The VT and VX Commodore introduced Holden’s sophisticated independent rear suspension (IRS) platform and significantly improved ride comfort compared to earlier models. Combined with revised front suspension geometry, these vehicles offered excellent handling and ride quality for their time.
However, as VT and VX Commodores age and accumulate kilometres, suspension wear becomes increasingly common. Worn bushes, shock absorbers, ball joints, and steering components can dramatically affect ride quality, tyre wear, and vehicle safety.
Why Suspension Problems Occur
Most VT and VX suspension faults are age-related.
Common Causes
- High kilometres
- Worn rubber bushes
- Road impacts
- Ageing shock absorbers
- Heavy loads
- Poor maintenance
Many original suspension components are now over 20 years old.
Common Suspension Symptoms
Warning Signs
- Clunking noises
- Excessive tyre wear
- Poor handling
- Vehicle wandering
- Uneven ride height
- Steering vibration
- Harsh ride quality
Ignoring suspension faults can lead to expensive tyre and steering repairs.
1. Front Control Arm Bush Wear
One of the most common VT/VX suspension issues.
Symptoms
- Clunking over bumps
- Steering instability
- Uneven tyre wear
Causes
- Age-related rubber deterioration
- High mileage
Worn bushes allow excessive suspension movement.
Typical Repair
- Replace control arm bushes
- Replace complete control arms if necessary
2. Ball Joint Wear
Ball joints experience constant movement and load.
Symptoms
- Knocking noises
- Loose steering feel
- Uneven tyre wear
Causes
- Normal wear
- Damaged dust boots
Ball joint failure can become a serious safety issue.
Typical Repair
Replace worn ball joints or complete control arms.
3. Shock Absorber Failure
A common problem on high-kilometre vehicles.
Symptoms
- Excessive bouncing
- Poor ride control
- Increased body roll
Causes
- Internal wear
- Fluid leakage
Typical Repair
Replace shocks in pairs.
4. Strut Top Mount Wear
Often overlooked during inspections.
Symptoms
- Clunking noises
- Steering vibration
- Front suspension noise
Causes
- Rubber deterioration
- Bearing wear
Typical Repair
Replace strut mounts when replacing front shocks.
5. Rear IRS Bush Wear
The independent rear suspension contains numerous rubber bushes.
Symptoms
- Rear-end instability
- Clunking noises
- Uneven tyre wear
Causes
- Age
- High kilometres
This is one of the most common VT/VX suspension complaints.
Typical Repair
Replace worn IRS bushes.
6. Differential Mount Bush Failure
Common in IRS-equipped models.
Symptoms
- Clunk when accelerating
- Driveline movement
- Rear-end noise
Causes
- Bush deterioration
- Increased drivetrain movement
Typical Repair
Replace differential mounting bushes.
7. Sway Bar Link Wear
A simple but common fault.
Symptoms
- Rattling noises
- Suspension clunks
- Reduced handling performance
Causes
- Worn ball joints
- Bush deterioration
Typical Repair
Replace sway bar links and bushes.
8. Steering Rack Bush Wear
Often mistaken for suspension problems.
Symptoms
- Steering movement
- Clunks over bumps
- Poor steering response
Causes
- Worn rack mounting bushes
Typical Repair
Replace steering rack bushes.
9. Rear Shock Absorber Wear
Rear shocks commonly deteriorate with age.
Symptoms
- Rear-end bouncing
- Poor ride quality
- Excessive body movement
Causes
- Internal shock wear
10. Sagging Springs
Common on higher-kilometre vehicles.
Symptoms
- Uneven ride height
- Bottoming out
- Poor handling
Causes
- Spring fatigue
- Heavy loading
Typical Repair
Replace springs in pairs.
IRS Rear Suspension Problems
The IRS setup significantly improves ride quality but introduces additional wear points.
Common IRS Faults
- Control arm bushes
- Toe control bushes
- Differential bushes
- Rear cradle bushes
As these components wear, handling can deteriorate significantly.
How to Diagnose Suspension Problems
Step 1: Inspect Tyres
Uneven wear often indicates suspension issues.
Check For
- Feathering
- Inside edge wear
- Outside edge wear
Step 2: Inspect Shock Absorbers
Look for:
- Oil leakage
- Damage
- Excessive bounce
Step 3: Check Bushes
Inspect:
- Control arm bushes
- Sway bar bushes
- IRS bushes
Step 4: Check Ball Joints
Look for:
- Excessive play
- Torn boots
Step 5: Road Test
Listen for:
- Clunks
- Rattles
- Steering instability
Common Suspension Noises
Front-End Clunk
Usually:
- Control arm bushes
- Ball joints
- Strut mounts
Rear-End Clunk
Usually:
- IRS bushes
- Differential bushes
- Rear shocks
Rattling Noise
Often caused by:
- Sway bar links
- Loose suspension hardware
Most Common VT, VX Suspension Problems Ranked
1. Front Control Arm Bushes
Most common wear item.
2. IRS Rear Bushes
Extremely common on ageing vehicles.
3. Shock Absorbers
Frequently worn on high-kilometre cars.
4. Sway Bar Links
Inexpensive but common fault.
5. Differential Mount Bushes
Common on IRS-equipped models.
Preventing Suspension Problems
Regular Inspections
Identify wear before it becomes severe.
Wheel Alignments
Reduce bush and tyre wear.
Replace Components in Pairs
Maintains balanced handling.
Avoid Large Impacts
Potholes accelerate suspension wear.
When to Upgrade Suspension
Many owners choose upgrades while repairing worn components.
Popular Upgrades
- Heavy-duty shocks
- Performance springs
- Polyurethane bushes
- Larger sway bars
These can significantly improve handling.
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Attention
- Severe steering play
- Major suspension clunks
- Rapid tyre wear
- Vehicle instability
- Visible ball joint movement
Immediate inspection is recommended.
Suspension wear is one of the most common issues affecting VT and VX Commodores today. Control arm bushes, IRS bushes, shocks, sway bar links, and steering components all deteriorate with age and mileage, affecting handling, comfort, and safety.
Fortunately, most suspension faults are straightforward to diagnose and repair. Restoring worn suspension components can dramatically improve ride quality, steering response, and overall driving enjoyment, making it one of the most rewarding maintenance investments for any VT or VX Commodore owner.
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- How to Inspect a VT or VX Commodore Before Buying