Parts for your 2020 Holden Colorado-Struts

Understanding Struts on the 2020 Holden Colorado

The 2020 Holden Colorado, a popular choice for Aussie drivers who demand toughness and reliability, is often questioned when it comes to its suspension setup - particularly whether it uses struts or not. After checking technical sources and official specifications, it's clear that the 2020 Holden Colorado does not use struts in its suspension system. Instead, this model relies on a more traditional setup employing coil springs and shock absorbers in the front suspension and leaf springs at the rear.

So, why doesn't the 2020 Holden Colorado use struts? It all comes down to the design and purpose of the vehicle. The Colorado is primarily a rugged ute built for off-road capability, towing, and carrying heavy loads. Utes and trucks like this one often use suspension setups that prioritise durability and load capacity over the compact styling and integrated design struts offer.

Struts are a common suspension component in many passenger cars because they combine the coil spring and shock absorber into a single unit. This design saves space and weight, allowing for more room in the engine bay and a smoother ride in everyday driving conditions. However, struts generally do not handle heavy loads and rough terrain as well as separate shocks and springs, especially in the rear suspension.

In the Holden Colorado, the front suspension uses upper and lower control arms with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. This allows for robust performance when tackling uneven surfaces or carrying weighty trailers. The rear suspension typically features leaf springs, which are well-suited to managing heavy loads, a crucial factor for utes designed for work and adventure.

Given that struts aren't part of the 2020 Holden Colorado's suspension setup, it might be worth understanding what struts actually do in vehicles that use them and what maintenance involves if you ever come across struts on other cars you care for. This way, owners can better appreciate the different suspension components and upkeep needs on their vehicles.

Struts play a vital role in many modern vehicles by providing structural support for the suspension. They integrate a shock absorber with a coil spring, which supports the vehicle's weight and controls ride height. Struts help keep the tyres in contact with the road, enhancing stability and handling. Because they are also part of the steering system in many cars, any wear or damage can affect wheel alignment and overall vehicle safety.

When it comes to maintaining or replacing struts, it's important to keep a few things in mind. Struts wear out over time due to constant movement and exposure to road conditions. Signs of worn struts include a bouncy ride, excessive body roll in corners, nose-diving when braking, and uneven tyre wear. If struts are damaged or leaking fluid, it's a good idea to replace them promptly, as degraded struts can compromise handling and braking performance.

For those servicing struts, it's recommended to replace them in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling. Additionally, after strut replacement, a wheel alignment check is essential to keep the vehicle tracking straight and avoid premature tyre wear. Regular suspension inspections, especially if driving conditions are harsh, can help catch strut wear early.

Even though the 2020 Holden Colorado doesn't use struts, it does have shock absorbers performing a similar function by dampening impacts and smoothing the ride. For this ute, maintaining those shocks is critical to preserving its capable performance. Just like struts, shocks wear out with use and need periodic inspections and replacement when necessary to keep the suspension responsive and the ride comfortable.

Owners of the Colorado should keep an eye out for signs of worn shocks such as excessive bounce after hitting bumps, rattling noises from the suspension, or a generally rougher ride. A regular check during servicing routines or when the vehicle starts to feel less stable will ensure the suspension stays in good nick.

To wrap things up without saying it outright, struts are not relevant for the 2020 Holden Colorado due to its rugged ute design and specific suspension needs. Instead, it makes use of separate coil springs and shock absorbers up front, supported by leaf springs in the back for load-bearing strength. Understanding how these components work and how to care for them helps keep the Colorado ready to tackle whatever Aussie roads and work sites throw at it.