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[Web Creator] [LMSOFT]
VT Commodore Suspension and Steering Issues
Phoenix Mechanical
Soaring

Strut noises - On certain road conditions such as gravel or loose surfaces, small stones and dirt can enter into the front strut upper support bearing. This may lead to noises or grinding while steering. GMH have introduced a foam dust seal to help reduce this problem.

Front Strut Bearing Dust Shield - Part number 92144452

Gen III Power Steering Leak - On early Gen III's, the return hose that is clamped to the power steering reservoir, may come into contact with the pulley of the power steering pump. A tie strap was introduced mid 1999, to limit the movement of the hose.

Tie strap - Part number 92138212


Steering Rack Boots (Gen III) - Some VT steering rack boots may be damaged by excessive heat from the exhaust system. VT's with extractors are more susceptible to heat damage. Revised silicone steering rack boots were released and are more durable.

Steering Rack Boot - Part number 92146712

V6 Power Steering Pump leak - Power steering pump leaks are common, and a revised pump seal was introduced late 1999.

Pump seal - Part number 26089245

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.

A possible cause for variatronic steering issues can be the BCM. A revised BCM (recalibrated) was introduced to help rectify erratic variatronic functions in VT's.

Steering Knock - After long drives, or high operating temperatures, some VT's have an audible clunk in the front end, that may be felt through the steering wheel on turns. A possible cause can be excessive movement of the inner tie rod end of the steering rack. A revised tierod was introduced into new steering racks early in 2001.

Power Steering Rack up to vin # L492504 (12/08/99) - Part number 92057321


Power Steering Rack from vin # L492505 (12/08/99) - Part number 92092815

Variable Effort Power Steering Rack (Option NV7) - Part number 92092816


Radius rod bushes - The radius rod (aka strut rod aka strut bar) is the bar that joins the front lower control arm to the front of the engine cross member. The front bush that bolts to the engine cross member is hydraulic. In other words it is oil filled. These are quite common wear points in VT's, as the rubber splits and perishes. New ones are relatively simple to fit. The bushes on the rear of the radius rod (into the lower control arm) commonly wear as well. As these bushes wear, the lower control arm can move rearward during braking (sometimes dramatically... 10mm is not uncommon) and a clunk is heard. These will affect wheel alignment.

Front Inner control arm bushes - The front lower control arm is bushed to the engine cross member. The bushes commonly wear, which allows the inner of the lower control arm to move forward and rearward, similar to the radius rod bushes. These will affect wheel alignment.

Strut rubbers - The top strut rubbers are responsible for mounting the top of the strut to the strut tower plate. As the shocker wears and looses it absorbing qualities, more pressure is put on the strut rubbers. As they wear, the upper strut rubber (visible from under the bonnet) raises up and away from the strut tower. Standard upper rubbers are available through Holdens, and it is recommended to replace the lower bearing plate along with the rubbers.

Front Sway bar links - VT Commodore sway bar links are mounted from the sway bar up to the strut housing. Rubber bushes on straight rods are used from factory. When the wheels are turned from left to right, a great deal of strain is applied to the rubbers and washers. Over time, the rubbers will compress or split, which results in front end noises usually while slow speed cornering. It is quite common to see damaged washers, which allows the link rod to move around excessively, which results in loud front end noises, usually while slow speed cornering.

Several manufacturers have redesigned the sway bar link kits, which now have a curved rod (curve at either end) and different upper bushes, which dramatically reduces strain while cornering.

New rubbers were introduced early 2003, made of revised rubber with increased hardness, reduced compression set and improved high temperature performance.

Sway Bar link bush - Part number 92159373