How Much Does It Cost to Replace Liftgate Struts? 2024 Pricing Guide

What Is a Liftgate Strut and Why Does It Need Replacing?

A liftgate strut (also called a tailgate gas strut or rear liftgate strut) is a pressurised gas-filled cylinder that holds open the rear cargo door of your vehicle. It’s filled with nitrogen gas at a specific pressure measured in Newtons, which creates the force needed to support the weight of the liftgate panel.

Over time, the internal seal inside the strut degrades. Once this happens, the gas pressure drops, and the strut can no longer support the liftgate’s weight. You’ll notice the liftgate closing on its own, falling slowly, or refusing to stay open—classic signs of strut failure.

Unlike brake pads or filters, gas struts aren’t wear items you can inspect visually. The failure is sudden and internal. When they fail, replacement is the only solution.

How Much Do Liftgate Struts Cost? Price Breakdown by Type

The cost to replace liftgate struts varies widely depending on three factors: the vehicle make and model, whether you choose OEM (original equipment manufacturer) or aftermarket parts, and whether you fit them yourself or pay a mechanic.

OEM Liftgate Strut Costs

OEM struts are manufactured by or approved by the vehicle maker. They carry the official part number and guarantee fitment and durability. OEM struts typically cost £150–£350 per strut depending on the vehicle.

• Ford vehicles: £180–£280 per strut (F-150, Explorer, Edge commonly replaced)
• Chevrolet and GMC: £160–£300 per strut (Silverado, Sierra, Tahoe, Traverse)
• Toyota: £140–£260 per strut (4Runner, Highlander, Venza)
• Jeep: £150–£280 per strut (Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Cherokee)
• BMW and Audi: £220–£400+ per strut (premium pricing on German makes)
• Honda and Nissan: £120–£220 per strut (Pilot, Rogue, Pathfinder, CR-V)

Most vehicles need two struts (one on each side of the liftgate), so budget for double this amount. OEM struts guarantee original performance and often come with manufacturer warranty coverage.

Aftermarket Liftgate Strut Costs

Aftermarket struts are made by independent manufacturers and are typically cheaper than OEM. Reputable brands like Sachs, Stabilus, Meyle, and Monroe offer aftermarket struts at £80–£200 per strut.

• Budget aftermarket brands: £60–£120 per strut
• Mid-range aftermarket (Sachs, Stabilus, Monroe): £100–£180 per strut
• Premium aftermarket: £140–£220 per strut

The quality of aftermarket struts varies. Brands like Stabilus (which also supply OEM struts) and Sachs are trusted in the automotive industry and often perform as well as OEM parts at a lower cost. Cheaper no-name brands may fail prematurely.

Labour Costs for Professional Fitting

If you’re not fitting the struts yourself, mechanic labour adds significantly to the total cost:

• Independent garage: £80–£150 per hour labour. Liftgate strut replacement typically takes 1–2 hours per strut.
• Franchised dealership: £120–£180 per hour labour. Often charges a flat rate of £250–£400 for both struts.
• Quick-fit chains (Halfords, Kwik Fit): £40–£60 per strut fitting labour (often discounted with parts purchase).

A full replacement at a franchised dealership (OEM struts + labour) typically costs £500–£1,000 total. At an independent garage with aftermarket struts, expect £250–£450 total.

Total Replacement Cost Scenarios

Here are realistic total costs for common vehicles, including both struts and labour:

DIY Fit (Parts Only)

• Budget: £120–£240 (aftermarket, no labour)
• Mid-range: £200–£400 (quality aftermarket)
• Premium: £300–£700 (OEM struts)

Fitted by Independent Garage

• Budget: £250–£380 (aftermarket struts + £80–£150 labour)
• Mid-range: £350–£550 (quality aftermarket + labour)
• OEM: £500–£800 (OEM struts + labour)

Fitted by Franchised Dealership

• Budget: £400–£600 (budget parts + dealership labour)
• Mid-range: £600–£900 (quality aftermarket)
• OEM: £800–£1,200+ (genuine dealer parts and labour)

Vehicle-Specific Costs: Common Models

Here are estimated total costs (parts + professional labour at an independent garage) for popular vehicles needing liftgate strut replacement:

Vehicle Make/Model	OEM Per Strut	Aftermarket Per Strut	Labour (Both Struts)	Total (Aftermarket)	Total (OEM)
Ford F-150	£220	£140	£150	£430	£590
Chevrolet Silverado	£240	£160	£140	£460	£620
Toyota 4Runner	£180	£120	£130	£370	£490
Jeep Grand Cherokee	£200	£130	£140	£400	£540
Honda Pilot	£160	£100	£120	£320	£440
Nissan Pathfinder	£170	£110	£125	£345	£465
BMW X5	£340	£200	£160	£560	£840

OEM vs Aftermarket: Which Should You Choose?

The decision between OEM and aftermarket struts affects your total cost significantly.

When to Choose OEM Struts

• Your vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty—fitting non-OEM parts may void coverage.
• Your vehicle is high-mileage and you want guaranteed durability for the next 5+ years.
• The cost difference is small (on some vehicles, OEM and quality aftermarket are within £50).
• You’re buying from a franchised dealership where OEM is the standard option.

When Aftermarket Makes Sense

• Your warranty has already expired.
• You’re fitting the struts yourself (you avoid labour costs anyway).
• The cost saving is £200+ per strut pair, and the brand is reputable (Sachs, Stabilus, Monroe).
• You plan to sell the vehicle within 2 years (aftermarket covers that period reliably).

Our internal testing and feedback from mechanics show that quality aftermarket struts from Stabilus, Sachs, and Monroe perform identically to OEM on most vehicles. The main difference is warranty length (2–3 years on aftermarket vs longer on OEM).

DIY Fitting vs Professional Installation

Liftgate strut replacement is one of the more straightforward DIY jobs for a confident vehicle owner. The process typically involves:

• Removing the liftgate trim panel (5–10 minutes per side)
• Unbolting the old strut by removing 1–2 bolts (5 minutes per strut)
• Installing the new strut and torquing bolts (5 minutes per strut)
• Total DIY time: 30–45 minutes for both struts

If you’re comfortable with basic mechanical work and have a socket set, DIY fitting saves £100–£200 in labour costs. However, if you’re unsure about bolt torque specifications or removing interior trim, professional fitting is worth the cost to avoid damage.

Use our Gas Spring Force Calculator to verify that replacement struts match the Newton force rating of your original equipment before purchasing.

Where to Buy Liftgate Struts and Save Money

Online Retailers

Amazon and eBay often stock aftermarket liftgate struts at competitive prices. Search by your vehicle make and model to ensure correct fitment. Expect delivery within 2–5 days. Prices are typically 15–25% cheaper than local retailers.

Franchised Dealerships

Your vehicle’s official dealer stocks OEM struts and handles fitting. You pay premium prices but get guaranteed fitment and warranty. Useful if your vehicle is still under warranty.

Independent Garages

Many independent shops can source aftermarket struts and fit them for less than dealership rates. Get quotes from 2–3 local garages before committing.

Quick-Fit Chains

Halfords, Kwik Fit, and similar chains stock common struts and fit them same-day. Prices are mid-range between DIY and dealership. Convenient if you need urgent replacement.

Specialist Gas Strut Suppliers

For exact fitment and technical advice, specialist suppliers stock a wider range than general automotive retailers. They often offer competitive pricing and can advise on force ratings and compatibility.

Why Costs Vary So Much Between Vehicles

Liftgate strut costs vary widely because:

• Liftgate weight: Heavier liftgates (on large SUVs and trucks) require higher-force struts, which cost more.
• Strut design: Some vehicles use standard end fittings (cheaper to source), others use proprietary designs (parts only from one supplier).
• OEM part scarcity: Popular vehicles (Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado) have many aftermarket options, driving prices down. Niche or premium vehicles (BMW X5, Audi Q7) have fewer suppliers, keeping prices high.
• Labour accessibility: Some vehicles’ struts are easy to access; others require trim panel removal or component relocation, adding labour time.

What Affects the Lifespan of Replacement Struts?

Once you’ve paid for replacement, you’ll want them to last. Liftgate strut lifespan depends on:

• Usage: Heavy daily use (trades vehicles, commercial operators) reduces lifespan to 3–5 years. Light use extends to 7+ years.
• Climate: Hot, dry climates are gentler on seals. Cold, humid climates accelerate seal degradation.
• Maintenance: Keeping hinges lubricated and the liftgate panel well-sealed reduces strut wear.
• Quality of part: Premium OEM and quality aftermarket (Stabilus, Sachs) last longer than budget brands.

Hidden Costs to Budget For

Beyond the strut price, watch for:

• Trim panel clips: Removing interior trim can break clips. Budget £10–£30 for replacements.
• Hinge lubrication: While the mechanic has the liftgate open, ask them to lubricate hinges (£20–£40). This extends strut life.
• Inspection of other components: If one strut fails, the other is aging too. Some garages recommend replacing both even if only one has failed. This is good practice (you avoid a second repair in 12 months) but adds cost.
• Diagnostic fee: Some dealerships charge £50–£100 to confirm strut failure. Independent shops often diagnose free.

Key Takeaways: Liftgate Strut Replacement Cost

Liftgate strut replacement costs £80–£400 per strut depending on vehicle make and part type. For a complete DIY replacement with aftermarket parts, budget £120–£240. Professional fitting adds £140–£300 in labour. OEM struts cost 30–100% more than quality aftermarket but guarantee longevity and warranty coverage.

Choosing between DIY and professional fitting depends on your mechanical confidence and the value of your time. For most UK vehicle owners, professional fitting at an independent garage offers the best value: £300–£550 total for both struts.

Always specify your exact vehicle make, model, and year when sourcing replacement struts to ensure the force rating (measured in Newtons) matches your vehicle’s original equipment.