Parts for your 2018 Holden Colorado-Steering rack

2018 Holden Colorado steering rack — what it does and how to look after it

Based on technical references including the Holden Colorado 2018 Owner’s Manual (Steering section), GM Global Service Information (RG Colorado, 2017–2020, Steering) and the Holden/GM Parts Catalogue (listing the rack-and-pinion steering gear for RG Colorado), the 2018 Holden Colorado is fitted with a rack‑and‑pinion steering rack. On MY17–MY20 Colorado models sold in Australia and New Zealand, the system is electric power‑assisted (EPS), so there’s a steering rack with an electric assist motor rather than a hydraulic pump and fluid.

The steering rack converts the driver’s steering wheel input into precise side‑to‑side movement of the front wheels. On the 2018 Colorado, the EPS‑assisted rack gives lighter low‑speed manoeuvring, steadier highway tracking and improved fuel efficiency because there’s no belt‑driven hydraulic pump dragging power from the engine.

As part of regular servicing, the rack itself doesn’t need fluid changes on EPS models, but it still deserves a once‑over each service interval. A technician should:

• Inspect rack boots for splits, moisture or grit ingress.
• Check inner and outer tie‑rod ends for play and torn dust covers.
• Verify mounting bolts and crossmember hardware are snug to spec.
• Road‑test for clunks, free play, pull, wander or steering warning lights.
• Confirm wheel alignment if there’s uneven tyre wear or after any suspension work.

Common signs the rack or its tie‑rods are on the way out include a knock over bumps, vague on‑centre feel, uneven tyre wear, a crooked steering wheel or an EPS warning light. Because the assist is electric, there’s no power‑steering fluid to top up, any assist fault will usually log a code that can be read with a scan tool.

When replacement is needed, best practice is to fit a quality new or remanufactured rack (complete with inner tie‑rods), replace the outer tie‑rod ends if worn, and finish with a four‑wheel alignment. On the Colorado, removing the rack typically involves lowering the front crossmember for access. After installation the steering angle sensor should be calibrated and any EPS relearn procedures completed using a compatible scan tool. A careful road test to confirm centring, assist behaviour and no noises seals the job. Look after the rack and the Colorado will steer true for many more kilometres, on‑road or off the beaten track.

Popular questions about 2018 Holden Colorado steering racks

Does a 2018 Holden Colorado use electric or hydraulic power steering?
It uses electric power‑assisted steering (EPS) on a rack‑and‑pinion assembly. That means no hydraulic pump or fluid service, and assist is managed by an electric motor and control module.

What are the tell‑tale signs the steering rack or tie‑rods need attention?
Clunks over bumps, free play at the wheel, tramlining or wander, uneven front tyre wear, a crooked steering wheel, or an illuminated steering/EPS warning. Any warning light should be scanned for fault codes.

How often should the steering rack be checked?
Have it inspected at every routine service or at least every 10,000–15,000 km. Off‑road use, deep water crossings or lift kits warrant more frequent checks of boots, tie‑rods and alignment.