Parts for your 2002 Holden Commodore-Cv boots

2002 Holden Commodore CV boots — what they do and when to replace them

Based on Holden’s factory workshop manuals for VX Series II and early VY (Rear Suspension and Rear Axle/Driveshaft sections), Ellery’s/Haynes service manuals covering VT–VY, and GM Holden/ACDelco parts catalogues listing “Rear Axle Shaft Boot Kits” for VT–VZ IRS cars, CV boots are indeed used on the 2002 Holden Commodore — at the rear half-shafts on IRS-equipped models. Front CV boots aren’t applicable because the Commodore is rear-wheel drive. Note: some utes of the period used a live rear axle and therefore don’t have rear CV boots at the wheels.

On a 2002 Commodore with IRS, the CV boots are the flexible rubber sleeves that seal grease around each constant velocity joint on the rear half-shafts. Their whole job is to keep the joint packed with the right moly grease and keep out water, grit, and road grime. When the boots stay intact, the joints run quiet and smooth through suspension travel and cornering, giving that familiar Commodore rear-end composure.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the rear CV boots every 10,000–15,000 km or at each service. Look for small splits, perished rubber, loose/broken clamps, or grease flung around the inner wheel arch and lower control arms. Catching a split early often saves the CV joint itself — a boot kit and fresh grease is cheaper than a full axle or joint.

If a boot is damaged, replacement involves removing the affected half-shaft, cleaning the joint thoroughly, repacking it with the specified molybdenum CV grease from the kit, and fitting the correct boot with new clamps. Quality OEM-style kits sized for VT–VZ IRS fit best, universal “stretch” boots are fine as a roadside fix but aren’t ideal long term. Use proper banding tools so the clamps bite evenly and hold pressure.

Handy tips for DIYers:

• Support the car securely, a trolley jack and rated stands are non-negotiable.
• Mark the shaft/flange orientation to maintain balance and NVH characteristics.
• Don’t mix old and new grease, clean the joint until spotless before repacking.
• Tighten flange fasteners to the workshop manual specs, avoid rattly or over-torqued bolts.

If a joint has been running open to the elements, expect clicking under load or vibration — that’s usually beyond a boot fix. In that case, a replacement CV joint or complete shaft is the go, just as outlined in the Holden and Ellery’s manuals for the VX/VY range.

Popular questions about 2002 Holden Commodore CV boots

Do 2002 Commodores have front CV boots?
They don’t. The Commodore is rear-wheel drive, so there are no front drive shafts or front CV joints. The CV boots you’ll be dealing with are on the rear half-shafts for IRS-equipped sedans and wagons of the VX Series II and early VY era.

How often should CV boots be checked?
Have them inspected at each regular service (roughly every 10,000–15,000 km). Early spotting of minor splits or loose clamps usually prevents damage to the CV joint itself and keeps costs down.

Can someone drive with a torn CV boot?
It’s risky. Grease escapes and water/grit gets in, which can quickly wear the joint. Short trips to a workshop are usually okay, but prolonged driving tends to turn a simple boot job into a full CV or shaft replacement.