Gas struts

[fisher]

I'm searching through a heap of old posts about replacement of gas struts, but cant (yet) find a reference to my specific question.  I notice that one of the struts on my hardfloor camper is leaking oil.  Does leaking oil equate to loss of pressure?  might be a stupid question, but my understanding is that the struts are full of nitrogen gas, and the oil is there to lubricate the shaft and seals.  So, whilst hardly ideal to have a leaky strut, I might not have lost any pressure?  I can't open the camper to physically test it. 

Also - posts on the forum seem to be split as to whether its a DIY job or best to get a professional to replace them?  thoughts?

cheers

[Champin]

It would be my educated guess that the strut would be knackered. They do contain a certain amount of oil to lubricate the seal hence why you should mount them shaft facing down. So I am guessing if you're leaking oil, you would have purged your gas. As for self replacement, it would depend on the strut force and if you have the available tools to compress the strut. We use up to 500nm struts at work and use an Irwin quick grip clamp with indents on the clampy bit to compress them. Any more force than that and I would be looking at a much stronger clamp. Hope this helps.

[jwb]

I had mine replaced for $100 installed
The old ones still had their pressure sticker on them
So no great adjusting to suit.
What area are you in?
The oil leak will eventually end in them dying on you.
Cheers

[fisher]

thanks for your quick replies.  The struts are 800N / 816 (mm I guess).  I think I'll find a pro to do it for me.  cheers

[jwb]

What area are you in? ?

[fisher]

What area are you in? ?

Hi - I'm south of Adelaide.  cheers