Parts for your 2002 Holden Commodore-Cv joint

2002 Holden Commodore CV joint — what it does and how to look after it

Referencing the Holden VX/VY Commodore factory service information (Rear Drive Axle and Suspension sections), along with Gregory’s Service and Repair Manual for Holden Commodore VT–VY and the Haynes VT–VZ manual, CV joints are relevant to 2002 Commodore sedans because they use independent rear suspension with CV-jointed half‑shafts. Wagons and utes of the same era commonly retained a live rear axle without rear CV joints, so on those variants a “CV-joint” isn’t used at the rear.

On 2002 Commodore sedans, the CV joint’s job is to transfer drive from the differential to each rear wheel while allowing the suspension to move up and down and the wheel hub to articulate. Typically there’s an inner tripod-style CV and an outer Rzeppa-style CV on each shaft, a setup documented in the above manuals. When they’re healthy, they run quietly and smoothly, when they’re tired, owners may notice a rhythmic click or clack on take-off, shudder under load, or a vibration that gets worse with speed.

For servicing, the smartest maintenance is simple: keep the boots intact and the grease inside. At every service or tyre rotation, a quick visual of both inner and outer boots for splits, loose clamps or fling-off grease pays off. If a boot’s torn, it should be replaced promptly and the joint cleaned and re-packed with quality moly CV grease before grit chews it out. Left too long, the joint can pit and wear, turning a cheap boot job into a full axle replacement.

When replacement’s on the cards, a complete shaft assembly is often the most time-efficient fix. On reassembly, use new boot clamps, mind the spline engagement, and follow the workshop manual for any single‑use hub nuts or bolts and torque settings. After driveline work, it’s worth a road test for noise and a wheel alignment check if bushings or arms were disturbed. With good boots and clean grease, CVs in these Commodores can run reliably for well over 200,000 km.

• Watch for: clicking on acceleration, grease spray near the inner guard, torn boots, vibration on throttle.
• Service tip: inspect boots every 10,000–15,000 km, re-pack or replace at first sign of damage.
• Parts choice: quality boots and clamps matter more than flashy branding, correct grease is critical.

Do 2002 Commodore wagons and utes have CV joints?
Most wagons and utes of this year use a live rear axle, so they don’t have rear CV joints. Sedans have independent rear suspension with CV-jointed half-shafts. Always check the specific variant before ordering parts.

How long do the rear CV joints last?
With intact boots and clean grease, many see 150,000–250,000 km or more. Harsh roads, lowered suspension, or torn boots can bring that forward. Regular inspection is the key to long life.

Can a torn boot be fixed without replacing the joint?
Yes—if caught early. Replace the boot, clean the joint, and re-pack with the correct moly CV grease. If the joint’s already noisy or gritty, a full joint or shaft replacement is the better bet.