Parts for your 2014 Holden Colorado-Struts

2014 Holden Colorado and “struts” — what’s actually fitted

For the 2014 Holden Colorado, “struts” aren’t the go. Technical sources including the Holden RG Colorado Workshop Manual (2012–2016, Chassis/Suspension sections), GM Global Service Information for the Colorado/Canyon platform, and dealer specification sheets state the ute runs an independent double‑wishbone front suspension with a coil‑over shock absorber and separate steering knuckle, plus a rear semi‑elliptic leaf spring setup with telescopic shock absorbers. That’s not a MacPherson strut system, so the term “struts” isn’t relevant to this model year Colorado.

Why no struts? MacPherson struts integrate the damper, spring perch and steering knuckle, saving space and weight—great for passenger cars and many SUVs. The Colorado’s body‑on‑frame chassis is built for payload, towing and off‑road abuse, where a double‑wishbone front end and leaf‑spring rear provide robust geometry control, long travel and durability. With separate upper and lower control arms up front and a standalone knuckle, there’s better camber control through the stroke and a sturdy layout that suits corrugations, ruts and heavy loads.

Owners may still spot parts listings that say “front strut” for this ute. That usually means a coil‑over shock assembly, not a true MacPherson strut. The correct language for the 2014 Colorado is shocks/dampers rather than struts.

• Front: Double‑wishbone (upper and lower control arms) with coil spring over a shock absorber, separate steering knuckle.
• Rear: Leaf springs with separate telescopic shock absorbers.

Servicing and maintenance should focus on what’s actually there:

• Shocks/dampers: Replace in pairs if they’re weeping, harsh, bouncy, or the ute feels floaty. Expect lifespan to vary with load and terrain—often 60–120,000 km in mixed Aussie/Kiwi use.
• Control arm bushes and ball joints: Check for play, splits or noise, worn items hammer tyres and steering feel.
• Leaf spring packs, shackles and bushes: Look for sag, cracked leaves, worn bushes or clunks.
• Wheel alignment: Essential after front-end work or any lift, keeps tyre wear tidy and steering straight.
• Mounts and hardware: Torque checks and inspection for rust or elongation at shock mounts, especially after rough tracks.

For upgrades, matched heavy‑duty shocks, appropriate front coils and revised rear leaf packs (or helper springs) can sharpen control with loads or on corrugations. If raising ride height, keep it modest and get a proper alignment to maintain geometry and braking performance.

Popular questions

Does a 2014 Holden Colorado have struts or shocks?
It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. Up front is a double‑wishbone setup with a coil‑over shock and a separate steering knuckle, the rear uses leaf springs with separate shocks.

Some catalogues say “strut” but they’re referring to a coil‑over shock assembly, not a true strut.

When should the shocks be replaced on a 2014 Colorado?
There’s no fixed interval, because it depends on kilometres, loads and road conditions. Many owners see noticeable wear between 60–120,000 km. Signs include longer stopping distances over bumps, floaty or bouncy behaviour, uneven tyre wear, oil weep on the damper body, or the ute feeling nervous on corrugations.

If any of that pops up, get a suspension check and replace in axle pairs.

What suspension upgrades suit towing or off‑road use?
Matched heavy‑duty shocks with appropriate front coils and upgraded rear leaf packs or helper/air assist can keep the ute level and composed. Stick to reputable brands, keep lifts conservative (around 40–50 mm if required), and book an alignment after any height or geometry change.