Parts for your 2015 Holden Colorado-Struts

2015 Holden Colorado — Are “struts” actually used?

Short answer: no, the 2015 Holden Colorado doesn’t use MacPherson struts. According to GM Global Service Information for the RG Colorado (2012–2016) and typical published specs (RedBook AU, WhichCar/CarsGuide spec sheets), the front end is an independent double‑wishbone setup with a coil spring over a shock absorber, and the rear uses leaf springs with separate shocks. Because a true strut is a load‑bearing suspension leg that replaces an upper control arm (MacPherson), calling the Colorado’s front coil‑over a “strut” isn’t technically correct. So a “struts” listing isn’t relevant for this model year.

Why didn’t Holden/GM use struts on the Colorado? Utes like the Colorado ride on a ladder frame and are built for payload, towing, and off‑road durability. A double‑wishbone front end controls camber and caster precisely under load, suits higher ride heights, and pairs well with 4x4 components like CV shafts. A MacPherson strut is great in monocoque passenger cars for packaging and weight, but it’s less common in heavy‑duty ladder‑frame applications where extra strength, travel and alignment control are priorities.

What should Colorado owners service instead of “struts”? Focus on shocks and associated hardware:

• Front coil‑over shock absorbers (inspect for oil seepage, dented bodies, or worn bushes).
• Coil springs (check free height and cracks), upper/lower control‑arm bushes and ball joints.
• Sway‑bar links and bushes, bump stops, and rear shocks and leaf‑spring bushes.

Practical tips for the 2015 Colorado: if removing the front coil‑over, use a quality spring compressor and follow torque specs with the vehicle at normal ride height to avoid bush preload. After any front‑end work, book a wheel alignment (camber/caster/toe). For mixed Aussie and Kiwi conditions, a quick suspension check at each service and a deeper inspection every 20,000 km is smart. Depending on loads and road use, shocks often need replacement somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 km, heavy towing, corrugations or beach work can bring that forward. Watch for increased stopping distance from nose‑dive, bouncy rebound over speed humps, cupped tyres, and clunks over rough stuff — all classic signs your shocks are tired.

Technical sources referenced: GM Global Service Information/Workshop Manual (Holden Colorado RG, Front Suspension — Description and Operation), RedBook AU specification sheets for 2015 Holden Colorado, and mainstream Australian spec guides/reviews (WhichCar, CarsGuide) noting “independent double‑wishbone, coil spring over shock” front and “leaf spring with shock absorber” rear.

FAQs

Does the 2015 Holden Colorado have struts or shocks?
It has shocks. Up front it’s a coil‑over shock within a double‑wishbone suspension, and the rear is a leaf spring with separate shocks. There are no MacPherson struts on this model.

What should be replaced when freshening the front end if there are no struts?
Prioritise front shocks, control‑arm bushes and ball joints, sway‑bar links/bushes, and inspect coil springs and top/bottom shock mounts. Always finish with a wheel alignment.

How often should the Colorado’s shocks be replaced?
Usage dependent: many see 60,000–100,000 km, but heavy loads, corrugated roads or off‑road work can shorten that. Inspect at every service and replace if leaking, bouncy, or causing uneven tyre wear.