Parts for your 2012 Holden Colorado-Strut mounts

2012 Holden Colorado strut-mounts: are they used, and what should be serviced instead?

Short answer: conventional strut-mounts aren’t used on the 2012 Holden Colorado. Manufacturer service information for the RG Colorado (2012) and major AU/NZ suspension catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) show the front end is an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. Because there’s no MacPherson strut, there’s no bearing-type strut mount at the top of the tower like you’d see in many passenger cars.

On the Colorado’s front suspension, the coil-over shock assembly bolts into the chassis with a simple rubber isolator/top mount and hardware. Steering loads are carried by the upper and lower control arms and ball joints, not through a strut and its mount. That’s why a “strut-mount” (with an integral bearing) isn’t part of the design. Some aftermarket listings loosely call the top insulator a “strut mount”, which adds to the confusion, but it doesn’t function as a strut bearing.

What should owners and techs look at during servicing? Focus on the components that actually wear on this ute, especially if it sees corrugations, towing, or bigger tyres:

• Front shock absorber upper isolator/top hat and hardware – check for cracks, crushed rubber, or loose studs.
• Front shocks and springs – oil weep, poor rebound, sagging ride height.
• Upper and lower control arm bushes – split or perished rubber causing vague steering and tyre wear.
• Ball joints and tie-rod ends – play or boots torn, these carry steering loads.
• Rear shocks and leaf-spring bushes/U-bolts – no struts out back either, it’s a live axle on leaves.

Common symptoms owners report as “strut-mount” issues—clunks over speed bumps, a knock at steering input, or a twang when the suspension articulates—are usually traced to tired shock isolators, worn control arm bushes, or loose/settled coil-over hardware. When replacing front shocks, it’s smart to renew the upper isolator and associated hardware, torque everything at ride height, and book an alignment. That keeps the Colorado riding tight and tracking straight without chasing a part it doesn’t actually have.

FAQs

Does a 2012 Holden Colorado have strut-mounts?
No. The RG Colorado uses a double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock, so there’s no MacPherson strut or bearing-style strut-mount. The top of the shock uses a rubber isolator and hardware instead.

What’s that clunk in the front if it’s not a strut-mount?
Most front-end knocks on these utes come from worn shock isolators, tired control arm bushes, ball joints, or loose shock hardware. A quick suspension inspection on a hoist usually pinpoints the culprit.

What should be replaced when fitting new front shocks?
Along with the shocks, consider new upper isolators/top hats, any crush washers or sleeves, and fresh hardware. Check control arm bushes and ball joints at the same time, then get a wheel alignment to protect your tyres.