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[Web Creator] [LMSOFT]
VP Commodore Suspension Issues
Phoenix Mechanical
Soaring

Panhard rod - The Panhard rod is a stabilizing bar used to locate the differential laterally. One end of the rod is connected to the right side of the diff, with the other end connected to the left chassis rail. As the suspension is lowered the differential assembly moves to the right and may cause the right wheel to foul against the guard. When this style of suspension set-up is lowered, an adjustable Panhard rod is usually required to re-centre the diff. Some Panhard rods are also available with a bend to increase exhaust clearance.

Upper diff arms - The upper diff arms locate the top of the diff housing to the inside of the rear chassis rails. These arms (2) have rubber bushes pressed in at either end that wear with age. When these bushes wear, the diff can tilt during acceleration and deceleration, which places more load on other suspension components. New bushes are readily available, as too are change over arms to save on time and tools.

Lower diff arms - The lower diff arms locate the bottom of the diff housing to the outside of the rear chassis rails. These arms (2) have a rubber bush pressed in at the chassis end that wear with age. When these bushes wear, the diff can tilt during acceleration and deceleration, which places more load on other suspension components. New bushes are readily available, as too are change over arms to save on time and tools. The differential housing contains the other pressed in bush that the lower diff arms connect to. These diff bushes are harder to replace as special tools are required.

Radius rod bushes - The radius rod is the bar that joins the front lower control arm to the front of the engine crossmember. The engine crossmember houses the front radius rod bushes. Over time, these rubber bushes soften or split and basically allow the lower control arm and strut assembly to move back and forwards which effectively alters the wheel alignment. Oil leaks are one of the main reasons for radius rod bush fatigue, as the oil softens the rubber. Original front radius rod bushes are pressed in, and need to be either pressed out or cut out for new items to be fitted. After market bushes are 2 piece, which makes fitment a lot easier.

Steering rack - Steering racks have a few inherent problems as they age. Leaks are common, either from the rack ends, which fills up the dust boots, or from the top hub seal. The left hand inner shaft bush wears, which can cause a knocking sound while driving. Low pressure power steering line hoses also leak as they become brittle with age. Tirod arm sockets also wear which can affect wheel alignment.

Variatronic Steering Intermittent - Variatronic steering is a speed sensitive power steering system, that provides reduced steering effort at low vehicle speeds, and is usually only fitted to higher end models. This system is controlled by the the BCM (Body Control module) in conjunction with a pressure solenoid located on the steering rack. Some Variatronic Steering Systems may operate erratically, causing heavy steering at low vehicle speeds.

Strut bearing plates - The top strut bearing plates are responsible for mounting the top of the strut to the strut tower. As the shocker wears and looses it absorbing qualities, the rubber strut bearing plates try to absorb bumps, and eventually begin to distort and push the strut tower up towards the bonnet. It is quite common to see strut towers and strut bearing plates severely concaved, and in rare occasions the strut bearing plate has pushed through and hit the bonnet. There are several styles of replacement strut bearing plates available, standard, semi-adjustable and fully adjustable. Semi-adjustable and fully adjustable strut bearing plates allow for camber adjustment of the front struts, where as standard do not. In most cases the semi-adjustable items suit both standard and lowered ride heights, and the fully adjustable items are usually reserved for heavily lowered vehicles or vehicles requiring more wheel alignment options.

Front Sway bar links - VP Commodore sway bar links differ to earlier models. In VB to VL models, the sway bar has short rubber mounted link rods connected down to the front lower control arms. VP's altered from this by using longer rubber mounted link rods that extend up to a bracket on the strut housing. The change in design decreased sway and increased stability. The rubbers wear with age, as do the rubber retaining washers. The washer holes enlarge which allows the sway bar link rod to rattle unsupported. This can cause front end clunking while cornering into a driveway or similar situations. New link rod kits are available genuine (rubber) and after market (Nolothane or similar).