Parts for your 2019 Holden Colorado-Gas struts

Gas Struts on the 2019 Holden Colorado: What You Need to Know

The 2019 Holden Colorado is a rugged and reliable ute that's built to tackle tough Aussie conditions. When it comes to gas struts, also known as gas springs or lift supports, these are commonly found on various vehicle parts like bonnet hoods, tailgates, and rear lift doors to assist in lifting and holding them open. But do gas struts have a role on the 2019 Holden Colorado, and if so, what should owners know about maintaining or replacing them?

To get straight to the point, the 2019 Holden Colorado does indeed use gas struts, primarily on the bonnet and the rear tailgate. These gas struts play a vital role in making sure you can easily open, hold, and safely close these heavy panels without strain or risk of slamming. They're essential components that improve the overall user experience in day-to-day use and servicing of the ute.

Under the bonnet, the gas struts assist in smoothly lifting and keeping the bonnet propped open while you or your mechanic check the engine or perform maintenance. This is a much safer and more convenient alternative to old-style prop rods that require manual positioning. On the rear tailgate, gas struts help handle the weight of the tailgate especially if you're loading gear or accessing the tray, holding it well clear of the loading space.

Now, why are gas struts so important? Well, these pressurised components contain compressed nitrogen gas that provides a controlled force to counterbalance the weight of heavy panels. This means less muscle is required to open the bonnet or tailgate, and more importantly, the struts also hold them open without needing additional props or support. Without functioning gas struts, bonnet and tailgate panels can slam shut unexpectedly, which poses safety risks and increases the chance of damage or injury.

Over time, however, gas struts naturally wear out. The seals can degrade, gas can leak, and the struts lose their lifting power. For 2019 Holden Colorado owners, keeping an eye on these struts during regular servicing intervals is a smart move to maintain ease of use and safety. A common sign of worn gas struts includes the bonnet or tailgate not staying up properly, feeling heavier to lift, or slowly dropping when opened.

When it comes to replacement, it's advisable to go with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) gas struts or high-quality aftermarket parts specifically designed for the 2019 Holden Colorado. These are engineered to the correct length, pressure, and mounting style to fit securely and perform to factory standards. Installing incorrect or low-grade gas struts can lead to poor fitment, premature failure, or unsafe conditions.

The replacement process itself is straightforward but requires care. Typically, the old strut is detached from its ball joint mounts (often requiring a small lever tool to pop off retaining clips), and the new gas strut is clipped in its place. It's usually recommended to replace both struts on the bonnet or both tailgate struts at the same time to ensure even support and performance.

Maintenance of gas struts is pretty minimal since they are sealed units. However, keeping the mounting points clean and free from rust or dirt helps in smooth operation and longevity. Avoiding slamming the bonnet or tailgate shut reduces stress on the struts and prevents accelerated wear.

All up, gas struts on the 2019 Holden Colorado play a quiet but crucial role, making opening and closing the bonnet and tailgate much more manageable and safer. Regular checks as part of your ute's servicing routine will keep things running smoothly and help avoid those annoying moments when the bonnet won't stay up or the tailgate feels like a heavy door you have to wrestle with.

Owners who spend time on the road, exploring outdoors, or using the Colorado as a workhorse will truly appreciate the reliability of good gas struts. Easy servicing, straightforward replacement, and long-lasting performance mean these little components punch above their weight in keeping this tough ute user-friendly.