What Maintenance Practices Extend the Life of Gas Springs?

gas springs

Let’s be real—gas springs work hard. They hold, lift, lower, and support all kinds of equipment in countless industries. At Lucid Gas Springs, we know that whether you're using them in automotive hoods, industrial machinery, or custom furniture builds, their performance matters. But like any component under stress, gas springs wear down if you don’t take care of them.

The good news? With a few simple maintenance practices, you can keep your gas springs in top form for years. That’s what we’re diving into today. We’re sharing insider tips to help extend their lifespan, save you money, and keep things running smooth.

 

Why Should You Care About Gas Spring Maintenance?

 

You might be thinking, “They’re sealed units, do they even need maintenance?” Yes, they absolutely do. When neglected, gas springs can lose pressure, corrode, or even fail prematurely. And let’s be honest—downtime due to avoidable issues isn’t just annoying, it costs time and cash. At Lucid Gas Springs, we’ve seen what good maintenance can do. A well-kept spring can outlast its expected cycle life. So if performance, safety, and reliability matter to you, this is worth your attention.

 

Protect the Piston Rod—Don’t Let It Take a Beating

The piston rod is the unsung hero of any gas spring. But it's also super vulnerable. Here's how to keep it in great shape:

●       Keep it clean: Wipe down the piston rod with a dry, lint-free cloth regularly. Dust, dirt, and grime are no friends of smooth operation.

●       Avoid grease or oil: Sounds weird, right? But applying lubricants can attract debris, leading to corrosion or seal damage.

●       Watch out for scratches: A scratched rod can destroy the internal seals. That’s game over. So never use tools or rough cloths on it.

 

Don’t Let Corrosion Creep In

Moisture is a silent killer for gas springs. It doesn’t announce itself, but corrosion shows up sooner than you’d think.

●       Install in dry environments whenever possible

●       Use corrosion-resistant coatings (like the ones we offer at Lucid Gas Springs) for outdoor or marine applications

●       Inspect regularly for rust or discoloration

If you spot early signs of corrosion, act fast. Sometimes all it takes is a little TLC to save the component.

 

Use Them Right—No Funny Angles or Overloading

Gas springs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Each has a job and a set of limits. If you go beyond that, you risk damaging the unit or whatever it’s attached to.

●       Always install with the rod facing down when possible. This keeps the internal seals lubricated.

●       Avoid side loading. These parts aren’t meant to handle sideways force. It wears them out unevenly.

●       Don’t overload. If you’re forcing it to support more weight than it’s built for, expect it to give up early.

 

Quick Tips to Keep Things Running Smooth

 

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom that go a long way:

●       Store spares vertically in a cool, dry place.

●       Replace gas springs in pairs when possible to prevent uneven wear.

●       Label and track service dates, especially in industrial settings.

It’s the little things that count. Trust us, a few minutes of prevention beats hours of repairs.

 

FAQs

Q1. Can I refill a gas spring when it loses pressure?

Nope. Most gas springs are sealed units and not designed to be refilled. If it’s lost pressure, it’s time to replace it.

Q2. How often should I inspect my gas springs?

For high-use applications, check them monthly. For lighter use, a quarterly inspection should do the trick.

Q3. Are there specific cleaners I should avoid?

Yes. Avoid harsh chemicals or anything abrasive. Stick to a dry or slightly damp cloth.

Q4. Do gas springs expire over time even if unused?

Yes. Even unused, internal seals can degrade. Shelf life is typically 1–2 years if stored correctly.

Q5. Can I paint over gas springs?

It’s not recommended. Paint can block vents or add uneven weight, which may affect performance. 

At Lucid Gas Springs, we design our products with durability in mind. But even the toughest gas strut needs a bit of love. Need help finding the right model or replacement? Contact us today!

Yes. Even unused, some pressure loss is expected due to seal aging and gas permeating through the seal.  To minimise the loss, store in room temperature and rod end down.

Rod surface should be kept free of any foreign materials, including paint.