Rear Gate Damper Stay

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Gas is colorless, odorless, and harmless. However, gas pressure may spray cutting powder or oil. Be sure to wear dust-resistant goggles.

Cover with a vinyl sack as shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Identifying Rear Gate Damper Stay And Vinyl Sack
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: Prevent the vinyl sack from being caught by drill cutting edge.
Lift the body side slightly with piston rods fully extended, and secure the body side with vise.
Drill a hole of 2 to 3 mm (0.08 to 0.12 in) diameter at a point 10 to 200 mm (0.39 to 7.87 in) from the body side, and bleed the gas in the rear gate damper stay completely.

Fig 2: Identifying Piston Rod, Cylinder And Drilled Portion
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.