The VN, VP, VR, and VS Commodore are among Holden’s most popular models, offering comfortable ride quality, predictable handling, and strong performance. However, after more than 25 to 35 years on Australian roads, suspension wear is now one of the most common issues affecting these vehicles.
Worn suspension components can cause poor handling, uneven tyre wear, excessive body roll, vibration, and reduced braking performance. Fortunately, most suspension problems are straightforward to diagnose and repair.
Why Suspension Problems Are Common
Several factors contribute to suspension wear.
Main Causes
- Ageing rubber bushes
- High mileage
- Rough road conditions
- Lowered suspension setups
- Poor maintenance
- Heavy loads
Many original suspension components have now exceeded their intended service life.
Common Suspension Symptoms
Before identifying specific faults, it’s important to recognise the warning signs.
Common Symptoms
- Excessive body roll
- Clunking noises
- Uneven tyre wear
- Steering wander
- Poor ride quality
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Rear-end instability
Any of these symptoms may indicate suspension wear.
1. Worn Shock Absorbers
One of the most common suspension issues.
Symptoms
- Excessive bouncing
- Poor ride quality
- Nose-diving under braking
- Reduced handling performance
Causes
- Internal wear
- Oil leakage
- High mileage
Original shocks are rarely effective after decades of use.
2. Sagging Springs
Springs gradually lose tension over time.
Symptoms
- Low ride height
- Uneven vehicle stance
- Bottoming out
Causes
- Age
- Metal fatigue
- Constant heavy loads
Rear springs are particularly susceptible.
3. Front Control Arm Bush Wear
Control arm bushes absorb road vibration and maintain suspension geometry.
Symptoms
- Clunking noises
- Steering instability
- Uneven tyre wear
Causes
- Rubber deterioration
- Age-related cracking
- Road impacts
Bush wear is extremely common on older Commodores.
4. Radius Rod Bush Failure
A well-known issue on VN–VS Commodores.
Symptoms
- Steering movement during braking
- Front-end clunks
- Poor directional stability
Causes
- Rubber bush deterioration
- High mileage
Many owners upgrade to heavy-duty replacements.
5. Ball Joint Wear
Ball joints are critical steering and suspension components.
Symptoms
- Clunking over bumps
- Steering looseness
- Uneven tyre wear
Causes
- Normal wear
- Damaged dust boots
- Lack of maintenance
Excessive wear can become a safety issue.
6. Sway Bar Link Problems
Sway bar links help reduce body roll.
Symptoms
- Rattling noises
- Reduced cornering stability
- Front-end clunks
Causes
- Worn bushes
- Link wear
- Ageing rubber
Relatively inexpensive to replace.
7. Sway Bar Bush Deterioration
A common source of front suspension noise.
Symptoms
- Squeaking
- Clunking
- Reduced handling precision
Causes
- Age
- Heat exposure
- Road grime
8. Rear Suspension Bush Wear
The rear suspension relies on multiple bushes.
Symptoms
- Rear-end movement
- Unstable handling
- Clunks from rear suspension
Causes
- Age-related deterioration
- High mileage
Rear suspension bushes often become neglected.
9. Strut Top Bearing Wear
Particularly common on high-kilometre vehicles.
Symptoms
- Steering noises
- Front-end clunks
- Rough steering feel
Causes
- Bearing wear
- Rubber deterioration
10. Wheel Alignment Problems
Suspension wear often affects alignment.
Symptoms
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tyre wear
- Poor steering response
Causes
- Suspension component wear
- Impact damage
- Incorrect ride height
Regular alignment checks are essential.
11. Lowered Suspension Issues
Many Commodores have been lowered.
Common Problems
- Reduced suspension travel
- Harsh ride
- Accelerated bush wear
- Tyre clearance issues
Poorly designed lowering setups often create additional problems.
12. Rear Shock Absorber Failure
Rear shocks wear just as frequently as front units.
Symptoms
- Rear-end bouncing
- Poor ride control
- Reduced traction
Causes
- Age
- Internal seal failure
- High mileage
Steering-Related Suspension Problems
Many suspension issues affect steering behaviour.
Common Symptoms
- Wandering steering
- Loose steering feel
- Vibration through steering wheel
Possible Causes
- Worn bushes
- Ball joints
- Tie rod ends
- Alignment issues
Common VN–VS Suspension Noises
Clunking
Often caused by:
- Ball joints
- Control arm bushes
- Sway bar links
Squeaking
Usually caused by:
- Bush wear
- Dry suspension components
Rattling
Often linked to:
- Sway bar links
- Loose suspension hardware
How to Inspect Suspension Components
Step 1: Check Ride Height
Look for sagging springs.
Step 2: Inspect Tyre Wear
Uneven wear often indicates suspension problems.
Step 3: Bounce Test
Push down on each corner of the vehicle.
Excessive bouncing suggests worn shocks.
Step 4: Inspect Bushes
Look for:
- Cracks
- Splits
- Excessive movement
Step 5: Check Ball Joints
Inspect for play and damaged dust boots.
Best Suspension Upgrades
Many owners choose to upgrade while repairing worn components.
Heavy-Duty Shock Absorbers
Benefits
- Improved handling
- Better ride control
- Increased durability
Polyurethane Bushes
Benefits
- Sharper handling
- Improved steering response
- Longer lifespan
Ideal for enthusiast vehicles.
Performance Springs
Benefits
- Reduced body roll
- Improved cornering
- Better stance
Larger Sway Bars
Benefits
- Improved stability
- Reduced body roll
Popular for performance-oriented builds.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Inspect Suspension Annually
Small problems are cheaper to fix early.
Maintain Correct Tyre Pressures
Reduces suspension stress.
Rotate Tyres Regularly
Helps identify alignment issues.
Replace Components in Pairs
Particularly shocks and springs.
Warning Signs of Major Suspension Wear
- Excessive body roll
- Severe tyre wear
- Clunking over bumps
- Steering instability
- Vehicle wandering
These issues should be addressed promptly.
Suspension problems are extremely common on VN, VP, VR, and VS Commodores due to age, mileage, and deteriorating rubber components. Worn shocks, bushes, ball joints, springs, and sway bar components are among the most frequently encountered issues.
Fortunately, most suspension faults are straightforward to diagnose and repair, and many owners choose to upgrade components while carrying out repairs. A refreshed suspension dramatically improves ride quality, handling, safety, and overall driving enjoyment.
Whether you’re restoring a factory-original Commodore or building a modified street car, keeping the suspension in top condition is one of the best investments you can make.
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