Decent gas struts
 

Decent gas struts

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I have a Mk1 Qashqai that I love - great condition, low mileage, pimped out cream leather upholstery and Bose sound system. But - the boot drives me bloody mad – I cannot get it to open fully (without pushing it up with my hand – I just want it to open as it should, using the gas strut) and I invariably bang my head (despite being quite short) on the boot lid. I recently swapped the struts for some Frankberg ones that were mean to have a high ejection force but are worse than the ones I replaced them with.

So – what's recommended? Thank you!


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 12:08 pm
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SGS Engineering are good value.

Check the specs carefully. Your Qashqai, being 'pimped out' may well have been built with stronger struts from build compared to standard. Does it have anyhting that might require this - for example, an optional opening rear tailgate window?

 

 


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 1:03 pm
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Seconded, I bought some of them after a recco on here I think. Would recommend.

Mine were more powerful than I was expecting and almost got smacked in the face with my boot at first but they've settled down a bit now.


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 1:28 pm
 mert
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Speakers in the tailgate is a thing on some cars too.

Also check that the hinges move freely, that can cause issues of reduced movement as the hinge load increases...


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 1:38 pm
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Your Qashqai, being 'pimped out' 

I was being flippant – it's an original spec car (albeit the very top of the range). I haven't modded it in any way and it is a standard tailgate.

 

Also check that the hinges move freely

Judging by how the tailgate nearly knocked me out when I removed the first strut, I believe the hinges move freely LOL!


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 2:50 pm
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Stabilus are a good quality OEM brand


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 3:40 pm
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I got mine from the local indie car parts shop.  Kia wanted 300 quid I paid C30, was q prepared to expect rubbish but they are fab.  As above, almost too strong now.  Years of struggling for nothing.

As the seller said, Kia don't make gas struts, maybe for on the owners forums see what's best.


 
Posted : 16/01/2026 6:54 pm
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Posted by: poolman

I got mine from the local indie car parts shop.  Kia wanted 300 quid I paid C30, was q prepared to expect rubbish but they are fab.  As above, almost too strong now.  Years of struggling for nothing.

As the seller said, Kia don't make gas struts, maybe for on the owners forums see what's best.

That's outrageous lol!

I think 2 for my nissan came to about £40 from SGS inc. postage, 20 mins to fit them and jobs a good un!

I didn't even bother looking what nissan would charge to fit new ones.

 


 
Posted : 17/01/2026 2:53 pm