Parts for your 2017 Holden Colorado-Steering bushes

2017 Holden Colorado steering-bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Based on technical sources including the GM Holden RG Colorado Workshop Manual (Steering section, 2017) and aftermarket catalogues from Nolathane and SuperPro that list rack-and-pinion mounting bush kits for the RG Colorado MY12–20, the 2017 Holden Colorado is fitted with steering bushes. Specifically, it uses rubber/insulated bushes to mount the steering rack to the front subframe, helping control rack movement and cut down vibration and noise.

On this model, the steering bushes play a quiet but important role. They keep the rack located under load, so the ute tracks straight, the wheel centres itself nicely, and there’s no wandering on corrugations or when towing. As they age, the rubber can compress, crack, or oil-soak, letting the rack shift a touch under steering input. That’s when the driver might feel a dull clunk over sharp bumps, vague on-centre feel, tramlining, or notice uneven tyre wear despite correct pressures and alignment.

For servicing, it’s smart to have the steering bushes inspected at every major service or 20,000 km—especially if the Colorado spends time off-road, sees a lot of corrugated tracks, or carries a canopy and tools. A quick check with the vehicle safely lifted can reveal play or cracking, and a technician can lever-test the rack mounts while someone turns the wheel. Any fluid leaks from the rack or engine bay that contaminate the rubber should also prompt an early replacement.

Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the rack, remove the mount bolts, press out the tired bushes and fit new OEM rubber or quality polyurethane items, then torque to spec and do an alignment check. Many owners pair new steering bushes with fresh inner/outer tie-rod ends if there’s any play, to tighten things up in one hit. For daily driving and towing, OEM-style bushes keep NVH civilised. For heavier off-road work, polyurethane options can sharpen response and resist deformation, though they may transmit a bit more road feel.

Ignoring worn steering bushes can mask as an alignment issue, chew tyres and make the Colorado feel nervous on the highway. A timely set of bushes restores confidence, keeps the WoF/roadworthy inspector happy, and helps the tyres last their proper life.

Do 2017 Holden Colorados actually have steering bushes?

Yes. Technical references, including the GM Holden RG Workshop Manual, show the rack-and-pinion assembly mounted to the subframe on isolating bushes. Aftermarket catalogues for the RG Colorado (2012–2020) also list replacement rack-mount bush kits, confirming fitment.

How often should steering bushes be checked or replaced?

Have them inspected at each major service or about every 20,000 km. If the ute does regular off-road work, towing, or sees rough rural roads, inspect more often. Replace when there’s visible cracking, oil contamination, clunks, wandering, or if alignment won’t stay put.

What are the signs of worn steering bushes on a Colorado?

Common flags include vague steering on-centre, a dull knock over bumps, tramlining, steering wheel shimmy, and accelerated or uneven tyre wear. If you’re feeling play but tie-rod ends check out, the rack-mount bushes are a prime suspect.