A gas strut monitoring system includes a gas strut. The monitoring system further includes a knuckle assembly connected to a base end of the gas strut. The knuckle assembly includes at least one strain gauge and a deformable knuckle. The system also includes a controller in communication with the at least one strain gauge, which is configured to measure a deformation of the deformable knuckle via the strain gauge. The system evaluates, based on the measured deformation, an operative performance of the gas strut. The system then outputs signal to an output device that indicates a maintenance recommendation based on the operative performance of the gas strut.