The VB, VC and VH Commodore were praised for their handling when they first appeared in Australian showrooms. Compared with the larger Kingswoods they replaced, these early Commodores offered more precise steering, improved ride quality and significantly better road holding.
More than 40 years later, however, suspension wear has become one of the most common issues affecting surviving examples. Rubber bushes deteriorate, shock absorbers wear out, ball joints loosen and springs begin to sag after decades of use.
Many owners simply assume their Commodore handles like an old car should. In reality, a properly maintained VB, VC or VH Commodore can still provide excellent ride quality and surprisingly capable handling.
Understanding the Early Commodore Suspension System
VB, VC and VH Commodores use a relatively modern suspension design for their era.
Front Suspension
- Independent front suspension
- Coil springs
- Shock absorbers
- Upper and lower control arms
- Ball joints
Rear Suspension
- Live rear axle
- Coil springs
- Trailing arms
- Panhard rod
- Shock absorbers
While durable, every component eventually wears.
Sagging Suspension
One of the most common complaints among early Commodore owners.
Symptoms
- Vehicle sits low
- Uneven ride height
- Reduced suspension travel
- Poor appearance
Causes
- Ageing springs
- Metal fatigue
- High mileage
Many original springs have now spent over four decades supporting vehicle weight.
Front Spring Fatigue
Front springs carry substantial engine weight.
Symptoms
- Nose-down stance
- Reduced ride quality
- Frequent bottoming out
Common Vehicles Affected
- Six-cylinder Commodores
- V8 Commodores
- Vehicles used for towing
Replacing worn springs often transforms the way a Commodore drives.
Rear Spring Sag
Rear springs frequently weaken over time.
Symptoms
- Rear end sits low
- Poor load carrying ability
- Excessive body roll
This issue is especially common in wagons and vehicles used for towing.
Best Spring Upgrade
Recommended Product: King Springs
King Springs remain one of Australia’s most popular suspension upgrades.
Benefits
- Improved ride height
- Better handling
- Australian designed
Best For
- VB Commodore
- VC Commodore
- VH Commodore
Worn Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers gradually lose effectiveness.
Symptoms
- Excessive bouncing
- Poor ride control
- Increased braking distance
- Unstable cornering
Causes
- Internal wear
- Seal deterioration
- Oil leakage
Many original shocks are well overdue for replacement.
Leaking Shock Absorbers
Oil leaks are a clear sign of shock failure.
Symptoms
- Oil on shock body
- Harsh ride
- Poor control over bumps
Once a shock begins leaking, replacement is generally required.
Best Shock Absorber Upgrade
Recommended Product: KYB Excel-G Shock Absorbers
Benefits
- Improved handling
- Better ride quality
- OEM-style comfort
Best For
- Daily drivers
- Restorations
- Weekend cruisers
Worn Suspension Bushes
Rubber bushes are among the most common suspension wear items.
Symptoms
- Clunks
- Squeaks
- Vague steering
- Poor alignment
Causes
- Age
- Heat
- Oil contamination
Many original bushes have simply deteriorated with age.
Front Control Arm Bush Wear
The front control arm bushes endure significant stress.
Symptoms
- Wandering steering
- Uneven tyre wear
- Suspension noise
Why It Matters
Worn bushes affect both ride quality and handling precision.
Rear Trailing Arm Bush Problems
Rear trailing arm bushes are another common failure point.
Symptoms
- Rear-end instability
- Clunking noises
- Poor traction
Common Causes
- Rubber deterioration
- Age-related cracking
These bushes play a critical role in rear axle control.
Best Bush Upgrade
Recommended Product: Nolathane Suspension Bush Kit
Benefits
- Improved durability
- Sharper handling
- Long service life
Best For
- Street cars
- Mild performance builds
Ball Joint Wear
Ball joints are essential suspension components.
Symptoms
- Steering looseness
- Suspension clunks
- Uneven tyre wear
Common Causes
- Wear over time
- Lack of lubrication
- High mileage
Ignoring worn ball joints can become a safety issue.
Front End Noise
Many suspension faults reveal themselves through noise.
Common Sounds
- Clunking
- Knocking
- Rattling
Possible Causes
- Bush wear
- Ball joints
- Shock absorbers
- Sway bar links
Proper diagnosis is important before replacing parts.
Sway Bar Problems
The sway bar helps reduce body roll.
Symptoms
- Excessive leaning
- Suspension rattles
- Reduced cornering stability
Common Causes
- Worn sway bar bushes
- Worn links
Fortunately, repairs are usually inexpensive.
Excessive Body Roll
Body roll often indicates worn suspension components.
Causes
- Weak springs
- Worn shocks
- Deteriorated bushes
A properly maintained Commodore should remain reasonably composed in corners.
Wheel Alignment Problems
Suspension wear frequently affects alignment.
Symptoms
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tyre wear
- Steering wheel off-centre
Common Causes
- Bush wear
- Ball joint wear
- Sagging springs
Alignment should always be checked after suspension repairs.
Rear Panhard Rod Bush Wear
The Panhard rod controls rear axle movement.
Symptoms
- Rear-end wandering
- Clunks over bumps
- Poor stability
Common Causes
- Bush deterioration
- High mileage
Many owners overlook this important component.
Best Handling Upgrade
Recommended Product: Whiteline Sway Bar Kit
Benefits
- Reduced body roll
- Improved cornering
- Better steering response
Best For
- Enthusiast drivers
- Touring vehicles
Tyre Wear Caused by Suspension Problems
Tyres often reveal hidden suspension issues.
Common Patterns
- Inner edge wear
- Outer edge wear
- Feathering
- Cupping
Uneven tyre wear should never be ignored.
V8 Suspension Challenges
V8-powered Commodores place additional load on the front suspension.
Common Issues
- Front spring fatigue
- Increased shock wear
- Bush deterioration
Heavy-duty springs are often beneficial.
Common Suspension Maintenance Mistakes
Replacing Only One Shock Absorber
Shocks should always be replaced in pairs.
Ignoring Bush Wear
New shocks cannot compensate for worn bushes.
Skipping Wheel Alignment
Alignment is essential after repairs.
Installing Cheap Components
Quality suspension parts generally last longer and perform better.
Recommended Suspension Refresh Package
For most VB, VC and VH Commodores:
Suspension Package
- King Springs
- KYB Excel-G shocks
- Nolathane bush kit
- New ball joints
- Wheel alignment
This combination restores much of the vehicle’s original ride and handling.
Are Early Commodore Suspensions Reliable?
The basic suspension design used in VB, VC and VH Commodores is extremely durable.
Most problems encountered today result from age and wear rather than poor engineering. Once worn components are replaced, these vehicles often drive remarkably well and can provide many years of reliable service.
Suspension problems are among the most common issues affecting VB, VC and VH Commodores today. Fortunately, most faults are straightforward to diagnose and relatively affordable to repair.
Replacing worn springs, shocks, bushes and ball joints can dramatically improve ride comfort, handling and safety. Many owners are surprised at how modern and capable their Commodore feels after a complete suspension refresh.
Whether you’re restoring a VC SL/E, maintaining a VH wagon or preserving a cherished family VB sedan, keeping the suspension in good condition is one of the best investments you can make in your classic Holden.
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