Automotive
Automotive Gas Springs, Lift Struts and Locking Seat Springs
Bring smooth, controlled motion to every vehicle body panel and cabin seat. We engineer custom automotive gas springs, lift struts, and locking seat springs from first prototype sample to full OEM production.
- Custom Specs: 0.4 to 19.7 in (10 to 500 mm) strokes and 3.4 to 450 lbf (15 to 2,000 N) forces.
- Locking and Lift Choices: Damped tailgate lift struts, prop-rod replacements, and locking cabin springs.
- OEM Production Ready: Engineered for -22 to 176 F (-30 to 80 C) climates with custom fittings.
Where We Fit
One Vehicle, Five Ways to Move
Every body panel and cabin seat moves differently. Here is where each automotive gas strut and locking spring does the work.
Liftgates and Tailgates
Oil-damped lift support strut that slows the final degrees of travel to prevent hinge slam.
Hoods and Trunk Lids
Slim gas shock replacement for prop rods in tight hinge pockets, EV frunks, and tonneau covers.
Driver Seats and Armrests
Nitrogen-charged seat recline gas strut that locks at any angle with cushioned road-vibration absorption.
Fold-Down Cabin Tables
Oil-locked gas spring that holds rigid against pulling loads to keep sleeper cab and RV tables level.
Service Hatches
Compression-locking gas strut that holds rigid under downward loads so heavy utility hatches never drift shut.
Choose Your Series
Pick the Spring by How the Part Moves
Ask two questions: should it lock, and which way does the load push? The answers point to one of five automotive gas spring series.
| Series | Best For | Locking and Motion | Force (F1) | Stroke | Product Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTF | Hoods, trunk lids | Free lift | 3.4 to 450 lbf (15 to 2,000 N) | 1.6 to 17.7 in (40 to 450 mm) | Quote NTF |
| NTZ | Liftgates, tailgates | Damped lift | 3.4 to 450 lbf (15 to 2,000 N) | 1.6 to 17.7 in (40 to 450 mm) | Quote NTZ |
| NTG | Seats, armrests | Elastic (both directions) | 11 to 225 lbf (50 to 1,000 N) | 0.4 to 19.7 in (10 to 500 mm) | View NTG |
| NTA | Cabin tables | Rigid in extension | 11 to 281 lbf (50 to 1,250 N) | 0.4 to 19.7 in (10 to 500 mm) | View NTA |
| NTB | Service hatches | Rigid in compression | 11 to 112 lbf (50 to 500 N) | 0.8 to 13.8 in (20 to 350 mm) | View NTB |
Inside the Cylinder
Nitrogen Lifts and Oil Controls
Every Newton spring is charged with nitrogen, which provides the lifting force. Internal hydraulic oil decides how that force behaves: in NTZ gas shocks it acts as an end-of-travel brake, while in NTA and NTB springs it locks the piston rod solid. NTG holds against compressed nitrogen instead, giving locked seats a gentle, cushioned feel on rough pavement.
Built for Every Season: Gas pressure rises in heat and falls in cold. We size each automotive gas spring so it lifts reliably on a sub-zero morning and remains controlled during a summer heat wave.
Make It Yours
Sized, Finished and Fitted to Your Drawing
Once the series is selected, custom dimensions make it fit your vehicle. Rods run from 0.16 to 0.47 in (4 to 12 mm), and cylinders from 2.4 to 25.6 in (60 to 650 mm) long.
Corrosion-Resistant Finishes
Black and Chrome on every series, plus Silver Gray, White, and Light Gray on NTA, NTF, and NTZ.
Custom End Fittings
Single-ear eyelets for hood and trunk brackets, or double-ear clevis fittings for heavy liftgates.
Cable Release Systems
Pull-switch cable actuators let seat recline levers or hatch handles unlock the spring remotely.
How We Work
From First Sample to Full Production
Three straightforward steps from your vehicle CAD file or sketch to force-tested OEM production batches.
-
Share Your Design
Send a CAD file or a sketch with the panel weight, center of gravity, and hinge mounting points.
-
Test Prototype Samples
We build prototype samples to your exact Newton force, finish, and fitting spec for vehicle fit trials.
-
Go to OEM Production
Every production batch is force-tested so the thousandth spring matches the first across every climate.
Industry Solutions
Explore Gas Springs Across Every Industry
We custom-manufacture gas struts, dampers, and locking springs for five additional OEM sectors.
-
Furniture SolutionsFurniture
Furniture and Cabinet Gas Springs
Quiet cabinet lid struts and locking gas springs for recliners, chairs, and adjustable desks.
-
Medical SolutionsMedical Devices
Medical and Hospital Bed Gas Springs
Precision locking gas springs and dampers for hospital beds, surgical tables, and medical carts.
-
Industrial SolutionsIndustrial
Heavy-Duty Industrial Gas Springs
High-force industrial gas struts and support rods up to 2,000 N for machine guards and hatches.
-
Aerospace SolutionsAerospace
Aerospace and Aircraft Gas Springs
Reliable aircraft gas springs and lockable struts for aviation seating, tray tables, and overhead bins.
-
Rail Transit SolutionsRail Transit
Rail Transit and Train Gas Springs
Durable train seat locking gas springs, dampers, and access panel struts for railway interiors.
-
Get an Automotive QuoteCurrent Page
Automotive Gas Springs and Struts
Custom tailgate lift supports, hood struts, and locking seat recline springs from 15 to 2,000 N.
NTG, NTA or NTB: which lock do I need?
NTG gives a cushioned lock for seats. NTA locks hard against pulling, and NTB locks hard against pushing. Follow the direction of the load.
Which way up should I mount it?
For gas struts, mount rod-down where possible. This keeps oil on the seal, so the spring lasts longer.
How do I work out the force?
Send us the panel weight, center of gravity and hinge points. We will calculate the force with a safety margin and check it at cold temperatures.
How fast can I get samples?
We confirm lead time with your quote. Samples match your full spec, and we can copy the fittings on an existing part.
Let Us Size Your Automotive Gas Spring
Tell us what you need to move. Our engineers will reply with the right spec recommendation and a clear quote.
Have drawings? Email info@newtonmatic.com