Parts for your 2012 Holden Colorado-Struts

Understanding the Struts on the 2012 Holden Colorado

The 2012 Holden Colorado is a versatile and reliable ute that a lot of Aussies trust for both work and play. When it comes to the suspension system on this model, there's often some confusion about whether struts are part of the setup or not. Let's clear things up and explore what struts do, and if your 2012 Holden Colorado has them, how to keep them in tip-top shape.

Technically speaking, the 2012 Holden Colorado uses a combination of suspension components designed to provide durability and comfort. Unlike many passenger cars that use a MacPherson strut assembly in the front suspension, the Holden Colorado's setup is a bit different. The front suspension in this model typically features an independent double wishbone suspension and coil springs, paired with shock absorbers. The rear, meanwhile, uses leaf springs with shock absorbers tailored for load carrying and off-road capabilities.

Given this setup, it means the Holden Colorado does not usually use traditional struts as a structural and suspension component in the way that many smaller cars do. Instead of struts, this model relies on shock absorbers and a double wishbone suspension at the front, which provides solid handling and a good balance of ride comfort and robustness for those harder tasks.

So why exactly aren't struts used on the 2012 Holden Colorado? The main reason comes down to the vehicle's design purpose and the demands placed on its suspension. Struts are typically seen on passenger vehicles where packaging constraints require the suspension and the damping unit (the shock absorber) to be integrated into one. Struts are a common choice for front-wheel-drive cars with MacPherson strut front ends because they save space and weight and help keep production costs down.

In contrast, utes like the Holden Colorado are built with heavy-duty front suspension components that endure a lot more punishment, especially when you're towing, carrying a load or heading off the beaten track. The double wishbone setup allows for better wheel control and durability under these conditions, which is ideal for a utility vehicle. The shock absorbers, placed separately from the springs, can be individually tuned and replaced, which is perfect for servicing and maintenance in rugged conditions.

While the Holden Colorado does not use struts in the traditional sense, it does use shock absorbers, which play a very similar role in controlling ride comfort and handling by dampening the oscillations of the springs. If someone is looking at struts in relation to this vehicle, they are likely referring to these shock absorbers or to parts of the suspension assembly that perform related functions.

With that in mind, for owners of a 2012 Holden Colorado, maintenance and servicing of your suspensions are still crucial, especially as this ute might be put through tough scenarios. Your shocks (essentially the replacement equivalent to struts in some ways) should be checked regularly for wear, leaks or damage. Worn shocks can lead to poor ride quality, increased stopping distances, and uneven tyre wear, which all impact safety and performance.

When servicing the front and rear suspension, what you want to look out for includes:

• Leaking oil on or around the shock absorbers (or struts if fitted in other models)
• Unusual noises such as clunking when going over bumps
• Excessive bouncing or rocking after hitting a bump
• Uneven tyre wear patterns
• Visual damage or corrosion on suspension components

If any of these signs are evident, it's time to look at replacing your shocks. For a ute like the 2012 Holden Colorado, using quality replacement shocks designed specifically for its load and handling characteristics is essential. It's also a good idea to have suspension bushes, mounts and related parts inspected at the same time to help maintain overall suspension integrity.

Servicing your Holden's suspension regularly, including the shocks, will make a big difference in how the ute handles and rides. Not only will it improve comfort, but it'll also enhance safety by keeping your wheels on the ground and your brakes working effectively due to better tyre contact.

While the term "struts" may not directly apply to the 2012 Holden Colorado's suspension, understanding the role of its shock absorbers and the overall suspension system is just as important. A good suspension setup is vital for a vehicle meant to work hard and perform reliably on and off-road, and the Colorado's suspension design reflects that perfectly.

In practical terms, owners should make suspension checks part of their regular vehicle servicing regime, especially if the ute is driven regularly on unsealed roads or used for towing and heavy loads. Addressing suspension issues early helps avoid more costly repairs down the track and keeps the Holden Colorado doing what it does best delivering solid, dependable performance.