Parts for your 2013 Holden Colorado-Bump stops

2013 Holden Colorado bump-stops — what they do and when to replace them

Bump-stops are fitted to the 2013 Holden Colorado (RG series) and are absolutely relevant to its suspension. Technical documentation confirms this: the GM/Holden RG Colorado workshop manual (2012–2016) specifies front suspension jounce bumpers/bump-stops and rear axle/frame-mounted bump-stops, GM parts catalogues list these components for the RG chassis, and major suspension manufacturers’ catalogues for the 2012–2016 Colorado include replacement bump-stops. Together, these sources make it clear the vehicle was designed with bump-stops front and rear.

On the Colorado, bump-stops (also called jounce bumpers) are the quiet heroes that protect the ute when the suspension hits full compression. They’re mounted so the control arm or axle lands on a cushioned block rather than metal-on-metal. That little bit of progressive rubber or polyurethane saves your shocks, prevents the leaf packs from harsh bottoming, and keeps the cabin from copping a nasty thud over big hits, heavy loads, or corrugations.

Up front, they limit control arm travel and help maintain alignment under punishment. Down the back, they keep the live axle and leafs in check when towing or carrying gear. If the bump-stops are perished, missing, or rock-hard, you’ll feel sharper impacts, hear clunks on speed humps, and the ute may bottom out sooner. Left unchecked, that can accelerate wear on shocks, bushes, and even crack mounts over time.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to eyeball the bump-stops every 10,000–15,000 km or before/after big trips. Look for cracks, chunks missing, oil swelling (from fluid leaks), or permanent squish marks. Give them a quick push—rubber should be firm but slightly compliant. If they’re crumbling, glazed, or stuck against their contact pad at normal ride height, it’s time to replace.

Replacement is straightforward: support the suspension, unbolt the old unit from the frame or control arm, clean the seat, and fit the new stop to spec. For touring, towing, or lifted setups, consider upgraded or extended bump-stops matched to your spring/shock package so you keep proper up-travel and avoid smashing into the stops too early. After any change to ride height or load-carrying gear, recheck clearances and make sure the stop contacts squarely under full compression. It’s a cheap bit of insurance that keeps the Colorado riding sweet and protects the expensive bits underneath.

• Signs they’re due: clunks on big hits, harsher ride, visible cracking or missing stops, shiny “impact” marks where metal has contacted.
• Pro tip: if shocks are leaking, inspect bump-stops at the same time—both cop it when you bottom out.

Technical sources referenced: GM/Holden RG Colorado Workshop Manual (2012–2016) — Front and Rear Suspension sections, GM/Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue (RG Colorado) — Jounce Bumper/Bump-Stop listings, Major aftermarket suspension catalogues for 2012–2016 Colorado showing direct-fit bump-stops.

Popular questions

How do you know the Colorado’s bump-stops need replacing?
Tell-tales include clunks over speed humps, a sharper “crack” on potholes, and visible damage like splits, missing chunks, or stops that sit hard against their pads at normal height. If you’ve bottomed out towing or off-road and the ride feels rougher since, check them straight away.

Are polyurethane bump-stops better than rubber on a 2013 Colorado?
Poly can offer a firmer, more durable feel and better resistance to oils, great for heavy loads or off-road work. Rubber keeps a softer, more OEM-like hit for daily comfort. The best choice depends on how the ute’s used and whether it’s lifted or carrying constant load.

Do lift kits need different bump-stops?
Often, yes. A lift changes up-travel and down-travel. Matching bump-stop height and firmness to your springs and shocks helps prevent bottoming or topping out. Many quality lift kits specify revised bump-stops or spacers—worth fitting so everything plays nicely together.