Parts for your 2019 Holden Colorado-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2019 Holden Colorado

The 2019 Holden Colorado is a solid ute that's popular among Aussies for its ruggedness and reliability, especially when tackling tough terrains or hauling loads. When it comes to suspension, a common question that pops up is whether struts are part of the setup on this model. To get to the bottom of this, it's important to understand the suspension layout the Colorado uses and what struts actually do.

Struts are a suspension component that combine the shock absorber and the structural support for the vehicle's suspension in one unit. They are often found on passenger cars and some SUVs, where they serve as a major part of the front suspension system. Struts not only dampen the bumps and absorb shocks but also provide a means to attach the wheel assembly, making steering and alignment easier to manage. They're crucial for vehicles that prioritise ride comfort without sacrificing handling.

For the 2019 Holden Colorado, technical specifications and workshop manuals reveal that it does not use struts in the traditional sense on its front suspension. Instead, the front suspension is typically an independent double wishbone setup with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. At the rear, the Colorado usually features a solid axle with leaf springs, a design well-suited for heavy payloads and towing, where durability and load-bearing capacity take precedence over ride softness.

Why don't they use struts on the Colorado? It largely comes down to the vehicle's purpose and design priorities. The double wishbone front suspension with separate shocks offers superior wheel control, especially on rough terrain, providing better articulation for off-road driving and improved load handling. Struts, while common on lighter vehicles, might not offer the same level of robustness and tailored performance required on a midsize ute like the Colorado, particularly when it's expected to carry heavy loads or tow trailers.

Leaf springs at the rear are a classic choice for trucks and utes because they distribute weight efficiently and are easier to maintain or repair in tough working conditions. Integrating struts into this kind of rear suspension setup simply wouldn't be practical or beneficial. So, the Holden Colorado's suspension is more focused on strength and durability than the compact, integrated style a strut system offers.

That said, the separate shock absorbers that are fitted serve a similar purpose to struts in terms of damping vibrations and improving ride quality, but they do not carry the structural load of the suspension like struts do. This means if you're looking after your 2019 Holden Colorado's suspension, your attention should shift towards maintaining these shocks and coil springs rather than worrying about strut assemblies.

When it comes to servicing your Holden Colorado's suspension, understanding the role of shocks and checking for wear and tear is key. Over time, shocks can degrade, leading to a rougher ride, reduced road grip, and excessive bouncing. Signs that your shocks might need replacing include nose-diving when braking, uneven tyre wear, fluid leaks from the shock body, or a noticeable decrease in handling and stability.

Replacing worn shocks on your Colorado is fairly straightforward but don't underestimate the value of getting it done correctly. Ensuring the correct shocks are used - ones designed specifically for your model and load rating - is critical. Poorly matched shocks can affect ride comfort and vehicle control, making the ute less safe and less pleasant to drive.

Also, since the front suspension involves a double wishbone setup, wheel alignment after shock replacement is a must to keep handling sharp and tyres wearing evenly. When servicing shocks, it's a good idea to inspect associated components as well, like bushings, ball joints, and coil springs, so everything works harmoniously.

Maintaining your Holden Colorado's suspension isn't just about comfort. After all, if your shocks aren't doing their job, you risk less stability, especially when towing or carrying heavy loads - two situations where this ute really earns its keep. Regular checks, ideally with every service or at least every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres, can help pick up issues before they become costly repairs.

In a nutshell, while struts are a key suspension part on many vehicles, the 2019 Holden Colorado opts for a different suspension architecture better suited to its tough ute duties. It relies on double wishbones, coil springs, and separate shocks up front and leaf springs at the rear for its mix of durability and performance. Keeping those shocks in good shape is the way to go for a smooth and safe ride.