How to Replace Liftgate Lift Support: DIY Guide

Liftgate lift supports are hydraulic or spring-loaded struts that hold your liftgate open and help lower it smoothly when closed. Over time, these supports weaken or fail entirely, leaving your liftgate sagging or dropping unexpectedly. Replacing them is a beginner-to-intermediate DIY task that typically takes 30–60 minutes per side. This guide provides general step-by-step instruction for the replacement process. Keep in mind that specific tools, fastener sizes, torque specifications, and exact mounting procedures vary significantly by vehicle make, model, and year. Before you start, consult your vehicle's service manual or owner's manual for the exact specifications and procedures specific to your vehicle. If you encounter anything outside this general guidance, stop and refer to your manual or a qualified mechanic.

What You'll Need

Tools

Socket set and ratchet wrench (typically 8–15 mm sockets for fasteners)
Adjustable wrench or combination wrench set
Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
Torque wrench (essential for tightening fasteners to specification)
Jack and jack stands (to safely support the vehicle if needed)
Penetrating oil (for stuck or corroded fasteners)
Trim removal tools or plastic pry tools (to access mounting brackets without damaging trim)

Parts and Materials

Replacement liftgate lift support(s) — typically sold as individual units or in pairs
New fasteners/bolts if originals are damaged, stripped, or corroded beyond reuse
Gasket sealant or thread-locking compound (if specified in your vehicle's service manual)

Before You Begin

Safety first: Open the liftgate fully and secure it with a prop rod, jack, or have a helper hold it. Never work underneath the liftgate unsupported. The old lift support may fail or collapse suddenly if it is damaged or weakened, causing the liftgate to drop. Always ensure you have a safe, stable means of support before disconnecting the support strut.
Prepare your workspace: Work in a clean, well-lit area where you can see fasteners and mounting points clearly. Gather your tools and parts before starting. Have your vehicle's service manual open and nearby so you can reference torque specifications, fastener sizes, and any vehicle-specific steps as you work.
Inspect the mounting points: Before removing anything, carefully inspect the liftgate frame and mounting brackets on the vehicle body for cracks, bending, or heavy corrosion. If the mounting structure is damaged, the new lift support may not function correctly, and professional frame repair may be necessary. Stop and consult a professional if you find significant damage.
Professional consideration: Liftgate lift supports are not safety-critical components like brakes or steering. However, if you are unfamiliar with your vehicle's liftgate mechanism, or if mounting fasteners are severely corroded and cannot be removed after a penetrating oil soak, consider having a qualified mechanic perform the replacement. A professional can also verify proper installation and address any frame or mounting complications.

Step-by-Step: How to Replace Liftgate Lift Support

Open and secure the liftgate. Open the liftgate fully and prop it open securely using a jack, wooden block, prop rod, or a helper holding it. Do not rely on the existing lift support if it is weak or failing; it may collapse under the weight of the liftgate. Once open, ensure the liftgate will not move or drop while you work.
Locate the lift support mounting points. The lift support is typically mounted at two points: the upper end attaches near the upper corner of the liftgate or liftgate hinge area, and the lower end attaches to the vehicle body frame or lower hinge pillar. The exact location and orientation vary by vehicle design. Consult your service manual to identify both attachment points clearly before proceeding.
Remove fasteners from the lower mounting point. Using the appropriately sized socket or wrench, unscrew or unbolt the lower end of the old lift support from the vehicle body. Check your service manual for the exact fastener type, size, and orientation before removing it. If fasteners are corroded or stuck, apply penetrating oil to the fastener and allow it to soak for 15–30 minutes before attempting removal. Do not force corroded fasteners; excessive force can strip threads or break the fastener, complicating removal.
Remove fasteners from the upper mounting point. Carefully unscrew or unbolt the upper end of the old lift support from the liftgate. As you remove the first support (if replacing a pair), the liftgate may shift slightly due to the loss of support on that side. Ensure your prop remains solid and the liftgate does not drop or shift unexpectedly. Work slowly and deliberately.
Remove the old lift support. Carefully withdraw the old lift support from between the mounting points. The support may be slightly compressed or under residual pressure. Control its removal to prevent it from snapping suddenly or striking the vehicle body or liftgate. If the support is stuck, gently wiggle it while pulling; do not force it, as the mounting bracket or strut body could bend.
Inspect mounting holes and fasteners. Clean the mounting holes on both the liftgate and vehicle body using a cloth or brush. Inspect the fastener holes and threaded areas for damage, stripping, or corrosion. If bolt holes are stripped, you may need helicoil inserts or slightly larger bolts (consult your service manual for approved solutions). If fasteners are corroded or damaged, replace them with new ones of the same size, grade, and thread type.
Position and install the new lift support. Align the new lift support with both mounting points. Most lift supports have a specific orientation—the larger or thicker end typically faces one direction, and the ball socket or mounting collar faces the other. Consult the product documentation or your service manual to confirm correct alignment. Insert fasteners hand-tight first to ensure proper seating before tightening to full specification.
Tighten all fasteners to specification. Using a torque wrench, tighten all fasteners to the torque specification listed in your vehicle's service manual. Torque values vary by vehicle, fastener material, and mounting location—typically ranging from 15–35 foot-pounds for liftgate support fasteners, but always verify your manual. Do not guess or estimate; over-tightening can crack mounting brackets or strip bolt threads, while under-tightening can cause the support to loosen and fail. Tighten fasteners in a crisscross or alternating pattern if multiple fasteners are used.
Test the operation and support action. With the new support installed, slowly lower the liftgate to check that it descends smoothly and evenly. The support should hold the weight without dropping suddenly or sagging to one side. A new support may feel slightly stiffer than an old, worn one—this is normal. However, the lowering action should be smooth and controlled, not jerky, uneven, or too tight. If the liftgate drops suddenly or feels imbalanced, stop and inspect your work before operating the vehicle.
Repeat for the opposite side if replacing a pair. If your vehicle has two lift supports (as most domestic and import vehicles do), repeat steps 3–9 for the second support on the opposite side of the liftgate. Both supports should always be replaced together to ensure balanced, even support and prevent strain on the remaining support. Mismatched or unevenly worn supports can cause the liftgate to sag or close unevenly.

Tips for a Successful Liftgate Lift Support Replacement

Always replace both supports together. Even if only one support appears to be failing, replace both at the same time. A single new support paired with an old, weakening one will be stressed unevenly, leading to premature failure and an imbalanced liftgate. Replacing both ensures symmetrical support and longer service life.
Use penetrating oil on stuck fasteners. If fasteners are corroded or seized, apply a quality penetrating oil liberally to the fastener and allow it to soak for 15–30 minutes (or longer for severely corroded fasteners). This often saves time and prevents fastener breakage. Avoid applying excessive force to remove stuck fasteners; patience and penetrating oil are more effective and less damaging.
Recheck fasteners after one week. After completing the replacement and driving normally for about a week, revisit the mounting fasteners and use your torque wrench to recheck their tightness. Vibration and normal operation can cause fasteners to settle or loosen slightly. A final torque check ensures long-term reliability and prevents future loosening.
Do not force a misaligned support. If the new support does not fit smoothly into the mounting points or fastener holes do not align easily, stop and investigate. Check that the support is oriented correctly according to the product documentation, and verify that mounting brackets are not bent or misaligned. Forcing a misaligned support can damage the bracket, strip fastener holes, or bend the support itself.

When to Call a Professional

Consider professional service if the liftgate frame or mounting brackets are cracked, bent, or severely corroded. If fasteners cannot be removed after a thorough penetrating oil soak and careful work, a technician has better tools and techniques to free seized fasteners without damage. If, after replacement, the liftgate sags noticeably to one side, sways, or does not close evenly, have a mechanic inspect your work and check for frame or mounting damage. If you lack confidence working with fasteners, torque wrenches, or your vehicle's specific procedures, a certified mechanic can perform the replacement quickly and correctly. While liftgate lift support replacement is not safety-critical like brake or steering work, improper installation can result in liftgate drop or binding, which affects both convenience and safety. A professional inspection after DIY work provides peace of mind and ensures your vehicle is roadworthy.

Back to blog