in a quick response time to any type of movement cycle.
When a user wants to open the tailgate, the ECU sends out an opening command to the built-in motor of each strut. When the motor is energized, it decelerates a planetary gear system and drives a threaded screw.
When the motor is reversing, the threaded screw is pulled into the support rod to gradually close the tailgate. The action of the planetary gear and threaded screw overcomes the compression force of a coil spring in each strut.
Warranty
Most of us don't think much about struts, but they play a major role in how your vehicle opens and closes. The best ones have an open end that allows more gas to enter and exit when needed -- this lets them handle pressure changes better than other types of struts.
When it comes to struts, there are two main types: hydraulic and gas. While both can lift your tailgate a notch, they have different uses and functions. For example, a hydraulic strut uses the displacement of oil to control the movement of an internal piston. On the other hand, a gas strut is powered by the push of nitrogen and can hold a load for a while without needing to be replenished with more pressurized air. The best part is that both are covered under your factory warranty. The name of the game is finding the right type for your vehicle and getting it installed correctly.