Parts for your 2010 Holden Colorado-Gas struts

2010 Holden Colorado gas struts: factory fitment and options

Based on technical documentation and cataloguing for the RC-series (2008–2011), gas struts were not fitted to the 2010 Holden Colorado as standard. The bonnet is supported by a manual stay/prop rod, and the tub tailgate is supported by cables, not struts. This configuration is shown in Holden RC Colorado workshop literature (Body/Hood sections), the 2010 owner’s handbook descriptions of bonnet support, and GM Holden/Isuzu EPC listings that specify a bonnet stay rather than any gas-lift assemblies. So, as delivered from the factory, “gas struts” aren’t a service item on a 2010 Colorado.

Why no gas struts from factory? The RC Colorado was engineered as a rugged ute with simple, field-serviceable hardware. A prop rod and cable-supported tailgate are cheap, tough, and reliable in dusty, muddy environments where seals and shafts on gas struts can cop a hard time. It also keeps curb weight and cost down, and there’s less to go wrong in remote touring or worksite use.

• Bonnet: manual stay/prop rod (no OEM gas struts).
• Tailgate: steel cables and hinges (no OEM gas struts, some models use torsion assistance, not gas).
• Accessories: canopies, hard lids, and tailgate-assist kits may use aftermarket gas struts, but these are not Holden factory items.

Owners who like hands-free lifting can add aftermarket gas strut kits for the bonnet or tailgate. Quality kits include brackets designed for the Colorado’s guard and bonnet structure, look for corrosion-resistant shafts, matched force ratings, and clear mounting instructions. Installation may require drilling or using existing holes, if unsure, a workshop familiar with RC Colorado panels is a safe bet.

If the vehicle already has accessory struts (canopy, hard lid, or tailgate assist), keep them healthy by wiping the chrome shafts clean, avoiding petroleum grease on the shafts (which attracts grit), and replacing struts in pairs when lift weakens—especially noticeable in cold mornings, when aged struts struggle to hold up. Watch for oil misting around seals, hissing, or a lid that drops quicker than it should. Periodic hinge and latch lubrication still matters, as sticky hinges make struts work harder and fail sooner.

FAQs

Did the 2010 Holden Colorado come with bonnet gas struts from factory?
No. Technical guides for the RC-series show a bonnet stay/prop rod and no OEM gas-lift struts. Any bonnet struts seen on these utes are aftermarket additions.

Can gas struts be fitted to the bonnet or tailgate of a 2010 Colorado?
Yes. Aftermarket kits are available for the bonnet and for tailgate assist. Choose vehicle-specific brackets and the right force rating, and have them fitted correctly to avoid panel damage or misalignment.

How long do canopy or hard lid gas struts last, and what are failure signs?
Expect roughly 4–8 years depending on use and climate. Warning signs include sluggish lifting in cold weather, lids that won’t stay up, oil misting on the strut body, or a soft “hiss” with little resistance. Replace in pairs to keep lift balanced.