Parts for your 2014 Holden Colorado-Gas struts

2014 Holden Colorado gas struts — factory fitment and options

For the 2014 Holden Colorado (RG series, MY14), gas struts are not a factory-fitted item on the bonnet or the tub tailgate. Holden/GM Service Information (RG, MY14) specifies a simple bonnet prop rod rather than gas-assisted lifts, and the pickup box tailgate is supported by cables with no gas strut or damper. The Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for RG (2012–2016) also lists no OEM gas struts for bonnet or tailgate. These points are consistent with dealer workshop manuals and parts listings for the period.

Why aren’t gas struts used from the factory on this ute? It comes down to durability, cost, and packaging. A prop rod is simple, robust, and reliable in harsh Aussie and Kiwi conditions—dust, mud, and salt spray are unfriendly to exposed gas cylinders. On the tailgate, Colorado relies on proven steel cables to carry load and keep weight down, a strut or damper adds parts count and cost, and can be vulnerable when the tub is worked hard. That said, many owners fit aftermarket struts for convenience.

Where gas struts do commonly appear on a 2014 Colorado is in accessories. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits use bolt-on brackets to lift and hold the bonnet. Tailgate-assist kits use a small gas strut or torsion system to ease drop-rate and reduce lifting effort. Canopies and hard lids almost always rely on gas struts to hold their doors and windows.

• Technical references: Holden/GM Service Information (RG Colorado, MY14) — Bonnet Support and Pickup Box Tailgate procedures, Holden RG (2012–2016) Electronic Parts Catalogue — no OEM gas strut listings for bonnet/tailgate, Holden Genuine Accessories catalogues of the era — no factory bonnet/tailgate gas strut kits.

Thinking about fitting gas struts? A quality kit matched to the bonnet weight and tailgate setup is key. Look for stainless or coated shafts, proper ball-stud hardware, and brackets designed for RG Colorado mounting points. Replace struts in pairs for even lift, check clearances with snorkels and bonnet protectors, and avoid over-pressured units that can stress hinges. For canopy or hard-lid struts, match length, end fittings, and Newton rating to the manufacturer’s spec, weak struts are a safety risk, especially in wind.

Basic care is straightforward: keep shafts clean, don’t lubricate with sticky sprays that attract grit, and avoid forcing the strut closed by hand. If a strut struggles in cold mornings, shows oil misting, or won’t hold the panel up, it’s due for replacement.

Popular questions about 2014 Holden Colorado gas struts

Can the 2014 Colorado bonnet be converted to gas struts?
Yes. Aftermarket bonnet strut kits are available for the RG Colorado and usually bolt to existing holes with model-specific brackets. They make one-handed opening easy and keep the bay clear of a prop rod.

Choose a kit that specifies RG 2012–2016 compatibility. Check clearance with accessories (snorkel, bonnet protector) and follow the torque specs supplied with the brackets. Quality gas-charged, damped units will open smoothly without slamming at the top.

Does the factory tailgate have gas struts?
No. From the factory, the 2014 Colorado tailgate uses steel support cables and no gas damper. Owners who want an easier, slower drop and lighter lift often add a tailgate-assist kit that uses a compact gas strut or internal torsion aid.

A proper assist kit reduces slam, helps protect hinges and cables, and is handy when juggling gear. Fitment is typically reversible and uses existing mount points.

What size or pressure gas struts should be used?
There’s no OEM spec because the Colorado didn’t ship with bonnet or tailgate struts. For canopies and hard lids, match the Newton rating, length, and end fittings to the canopy maker’s recommendation (many sit between 400–700 N per strut depending on door size and accessory weight).

For bonnet or tailgate kits, use the rating provided by the kit supplier for RG models. Avoid guessing the pressure—over-spec units can over-stress hinges and brackets.