Parts for your 2013 Holden Colorado-Suspension bushes

2013 Holden Colorado suspension bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Suspension bushes are absolutely fitted to the 2013 Holden Colorado (RG). Holden/GM Global Service Information (SI) for the RG platform specifies inspection of front control arm, stabiliser bar, shock eye and rear leaf spring eye/shackle bushes as part of regular maintenance. The RG Colorado Electronic Parts Catalogue lists these bushes as serviceable items, and leading AU/NZ aftermarket catalogues (e.g., SuperPro and Nolathane) publish dedicated bush kits for 2012–2016 Colorado models — all confirming their relevance on this ute.

On the Colorado, suspension-bushes are the quiet achievers. They cushion metal-to-metal contact, tame vibration and keep the wheels tracking straight while still allowing controlled movement of the arms, bar and springs. In real terms that means sharper steering feel, better braking stability and fewer rattles on corrugations.

For owners who tow, tour or work their RG hard, regular checks are smart. Typical symptoms of tired bushes include clunks over bumps, vague steering, wandering on the highway, uneven tyre wear and rubber that’s cracked, perished or oil-soaked. A good rule of thumb is to have them inspected at each service or at least every 20,000 km — more often if the vehicle sees rough roads.

Replacement is straightforward for a pro, with a few must-dos:

• Replace in axle pairs to keep handling consistent, use new bolts and nuts where specified by GM.
• Tighten pivot bolts with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid pre-loading the bush.
• Book a wheel alignment after front control arm or sway bar bush work (eccentrics affect camber/caster).
• Expect seized leaf spring/shackle bolts on high‑km or coastal vehicles, penetrant and heat may be needed.
• Rubber keeps NVH low, quality polyurethane can sharpen response and last longer off‑road, but may add a touch more firmness.

How long do they last? It varies with use. Many daily-driven Colorados go 80,000–150,000 km before front arm or leaf spring bushes need attention, heavy loads, corrugations and oil contamination shorten that. If it’s up for a WOF or roadworthy and a tester notes movement or cracking, sorting bushes will usually tighten the whole ute up and protect tyres and shocks from premature wear.

Popular questions about 2013 Holden Colorado suspension-bushes

How often should suspension bushes be replaced on a 2013 Colorado?
There’s no fixed interval — they’re condition-based. Have them inspected at each service or at least every 20,000 km. Fleet, towing or outback work can mean earlier replacement, especially for front lower control arm and rear leaf spring eye/shackle bushes.

Rubber vs polyurethane bushes — which is better for an RG Colorado?
Rubber keeps the factory ride and low NVH, ideal for daily use. Polyurethane resists oil and abrasion and can sharpen steering and longevity off‑road, but can transmit a little more road feel. Many owners run rubber up front and poly for sway bar or rear leaf spring positions.

Is it safe to drive with worn suspension-bushes?
Short term, possibly, wise, no. Worn bushes can cause braking instability, poor tyre wear and extra stress on arms and shocks. If there’s clunking, wandering or visible cracking, plan replacement and get an alignment straight after.