8 Signs You’re Using the Wrong Gas Springs!

Gas springs are clever little devices that make lifting and lowering heavy objects feel like a breeze. You’ll find them in cars, cabinets, hospital beds, office chairs, and a ton of other everyday items. But here’s the deal, when you’re using the wrong type of springs, things stop working smoothly. Instead of convenience, you’re left with resistance, failure, and sometimes, a serious safety hazard. If you’re dealing with stubborn movement, strange noises, or parts wearing out too quickly, it’s time to check whether your spring is actually the right fit.

Let’s dive into the clear warning signs.

1. It’s Way Too Hard to Open or Close Things

If opening a lid or hatch feels like an arm workout, your spring is likely too strong for the job. The spring should be helping you lift, not fighting back. When the pressure rating is too high, you’ll feel resistance instead of smooth movement. This also puts more stress on the hinges and fasteners, which can eventually lead to mechanical failure.

2. Things Won’t Stay Open Like They Should

Lift the trunk or open a lid, and it drops back down on its own? That’s a dangerous situation, especially in cars, machinery, or heavy cabinets. When gas springs don’t have enough force to hold the weight up, it means the pressure rating is too low or the spring is worn out. Either way, this is a clear sign the spring is mismatched or has reached the end of its life

3. You’re Hearing Weird Noises

The springs are meant to be quiet workers. If you start hearing hissing, squeaking, or grinding, something’s wrong. This could mean internal gas is escaping, seals are wearing down, or the components are rubbing due to poor alignment. Noise almost always signals trouble, and ignoring it can lead to failure in the mechanism.

4. The Movement Feels Jerky or Off-Balance

Smooth and steady; that’s how the movement should feel. But when your lid wobbles, shakes, or bounces during use, you might be dealing with the wrong stroke length, damping force, or mounting position. Poor movement can also mean the internal gas or oil levels are off. Either way, jerky motion isn’t just annoying, it shortens the life of the spring and whatever it’s attached to.

5. You Notice Leaks or Visible Damage

This is an obvious but often ignored warning. Check the shaft and housing, if you spot any oil, gas residue, cracks, or dents, that spring needs to go. Leaking gas springs can’t maintain pressure, and damaged ones are just waiting to fail. Always inspect for signs of wear, especially if the spring is exposed to heavy use or outdoor conditions.

6. It Acts Up in Hot or Cold Weather

Temperature extremes can really mess with your spring performance. If it works fine in your garage but locks up when you move it outside in winter, it’s not rated for the right temperature range. Cold weather makes gas contract, reducing pressure. Heat expands it, which might lead to overextension. The right spring should work consistently in your environment.

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7. There’s Too Much Bounce at the End

Closing something and watching it bounce back slightly? That’s called rebound, and it means your spring’s dampening is too light. Proper dampening should slow the motion down before it stops, no jarring, no bouncing. This isn’t just a comfort issue; repeated bouncing can damage surrounding materials and fasteners over time.

8. You’re Replacing Them Too Often

A quality, correctly matched spring should last for years, especially if it’s used in a standard environment. But if you’re replacing springs every few months, they’re likely the wrong size, pressure, or build for the job. Premature wear and tear are a tell-tale sign that you need to revisit your specs.

So, choosing the right gas struts from the beginning will save you time, money, and a lot of headaches down the line.