How To Activate a Gas Strut
What is Gas Strut?
A gas spring, also known as a gas strut, is a type of spring that, unlike a typical mechanical spring that relies on elastic deformation, uses compressed gas contained within an enclosed cylinder sealed by a sliding piston to pneumatically store potential energy and withstand external force applied parallel to the direction of the piston shaft.
How To Activate a Gas Strut
- Step 1: Measuring & calculating. Before you can install a gas strut, you first need to measure the dimensions of your application.
- Step 2: Order the right gas strut.
- Step 3: Preparations.
- Step 4: Marking the right points.
- Step 5: Installing the gas strut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my gas strut not moving?
If your gas strut will not compress you need to let more gas out of it. The pressure is too high for the strut to compress under the weight of the door. If all the gas has been released out of the strut and it still won’t compress it is likely that your struts have been overextended.
How do you work out gas struts?
In order to find out what size gas strut you do need for your application, you can use the following guidelines. The length of the gas strut should be around 60% of the length of the lid, hatch or door. The position of the gas strut is determined by the length of the lid.
How does a gas strut work?
As the rod is pushed into the tube the available volume is reduced, the gas is further compressed, and the internal pressure increases. This compression creates the spring like behaviour. An orifice in the piston attached to the rod allows the flow of gas across the piston and controls the extension speed.
Can you push in a gas strut by hand?
To compress the gas spring requires even more force, because of the friction of the seal that keeps the nitrogen gas in the gas strut. The gas spring should still be able to be pushed in by hand up to about 100N, above that, then it becomes very difficult and you may damage the gas spring.
What do the numbers on a gas strut mean?
On the body of the Stabilus gas strut you will find the part number (product code) usually a 6 Character code and can be followed with a series of other digits. which denote the Force (N), the manufacturing batch and may also denote the End fitting type in some cases.
Does a gas strut push or pull?
Gas Struts provide lift assistance and counterbalance to applications, by providing a push or pull force acting around a pivot axis. Their force is equal to the internal pressure acting on the, acting on the cross-sectional area of the rod.
How long do gas struts last?
It’s important to note that gas struts generally have a lifespan of 5-10 years. The action on most car-fitted gas springs is subtle enough that many drivers don’t realize they’re actually helping to raise the tailgate, as opposed to just holding it in place once it’s up.
Can you repair a gas strut?
It is important to note that gas struts are not designed to be repaired and attempting to do so can be dangerous if done incorrectly. Therefore, it is always recommended to have a professional repair or replace gas struts if they are not functioning correctly. If in doubt, chat to the struts specialists at Struts-R-Us.
Do gas struts need lubrication?
No, a gas spring is maintenance-free. You should never lubricate the piston rod with oil or grease, as all that will happen is that dirt and dust will stick to it, which in the long term can damage the seals. The gas spring cylinder contains oil.
Do you lubricate gas struts?
A. Do not apply lubrication to the rod or in the seal area: this may even harm the seal, which will reduce its life. If they become covered in dust or dirt, gently wipe them down with a damp cloth.