The HQ, HJ, HX, HZ and WB Holden platform is widely regarded as one of the best-riding and best-handling large Australian cars of its era. When Holden introduced the HQ in 1971, it represented a major leap forward in ride comfort, road holding and refinement compared to the outgoing HK-HG series. The coil spring front suspension, live rear axle and long wheelbase delivered a comfortable ride that made these cars ideal for Australian conditions.
More than 40 years later, however, the suspension systems fitted to these Holdens are showing their age. Rubber bushes deteriorate, ball joints wear out, springs sag and shock absorbers lose effectiveness. Many cars are still running components that should have been replaced decades ago.
The result is often vague steering, poor ride quality, uneven tyre wear and handling characteristics that are far removed from what Holden originally intended.
Understanding the HQ-WB Suspension Design
The basic suspension design remained largely unchanged throughout the HQ-WB production run.
Front Suspension
- Independent front suspension
- Coil springs
- Upper and lower control arms
- Ball joints
- Anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension
- Live rear axle
- Coil springs
- Trailing arms
- Panhard rod
For its time, it was a sophisticated setup that prioritised comfort while maintaining respectable handling.
Worn Suspension Bushes
Suspension bush wear is by far the most common problem affecting HQ-WB Holdens.
Symptoms
- Clunks over bumps
- Wandering on the highway
- Unstable cornering
- Uneven tyre wear
Causes
- Age-related deterioration
- Exposure to oil and grease
- UV damage
- Decades of use
Most original bushes have long exceeded their intended service life.
Best Suspension Bush Upgrade
Recommended Product: Nolathane Front End Rebuild Kit
Benefits
- Improved steering response
- Better suspension control
- Longer lifespan than rubber bushes
- Comprehensive replacement solution
Best For
- Daily drivers
- Restorations
- Street machines
Nolathane kits remain one of the most popular upgrades among Holden enthusiasts.
Ball Joint Wear
Ball joints are critical to front suspension operation.
Symptoms
- Steering looseness
- Front-end clunks
- Uneven tyre wear
- Poor wheel alignment
Causes
- High mileage
- Lack of lubrication
- Age-related wear
Ignoring worn ball joints can eventually create a serious safety issue.
Sagging Springs
Many HQ-WB Holdens now sit noticeably lower than intended.
Symptoms
- Uneven ride height
- Bottoming out
- Excessive body roll
- Reduced suspension travel
Causes
- Metal fatigue
- Overloading
- Decades of use
A sagging suspension dramatically affects both ride quality and handling.
Best Spring Upgrade
Recommended Product: King Springs Suspension Kit
Benefits
- Restores correct ride height
- Improved handling
- Australian-made
- Available in multiple ride heights
Best For
- Street cars
- Touring vehicles
- Mild performance builds
King Springs remain one of the most trusted names in Australian suspension.
Worn Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers often receive less attention than they deserve.
Symptoms
- Excessive bouncing
- Poor ride control
- Nose diving under braking
- Increased body roll
Causes
- Internal seal wear
- Fluid leakage
- Age deterioration
Many classic Holdens are still running shocks that are decades old.
Best Shock Absorber Upgrade
Recommended Product: KYB Excel-G Shock Absorbers
Benefits
- Improved ride quality
- Better handling control
- Increased comfort
- Excellent reliability
Best For
- Daily driven classics
- Touring vehicles
- Restoration projects
Excessive Body Roll
Body roll becomes increasingly noticeable as suspension components wear.
Symptoms
- Vehicle leans heavily in corners
- Reduced driver confidence
- Slow steering response
Common Causes
- Worn sway bar bushes
- Sagging springs
- Tired shock absorbers
HQ-WB Holdens were never sports cars, but excessive body roll usually indicates worn components.
Sway Bar Problems
The anti-roll bar plays a major role in controlling body movement.
Symptoms
- Clunking noises
- Increased body roll
- Poor cornering stability
Causes
- Worn bushes
- Damaged links
- Corrosion
Fortunately, sway bar repairs are generally inexpensive.
Rear Suspension Wear
Many owners focus on the front suspension and overlook the rear.
Symptoms
- Rear-end instability
- Axle movement
- Poor traction
- Rear tyre wear
Common Causes
- Trailing arm bush wear
- Panhard rod bush deterioration
- Sagging rear springs
The rear suspension is particularly important in V8-powered vehicles.
Best Rear Suspension Upgrade
Recommended Product: Nolathane Rear Suspension Bush Kit
Benefits
- Improved axle control
- Better handling stability
- Reduced rear-end movement
Best For
- Street machines
- Performance builds
- Restorations
Steering and Suspension Interaction
Many suspension complaints are actually steering-related.
Common Symptoms
- Wandering
- Steering play
- Poor directional stability
Potential Causes
- Idler arm wear
- Tie rod wear
- Steering box adjustment issues
Always inspect the steering system alongside the suspension.
Wheel Alignment Issues
Suspension wear often leads to alignment problems.
Symptoms
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tyre wear
- Steering wheel off-centre
Causes
- Worn components
- Incorrect alignment settings
- Accident damage
Alignment should always be performed after suspension work.
Common Suspension Maintenance Mistakes
Replacing Only One Component
Suspension parts wear together.
Replacing a single component often leaves other problems unresolved.
Ignoring Rear Suspension
Rear bushes and springs are just as important as front-end components.
Installing Cheap Components
Inferior parts often wear quickly and compromise handling.
Skipping Wheel Alignment
Alignment is essential after major suspension work.
Recommended Suspension Refresh Package
For most HQ, HJ, HX, HZ and WB Holdens, a complete suspension refresh should include:
- Nolathane front suspension kit
- Nolathane rear bush kit
- King Springs
- KYB Excel-G shock absorbers
- Wheel alignment
- Steering system inspection
This combination restores much of the ride and handling these cars were known for when new.
Which Upgrade Gives the Biggest Improvement?
For most owners, replacing worn shock absorbers and suspension bushes delivers the greatest immediate improvement.
Many people are surprised how much better their Holden drives once decades-old rubber components are replaced with modern equivalents.
The HQ, HJ, HX, HZ and WB Holden suspension design was ahead of its time and remains capable of delivering excellent ride quality today. However, age has taken its toll, and worn bushes, sagging springs and tired shock absorbers are now extremely common.
The good news is that suspension parts remain widely available, upgrades are affordable and the transformation can be dramatic. A properly refreshed HQ-WB suspension system not only improves comfort but also enhances safety, tyre life and overall driving enjoyment.
Whether you’re restoring a Kingswood, cruising in a Statesman or building a tough WB ute, investing in the suspension is one of the best things you can do to make your Holden drive the way it was always intended.
Related Articles
- Best Suspension Upgrades for HQ HJ HX HZ WB Holden
- HQ HJ HX HZ WB Holden Steering System Repair Guide
- HQ HJ HX HZ WB Holden Transmission Problems
- How to Inspect a HQ HJ HX HZ WB Holden Before Buying
- HQ HJ HX HZ WB Holden Rust Problems
- HQ HJ HX HZ WB Holden Electrical Problems