Parts for your 2020 Holden Colorado-Rack boots

2020 Holden Colorado rack-boots (steering rack gaiters)

Technical references including GM Global Service Information (GSI) for the RG Colorado (MY17–MY20) Steering section, the Holden/GM Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC) listings for “steering gear boot,” and mainstream parts catalogues for the 2012–2020 RG platform confirm the 2020 Holden Colorado uses a rack-and-pinion steering gear with bellows-type rack-boots on both sides. With MY17 onward adopting electric power steering (EPS), the rack design still relies on protective boots to shield the inner tie rods and rack bar from dust, water, and grit.

On the 2020 Colorado, rack-boots (often called rack gaiters) do a simple but critical job: they keep mud, road grime, and water out of the steering rack while holding the correct grease around the inner tie rod joint. They also help prevent corrosion on the rack bar. Whether it’s a city runabout or a 4x4 ute heading off-road, intact boots mean the steering stays precise and the rack lasts longer.

Because the 2020 Colorado uses EPS, there’s no hydraulic power-steering fluid to leak from the boots. That said, a split boot can still invite water and silt into the rack, washing away grease and accelerating wear on the inner ball joint and rack teeth. Left too long, that can lead to play in the steering, notchy feel on centre, and costly rack replacement.

Best practice is to inspect the rack-boots at every service (typically 10,000–15,000 km) and after any heavy mud, water crossing, or beach work. If a boot is torn, loose, or the clamps have let go, replace it promptly. Given Australia and New Zealand’s mix of corrugations, red dust, and salty coastal conditions, proactive checks are a smart move for Colorado owners.

• Signs a rack-boot needs attention: visible splits or perishing, grease sling on the inside of the wheel, gritty or notchy steering feel, abnormal inner tie rod play, or a boot that’s filled with water/debris.
• When replacing: use quality boots sized for the RG Colorado rack, fit new clamps (don’t reuse rusty ones), and avoid cable ties.
• If the inner tie rod is disturbed, book a wheel alignment to protect tyre wear and steering feel.

DIYers should support the vehicle safely, mark toe settings before disturbing the tie rod, and torque everything to spec from the workshop manual. For frequently off-roaded Colorados, consider adding boot inspections to pre- and post-trip checklists. Fresh, well-clamped boots are cheap insurance against rack damage and keep the ute’s steering tight for the long haul.

Popular questions about 2020 Holden Colorado rack-boots

Do all 2020 Holden Colorados have rack-boots?
Yes. Regardless of trim, the RG Colorado’s rack-and-pinion steering uses a bellows boot on each side of the rack. EPS on MY17–MY20 doesn’t delete the boots, they still protect the rack bar and inner tie rods from contamination.

How often should the rack-boots be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval—replace on condition. Inspect at every service or after harsh use. If a boot is cracked, perished, loose, or contaminated, replace it immediately to avoid steering rack wear.

Will changing a rack-boot affect my wheel alignment?
If the tie rod or inner joint is removed or adjusted, yes—get an alignment. If the boot and clamps are swapped without altering tie rod length, toe may remain unchanged, but many workshops still recommend a quick check to be safe.