Hood Struts: Imagine working under the hood on a hot summer day: no more heat-soaked metal of a prop rod, no more holding the hood open with one hand. With a hood strut, it’s as though your car is doing half the work for you, lifting the hood with precision and ease.
A good hood strut isn’t just a convenience; it’s a safety feature too. It ensures that the hood won’t come crashing down unexpectedly, protecting your head and fingers as you work. And as you go about your daily driving, you never have to worry about the rod slipping out of place or the hood suddenly closing—it’s always securely held up, quietly and efficiently, by the car hood struts.
Hood Struts Solution
While hood struts provide convenience and ease, several issues can arise during use. Over time, the gas spring inside a hood strut may lose pressure, causing the strut to weaken or fail. This can lead to the hood dropping unexpectedly or becoming difficult to open and close. Corrosion is another concern, particularly in harsh weather conditions, which can cause the strut hood to wear out prematurely. Misalignment or damage from impact can also hinder proper function, leading to the hood not staying open or closing unevenly.
GASTAC provides efficient and safe solutions to these problems by manufacturing high-quality hood struts designed to be durable, resistant to wear, and able to withstand extreme conditions. Their car hood shocks are built with precision to ensure smooth operation and long-lasting performance.
What is a hood strut?
A hood strut is a gas-powered spring device designed to assist in the smooth and effortless opening and closing of a car hood. It uses hydraulic or gas pressure to lift and support the hood, eliminating the need for a traditional prop rod. The hood shocks provides controlled, stable motion, ensuring that the hood remains securely open without the risk of it unexpectedly slamming shut.
How hood struts work?
Hood struts work using a gas-filled piston that provides controlled, smooth motion for lifting and holding the hood in place. Inside the strut, a piston is sealed in a cylinder and filled with compressed gas (usually nitrogen). When the hood is lifted, the gas pressure pushes the piston upwards, assisting in the motion and making it easier to open the hood with minimal effort. When you close the hood, the strut’s internal pressure resists compression, providing a cushioned, controlled lowering of the hood.
What is the life expectancy of hood struts?
The life expectancy of hood struts typically ranges from 3 to 5 years or around 50,000 to 75,000 cycles (open and close events), depending on factors like usage frequency, environmental conditions, and the quality of the hood lift support. Regular wear from heat, moisture, and exposure to elements can reduce their lifespan. If you notice your hood not staying open or sagging, it’s a sign the car hood lift support may be nearing the end of its life and should be replaced.
How many miles do hood struts last?
Hood struts typically last between 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on factors like usage, climate, and quality. Over time, the gas inside the car hood holders can lose pressure, causing it to become less effective. If you notice your hood no longer stays up securely or opens with difficulty, it may be time to replace the struts. Regular exposure to heat, moisture, and wear can accelerate their deterioration.
Are hood struts worth fixing?
Yes, hood struts are not worth repairing. When they fail, they make opening and raising your car’s hood difficult and potentially unsafe. A failed hood support can cause the hood to drop unexpectedly, creating a risk of injury. Replacing your hood struts ensures smoother operation, improves safety, and restores easy access to your engine compartment.
Are hood struts covered under warranty?
Yes, hood struts are typically covered under warranty, but the specifics can vary depending on the manufacturer and the retailer. Most quality hood struts come with a warranty that lasts anywhere from 1 to 3 years, covering defects in materials or workmanship. However, the warranty usually doesn’t cover damage caused by misuse, accidents, or wear and tear from regular use.
What happens when a hood strut goes?
When a hood strut goes bad, you’ll notice that the hood no longer opens smoothly or stays up on its own. It may feel heavier when you try to lift it, or it might slowly drop as soon as you let go. If the gas hood struts fails completely, the hood could come crashing down unexpectedly, posing a safety risk. In some cases, you may hear a hissing sound or see fluid leakage around the car hood gas struts, which are signs that the gas inside has escaped, causing a loss of pressure and making the strut ineffective.
Can you drive with damaged hood struts?
Yes, you can technically drive with damaged hood struts, but it’s not recommended. If the hood lift struts fail, the hood might not stay open on its own, meaning you would need to manually prop it up with the traditional rod every time you open it. This can be inconvenient and unsafe, especially if the prop rod slips or if you forget to secure it properly.
How long does it take to replace hood struts?
Yes, hood struts are relatively easy to replace, and you can often do it yourself with just a few basic tools. The process typically involves removing the old strut by unfastening the clips or bolts that hold it in place, and then installing the new strut by securing it in the same manner. Most hood struts use quick-release clips that make removal and installation straightforward. The whole process usually takes around 15 to 30 minutes for each strut, depending on the vehicle.
Can I replace my car’s hood struts myself?
Yes, you can replace your car’s hood struts yourself. Simply prop the hood open, remove the old struts by unscrewing or detaching the clips, then install the new struts by aligning and securing them. Finally, test the hood to ensure it opens and stays securely in place. It’s an easy DIY task with the right tools and precautions.
Are hood struts easy to replace?
Yes, hood struts are relatively easy to replace. It typically involves removing the old struts by disconnecting the clips or bolts, then installing the new ones by securing them in place. The process usually doesn’t require specialized tools, and it can often be done with basic hand tools like a wrench or screwdriver. Just be sure to safely support the hood while you work and ensure you have the correct replacement hood struts for your vehicle model.
Can hood struts support heavy car hoods?
Yes, hood struts can support heavy car hoods, but they are designed based on the weight and size of your vehicle’s hood. Struts hood come in different load capacities, so it’s important to select the correct ones for your specific car. For heavier hoods, such as those on trucks or SUVs, higher-capacity struts are available.
What are the best brands for hood struts?
| Brand | Features | Popular For |
| StrongArm | Reliable, durable, and affordable. Offers good warranties. | Budget-friendly options with solid performance. |
| Monroe | Known for high-quality hydraulic struts. Easy installation. | Consistent quality and reliability across various vehicles. |
| Stabilus | Premium brand, offers gas springs with smooth action. | Heavy-duty struts, often used in high-end or luxury vehicles. |
| Lift Support | Specializes in lift supports for hoods, trunks, and doors. | Excellent fitment and strong customer support. |
| GAS Springs | Offers high-quality gas springs, known for precision. | Reliable for both OEM and aftermarket replacement. |
| Sachs | German-engineered for precision and durability. | Premium choice for European vehicles. |
| Tuff Support | Offers strong, long-lasting performance. | Known for providing heavy-duty support for larger hoods. |
| GASTAC | High-quality, affordable gas springs with reliable performance. | Excellent option for both OEM and replacement hood struts at competitive prices. |
How much does a hood strut cost?
Here’s an estimated price range for hood struts from the listed brands. Please note that prices can vary based on the vehicle model, specific part numbers, and retailers.
| Brand | Price Range (Per Strut) |
| StrongArm | $15 – $40 |
| Monroe | $20 – $60 |
| Stabilus | $30 – $80 |
| Lift Support | $25 – $70 |
| GAS Springs | $18 – $50 |
| Sachs | $40 – $100 |
| Tuff Support | $30 – $70 |
| GASTAC | $10 – $15 |
Why is hood strut so expensive?
Hood struts are expensive due to high-quality materials like steel, aluminum, and gas, which ensure durability and smooth operation. They require precise engineering to safely support the hood’s weight. Premium brands charge more for reliability, longer lifespan, and advanced technology. Vehicle-specific designs and OEM parts also contribute to higher costs.
Where can I buy replacement hood struts?
At GASTAC Gas Spring Manufacturer, you can purchase high-quality and affordable hood struts. Known for their precision engineering and reliable performance, GASTAC offers durable gas springs designed to provide smooth and secure support for your vehicle’s hood at competitive prices, making them a great choice for both OEM and aftermarket replacements.
Website: https://www.gastac.com/
Shop: https://shop.gastac.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Gastac-Gas-Spring/video
Can I use hood strut from another vehicle?
While it’s possible to use hood strut from another vehicle, it’s not recommended unless the struts are an exact match for your car’s specifications. Hood strut is designed to fit specific weight requirements, mounting points, and pressure levels. Using the wrong hood strut could result in poor performance or damage to the hood, so always ensure compatibility before replacement.
How do I know which hood struts fit my car?
Vehicle Make, Model, and Year: Hood struts are designed for specific vehicle types, so ensure compatibility based on these details.
OEM or Aftermarket Part Numbers: Refer to your vehicle’s manual or the existing strut’s part number for an exact match.
Weight of the Hood: Choose hood struts rated for the weight of your car’s hood.
Retailer or Manufacturer Specifications: Verify fitment using trusted suppliers or manufacturers’ databases.
How do I measure hood struts for replacement?
Fully Extend the Hood Strut: Open the hood and extend the strut hood fully.
Measure Length: Measure the extended length (from center of the mount on one end to the center on the other end).
Measure Compressed Length: Measure the length of the strut when compressed (hood closed).
Check Mounting Points: Measure the diameter and spacing of the mounting brackets.
How do I install hood struts on my car?
Support the Hood: Use a prop rod or have someone hold the hood open securely.
Remove Old Hood Lift: Unscrew or release the clips that hold the old hood lift in place.
Attach New Hood Shock: Position the new hood shock, align the mounting points, and secure it with the bolts or clips.
Test: Gently open and close the hood to ensure smooth operation and proper fit.
