Buy Acura RL Hood Lift Supports

An Acura RL hood lift support is a small gas spring (also called a hood strut, hood shock, gas strut, or bonnet strut) that helps raise the hood and holds it up while you work. It's a sealed cylinder filled with nitrogen that pushes the rod out to support the hood. If it's weak or leaking, the hood can sag or slam. For a quick primer on how gas springs work, see this overview of gas springs. (Wikipedia)

Both generations of the Acura RL use hydraulic (gas) hood supports. The owner's manuals describe opening the hood and note that Òthe hydraulic supports will lift it up the rest of the way and hold it up.Ó That language appears in the 2000 RL manual and again in the 2008 RL manual.

The RL was sold in North America for model years 1996-2012 (first gen 1996-2004 Ò3.5RL,Ó second gen 2005-2012 ÒRLÓ). If you're checking compatibility, always match by year and trim within those two generations. (Wikipedia)

A gas spring stores energy in compressed nitrogen. As temperature changes, gas pressure (and lift force) changes too-force typically rises in heat and drops in cold weather. Some engineering guides estimate roughly ~3-3.6% force change per 10 ¡C. That's why a hood strut can feel ÒweakerÓ on a cold morning. (Camloc, Vapsint, industrial-springs.com)

Common clues that your hood strut is wearing out: the hood won't stay up, it drifts down, moves in a jerky way, or you see an oily film on the rod. These are classic symptoms of pressure loss or seal wear in a gas spring. Replace it before it becomes a safety risk. (Natrad Radiators & Auto Air, tygasspring.com)

Hood supports are pressurized. Don't heat, puncture, bend, or weld them. Avoid paint or damage on the polished rod. Use eye protection, and always support the hood with a prop or helper when removing an old strut. Stabilus (a major gas-spring maker) lists these do's and don'ts and notes typical temperature limits around −30 ¡C to +80 ¡C. Also, per the RL manual, don't open the hood with the wiper arms raised to avoid damage. (stabilus.com)

Install hood lift supports Òrod downÓ in their resting position unless the part is designed for any orientation. This keeps the internal seals lubricated and helps the strut last longer. Multiple engineering sources and manufacturer guides recommend this orientation. (, stabilus.jwftechnologies.com, engineerlive.com)

If your RL uses two hood struts, replace both at the same time. Mixing an old weak strut with a new strong one can twist the hood and hinges. Manufacturer guides explicitly recommend swapping in pairs. (stabilus.com)

Cold weather reduces lift; hot weather increases it. That's normal gas behavior (Charles' Law). Designers account for this, but if your struts are already weak, cold snaps make the hood more likely to fall. (Camloc, guden.com)

Opening the RL's hood is simple: pull the release inside, lift the hood, and let the hydraulic supports raise it the rest of the way (per the Acura manuals). To replace struts, support the hood first, then release the small retaining clips at the ball ends, swap the old strut for the new one, and press to lock. Work one side at a time. (Use a flat trim tool; don't pry the clip off completely.)

The RL's security system monitors the hood. If the system is set and the hood is opened without the key or remote, the alarm can trigger. Make sure the hood is fully latched when you're done.

Gas struts are sealed and maintenance-free. Service life varies by use and environment; quality industrial guidance often targets tens of thousands of cycles (e.g., ~50,000 cycles with ²10% force loss under ideal conditions), though real-world life can be shorter with heat, dirt, and frequent use. Don't try to ÒrechargeÓ a sealed hood strut. Replace it. (Camloc)

Used gas springs should be disposed of properly-manufacturers outline controlled venting and oil collection procedures for industrial recycling. Your local recycling center or mechanic can handle this. (stabilus.com)

S.). See a quick primer on the Ògas springÓ term here. (Wikipedia)

* Check your model year (1996-2004 vs. 2005-2012) before buying.
* Match end fittings (ball sockets vs. brackets), overall length (extended/compressed), and mounting points.
* Install with the rod pointing down, and avoid side-loading the strut. (Wikipedia, stabilus.com)

* 2000 Acura 3.5RL Owner's Manual (hood opening steps).
* 2008 Acura RL Owner's Manual (hood supports, wiper/hood caution).
* Gas spring basics (encyclopedia overview). (Wikipedia)
* Orientation, handling, temperature range (manufacturer guides). (stabilus.com)
* Temperature effect on force (engineering guides). (Camloc)
* RL model years & generations. (Wikipedia)
* 2005-2012 RL owner reports on replacement (community thread). (Acurazine)

Q: What does a hood lift support do on an Acura RL?
A: It helps lift the hood and holds it up. The RL manuals call them Òhydraulic supports,Ó which take over near the top of travel and keep the hood open.

Q: Does every RL have gas hood supports?
A: Yes-both 1996-2004 and 2005-2012 RL owner's manuals describe hydraulic/ÓgasÓ supports for the hood.

Q: What are other names for this part?
A: Hood strut, hood shock, gas strut, gas spring, lift support, bonnet strut. (Wikipedia)

Q: How long do hood struts usually last?
A: Life depends on use and climate. Industry guidance often cites tens of thousands of cycles (e.g., ~50,000 cycles with small force loss in ideal testing). In everyday use, many last years; replace when they no longer hold the hood. (Camloc)

Q: Why do my hood struts feel weak in winter?
A: Gas pressure drops in cold temperatures, so the strut's lift force drops too. That's normal physics and can make an aging strut feel much weaker. (Camloc)

Q: Should I replace one strut or both?
A: Replace both if your RL uses two. Mixing an old and a new strut can twist the hood and hinges. (stabilus.com)

Q: Which way does the new strut face?
A: Install with the rod pointing down (resting position) unless the design says otherwise. This keeps seals oiled and extends life. (stabilus.com)

Q: Can I add grease or oil to make a strut last longer?
A: No. Gas struts are sealed and maintenance-free. Don't lubricate the rod or try to recharge the strut. Replace it when worn.

Q: Is it safe to work under the hood with weak struts?
A: Only if you securely prop the hood. A weak or failing strut can let the hood fall. Safety and handling guidance from manufacturers stress proper support.

Q: Will the car's alarm notice the hood is opened?
A: Yes. The RL's security system monitors the hood; opening it while armed can trigger the alarm.

Q: My new strut seems very stiff. Is that normal?
A: New gas springs can feel strong at first, and temperature affects force. Once installed with correct angles and orientation, they should operate smoothly. (Camloc)

Q: Do I need special tools to swap them?
A: Usually no-just a small flat tool to lift the retaining clip and a helper or prop stick to hold the hood. Always support the hood before removing a strut.

Q: Can I open the hood with the wipers lifted?
A: Avoid it; the 2008 RL manual warns not to open the hood when the wiper arms are raised to prevent damage.

Q: Why do some struts slow down near the top?
A: Many gas springs use internal oil for gentle, damped motion near the end of travel. This is by design for smoother closing/opening. (stabilus.com)

Q: Do hood struts come pre-pressurized?
A: Yes. They're filled and sealed at the factory; you don't adjust pressure on vehicle hood struts. (Industrial tech pages describe their nitrogen fill and force rating.) (stabilus.com)

Q: What if I store spare struts?
A: Store with the rod pointing down and cycle them after long storage, per manufacturer guidance. (stabilus.com)

Q: Are there temperature limits I should know?
A: Typical operating ranges are about −30 ¡C to +80 ¡C; extreme heat or cold affects force and longevity.

Q: What's the best way to keep struts healthy?
A: Keep the rod clean and free of nicks, don't side-load or bend the strut, and avoid slamming the hood. Follow the rod-down mounting orientation. (stabilus.com)

Q: Do second-gen RLs (2005-2012) use a different design?
A: Yes, later RLs use different part designs and mounting ends. Owners have noted ÒShowaÓ struts on some 2005 cars; match parts by year and verify end fittings. (Acurazine)

Q: Can I reuse the old mounting studs?
A: It depends on the exact design; some OE struts use non-removable hardware. When in doubt, get struts that include the correct ends for your RL year.

Q: Why is Ògas springÓ the technical name?
A: Because it's a spring that uses pressurized gas rather than a coil. See the gas spring overview for more background. (Wikipedia)

Q: How do I know my RL's exact model year and generation?
A: Cross-check the VIN and model year; the RL ran 1996-2012 across two gens. A quick model history is here. (Wikipedia)

Q: Any final safety tip?
A: After closing, make sure the hood is fully latched; your alarm system also expects the hood closed when armed.

If you want, tell me your RL's year, and I'll tailor fitment details (length, ends, and install notes) for that exact model year using the sources above.