Gas Springs

Types of Replacement Gas Springs

Door and hood springs hold a panel open against its own weight and are the most frequently replaced. Cab tilt and steering tilt springs assist and hold much heavier assemblies during service. Treat those as a safety item: support the cab or console independently before removing a tilt spring, because the spring may be the only thing holding the weight.

Locking gas springs hold a set position mechanically rather than relying on gas pressure alone, and they are not interchangeable with a standard strut even where the mounting matches.

Gas springs weaken gradually as gas escapes past the internal seal, and cold makes it obvious. A strut that held a door all summer and starts dropping it on the first cold mornings has not suddenly failed; it reached the point where reduced pressure and low temperature together fall below what the door weighs. Where two springs work as a pair, replace both, because a new one beside a tired one carries most of the load and wears out early.