Parts for your 2018 Holden Colorado-Steering bushes

2018 Holden Colorado steering bushes — what they do and when to replace them

Referencing the Holden RG Colorado Workshop/Service Manual for MY2017–MY2020 (Steering — Electric Power Steering), the GM Global Electronic Parts Catalogue listings for steering gear mounting insulators, and common aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Nolathane and SuperPro) that list rack-mount bush kits for RG Colorado (2012–2020), steering bushes are indeed used on the 2018 Holden Colorado. The vehicle runs an electric power–assisted rack-and-pinion setup mounted to the front crossmember with isolating bushes, so “steering-bushes” are relevant to this model.

On this ute, the steering bushes sit between the steering rack housing and the front crossmember. Their job is to locate the rack accurately under load while isolating vibration and road shock from the cabin. Good bushes keep the rack centred, sharpen steering feel, cut down on clunks over corrugations, and reduce kickback when towing, touring, or working off-road. Some models also use a small bush/support at the lower column or firewall to keep the steering shaft tracking true, further reducing play and noise.

What owners tend to notice as bushes wear:

• A vague on-centre feel or extra steering play
• Clunks or knocks over potholes or corrugated roads
• Rack movement visible while an assistant rocks the steering wheel
• Accelerated or uneven tyre wear and a tendency to tramline

As part of regular servicing, it’s worth inspecting the steering rack mounts every 20,000 km (or each service). Look for perished or oil-soaked rubber, cracking, ovalised sleeves, or a shifted/offset rack position. With the vehicle safely supported, a careful lever test can reveal excess movement. Also check rack-mount bolt torque and the condition of the crossmember.

Replacement is straightforward for a trained tech: support the rack, follow battery and EPS safety procedures, swap the bushes, then torque fasteners to workshop specs. It’s best to replace bushes in pairs and choose quality OE rubber for comfort or polyurethane for a firmer, more direct feel (noting a slight increase in NVH with poly). Apply the correct assembly grease on polyurethane bushes. After any rack-mount work, a wheel alignment is recommended, and some vehicles may require a steering angle sensor calibration.

Maintenance-wise, keep contaminants off the bushes. While the EPS rack doesn’t run hydraulic fluid, engine oil leaks can still degrade rubber. After beach work, rinse the underbody to minimise salt attack, and avoid blasting the bush area directly with high-pressure washers.

Popular questions about 2018 Holden Colorado steering bushes

Does the 2018 Colorado have steering rack bushes or an idler arm?
It uses an electric power–assisted rack-and-pinion, so there’s no idler arm or centre link. The rack mounts to the crossmember with isolating bushes that control movement and vibration.

How often should the steering rack bushes be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Inspect at each service, many last well past 80,000–150,000 km, but heavy loads, corrugations, and oil contamination can shorten life. Replace when there’s play, cracking, or visible rack shift.

Do you need a wheel alignment after replacing steering bushes?
Yes, it’s smart to check alignment. Changing bush compliance or rack position can affect toe. After refit, get a wheel alignment and, if required, perform a steering angle sensor calibration.