Rear Gate Stay Replacements – 2008-2015 Subaru

NUMBER: 12-183-15
DATE: 04/21/15

APPLICABILITY:	2008-15MY Impreza Models
	2008-14MY WRX and WRX STI Models
	2009-15MY Forester Models (Except Models with Power Rear Gate)
SUBJECT:	Rear Gate Stay Replacements

 

 

INTRODUCTION

This bulletin announces the establishment of replacement criteria for the gas-filled rear gate stays used on the models listed above.  There have been reports of the rear gate stays being replaced unnecessarily as a set when only one is actually failed.  If a customer presents with a concern of their hatch not staying in the fully open position or not staying open by itself then the testing  procedure outlined here may apply.

 

TOOLS REQUIRED:

• A commercially available 50 lb. pull scale (Fish Scale) is available from most major retail outlets and online (e.g. Amazon.com).

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE / INFORMATION:

Precautions:

• Open the rear gate fully. If not opened fully, it may drop unexpectedly and cause serious injury.
• Before opening the rear gate, it must be free of snow, ice or any objects which could apply additional weight and cause it to drop unexpectedly and possibly cause serious injury.
• Be careful when opening the rear gate in windy conditions which could cause it to close or open unexpectedly.
• Whenever disconnecting a rear gate stay, always support the gate using a “dead-man” or equivalent prop to keep it from dropping.

 

Visual Inspection:

• With the rear gate opened fully, inspect the sliding surfaces of the inner (piston) portion of both gate stays thoroughly for any damage (e.g. scratches, gouges). Any damage to this surface will likely compromise the seal of the gate stay assembly allowing the pressurized gas to leak.  If no damage is verified, proceed with the measurement procedure below on the undamaged stay(s).  If damage is found, start by testing the undamaged stay.

Measurement:

• Disconnect the gate stay not being tested from either the rear gate or the vehicle body. Support the gate using a “dead-man” or equivalent prop to keep it from dropping.
• When ready, remove the prop and position the rear gate so it is horizontal as shown in the illustration below.

 

• With the scale hooked to the center of the gate’s bottom lip as shown below, hold the scale STRAIGHT up to measure the “weight” of the gate.

 

IMPORTANT:  Always use a piece of rubber hose and / or electrical tape to prevent the metal hook portion of the scale from contacting the vehicle finish.

• If the reading for the gate stay you tested shows as N/G or Empty, or you are unsure, re-connect the suspect gate stay, repeat the above procedure on the other stay to confirm your test results. The stay (or stays) having a test result of N/G or EMPTY must be replaced.

Stays with an OK rating do not require replacement.

 

Specification Table:

VEHICLE MODEL	SPECIFICATIONS (SCALE READINGS)
	OK	N/G	STAY IS EMPTY IF:
2008-11 Impreza, 2008-14 WRX & STI	Less than 8.3 lbs.	8.3 to 27.9 lbs.	More than 27.9 lbs.
2012-15 Impreza	Less than 7.4 lbs	7.4 to 21.6 lbs.	More than 21.6 lbs.
2009-12 Forester	Less than 10.1 lbs.	10.1 to 31.9 lbs.	More than 31.9 lbs.
2013-15 Forester	Less than 9 lbs.	9 to 28.7 lbs.	More than 28.7 lbs.

 

 

• After comparing your test results to the Specification Table, replace the failed gate stay(s) as needed following the procedure in the applicable Service Manual.

VERY IMPORTANT:  Always refer to the applicable Service Manual replacement procedure for the proper retaining bolt torque specifications.

• Reassemble in reverse order of removal.

 

WARRANTY / CLAIM INFORMATION

For vehicles within the Basic New Car Limited Warranty period or covered by a Subaru Added Security (SAS) Gold / Gold Plus plan, this repair may be claimed using the following information:

LABOR DESCRIPTION	LABOR OPERATION #	FAIL CODE	LABOR TIME
ONE GATE STAY DAMPER R&R	A915-381	XAQ-49	0.3
BOTH GATE STAY DAMPERS R&R	A915-384		0.4

 

NOTE: Up to $40.00 can be claimed ONCE per Retailer in sublet to cover the cost of the measuring scale.

REMINDER:  SOA strongly discourages the printing and/or local storage of service information as previously released information and electronic publications may be updated at any time.

Always refer to STIS for the latest service information before performing any repairs.

 

Last update on 2026-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Last update on 2026-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Last update on 2026-06-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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