Mercedes GLC Boot Struts

Mercedes GLC boot struts support the rear hatch and ensure smooth, controlled opening and closing of the tailgate. When they wear out, the boot becomes heavy, unstable, or may drop unexpectedly. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover how to choose the 100% correct replacement struts for your specific GLC model, evaluate the costs, and show you how to complete a 5-minute DIY replacement to save hundreds of dollars.

What Are Boot Struts?

Boot struts (most commonly called trunk struts, tailgate lift supports, or gas springs in North America) are small, hydro-pneumatic lifting devices designed to help you open and hold up your car’s boot (trunk) lid or tailgate. Without them, lifting a heavy metal and glass rear hatch would require serious muscle, and it would slam shut violently the moment you let go.

Signs Your Boot Struts Need Replacing

Boot struts are wear-and-tear items. Because they store incredible internal pressure, their rubber seals naturally degrade over time. You will know they are failing if you notice:

• Rear hatch drops slowly or suddenly: The trunk won’t stay up and falls down. This is dangerous and can hit your head.
• Boot no longer stays fully open: The door sags down a few inches. You lose headroom and might bump into it.
• Uneven lifting on left/right side: One side is weaker than the other. The door looks crooked when moving, which can damage the hinges.
• Tailgate feels heavier than normal: It takes a lot of muscle to push the trunk open because the gas inside has leaked out.
• Noise when opening or closing: You hear squeaking or grinding. This means the internal oil is gone and metal is rubbing together.

Why Do Boot Struts Fail?

Boot struts fail for one main reason: they lose their internal pressure. Here are the simple causes behind it:

• Old Age: The internal rubber seals naturally crack over time, letting the trapped gas leak out.
• Cold Weather: Cold temperatures make the internal gas shrink. This drops the lifting power instantly.
• Dirt and Dust: Grit sticks to the metal rod and tears the rubber seal when the trunk closes.
• Scratches or Bends: If the metal rod gets dented or scratched, gas escapes through the gaps.
• Heavy Use: Opening and closing the trunk too often simply wears the parts out faster.

Mercedes GLC Boot Struts OEM Cross Reference

Mercedes GLC boot struts vary depending on your vehicle’s body style (standard SUV vs. sloped Coupe) and tailgate type (manual gas vs. automatic power liftgate). To find the perfect match, check the part number printed on your original strut or verify your VIN with the parts seller.

OEM	Photo	Rod / Tube Ø	Stroke	Extended Length	Force	Year
A2539800164		8 / 18 mm	255 mm	645 mm	300N	GLC 2015-2022
A2539800064		8 / 18 mm	195 mm	615 mm	560N	GLC 2015-2022

Interior Technology

• Highest corrosion resistance achieved through powder coated cyclinders and special treated piston rod surfaces.
• Minimal friction for the production of lowest extension forces.
• Great life cycles.
• Protection against vibration and light side forces.
• Integrated grease chamber.
• Low break away forces.
• Installation and storage in any position.

How to Replace Mercedes GLC Boot Struts?

Replacing Mercedes GLC boot struts is a simple DIY job that restores smooth rear hatch operation and prevents the tailgate from dropping unexpectedly. Most owners can complete the replacement in under 15 minutes with no special tools.

Tools Needed:A flathead screwdriver; A prop rod (or a friend) to hold up the heavy tailgate

• 1.Secure the Tailgate: Open the trunk fully. Have a helper hold it up securely, or wedge a sturdy rod to support it. Once you remove a gas strut, the heavy tailgate will drop instantly.
• 2.Release the Metal Clips: Locate the round ball socket at either end of the old gas strut. Use your flathead screwdriver to slide under the small metal band (retaining clip) and pry it outward slightly. Do not remove the clip completely—just loose enough to release the tension.
• 3.Pop Off the Old Gas Strut: While holding the metal clip loose with your screwdriver, pull the gas strut away from the car’s metal ball stud. It will pop off easily. Repeat this for the other end of the strut.
• 4.Install the New Strut: Take your new gas strut. Do not pry the clips on the new strut. Simply align the socket directly over the car’s ball stud and push firmly until you hear a loud “click.” The clip locks onto the ball automatically.
• 5.Test the Operation: Remove your prop rod and carefully close and open the trunk. The movement should be smooth, quiet, and effortless.

Mercedes GLC Boot Struts: Genuine vs. GASTAC Aftermarket Comparison

While Genuine Mercedes-Benz struts offer perfect factory specifications and the security of dealership backing, they come with a premium price tag. GASTAC boot struts provide an identical form, fit, and mechanical function—utilizing the same high-pressure nitrogen and hydraulic damping technology—at a fraction of the original equipment cost.

Why Choose GASTAC as Your Gas Spring Supplier?

GASTAC is a premier manufacturer specializing in high-performance hydro-pneumatic lifting solutions. By combining precision engineering, strict quality control, and direct manufacturer pricing, GASTAC delivers OEM-quality gas springs that meet the rigorous demands of the global automotive and industrial sectors.

• Advanced Automated Manufacturing: Our facility utilizes state-of-the-art automated production lines. This ensures micrometric precision during tube cutting, rod polishing, gas injection, and final sealing.
• Rigorous QA Testing Laboratory: Every production batch undergoes extreme quality control. We perform 100% force testing, fatigue resistance testing (up to 50,000 cycles), and ASTM B117 salt-spray corrosion tests for marine-grade reliability.
• Massive Production Capacity: With large-scale production capabilities, we guarantee stable lead times, steady bulk supply, and fast order fulfillment for global distributors and OE clients.
• Custom R&D Engineering: Our in-house engineering team can custom-design gas springs to your exact technical requirements—including specific stroke lengths, dimensions, and customized F1 Newton lifting force.
• Global Certifications: GASTAC operates under international manufacturing standards. Our factory processes and products comply with major global automotive and industrial quality certifications.