Parts for your 2009 Holden Colorado-Rack boots

Are rack boots used on a 2009 Holden Colorado?

Short answer: no, a 2009 Holden Colorado doesn’t use rack boots. That model (RC series) runs a power-assisted recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman arm, idler arm and centre/drag link, not a rack-and-pinion. Because there’s no steering rack, there are no bellows-style rack boots to service or replace.

Technical sources that specify the steering type on the RC Colorado include the Holden/GM service manual for the RC (Steering section), the GM Global EPC (which lists a steering gearbox, pitman and idler arms but no rack assembly or bellows), and the equivalent Isuzu D‑Max 2007–2011 workshop documentation for the shared platform, which also details a power-assisted recirculating-ball layout. Trade catalogues for the RC (Repco/NAPA/Burson) likewise list idler and pitman arms and drag links, not rack boots.

Why no rack boots? Rack boots only exist on rack-and-pinion systems to seal each end of the rack bar and protect the inner tie rods. The Colorado’s steering box translates wheel input through a pitman arm and linkages, so the only “boots” you’ll see up front are dust boots on ball joints and tie-rod ends (plus CV boots on 4x4s). Those are different parts with different jobs.

If someone is hunting “rack boots” for this ute, they’re probably chasing one of these instead:

• Tie-rod end dust boots (inner/outer), or complete tie-rod ends if play is present
• Idler arm or pitman arm (and their bushes) if there’s steering wander or clunking
• Centre/drag link wear items
• Steering box sector shaft or input seals if there’s power steering fluid weeping

Good servicing practice for a 2009 Colorado is to check for split dust boots, grease leakage, free play at the wheels, uneven tyre wear, and any notchiness or lash at the steering wheel. Any split dust boot should be addressed quickly, because once water and grit get in, the joint won’t last long. After replacing any steering component, a wheel alignment is a must to keep tyres happy and the ute tracking straight. For 4x4 models that see corrugations or beach work, inspections every 10,000–15,000 km are a smart move.

Popular questions about 2009 Holden Colorado “rack boots”

Does a 2009 Holden Colorado have steering rack boots?
No. The RC Colorado uses a recirculating-ball steering box with a pitman and idler arm, so there’s no rack-and-pinion and no rack boots. If there’s a boot torn up front, it’ll be a tie-rod end or ball joint dust boot, or on 4x4s, a CV boot.

What should be checked instead of rack boots on a 2009 Colorado?
Look at tie-rod end dust boots, ball joint boots, the idler and pitman arms, and the centre/drag link. Also check the steering box for leaks and excessive free play. Any split boot or play should be sorted and followed by a proper wheel alignment.

Can a rack-and-pinion be fitted to replace the steering box?
It’s not a simple swap. Converting to a rack involves engineering, custom mounts, column and linkage changes, and certification. It’s far more practical and cost-effective to keep the OE-style steering box setup in good nick with quality replacement parts.