Parts for your 2004 Holden Commodore-Strut mounts

Understanding Strut Mounts on the 2004 Holden Commodore

The 2004 Holden Commodore is a well-regarded Aussie classic, known for its robust engineering and reliable performance. When it comes to suspension components, one common question is whether the Commodore utilises strut mounts, a part often found in many modern vehicles. After consulting technical manuals and automotive sources relating to the 2004 Holden Commodore, it's clear that this car does not actually use strut mounts in its suspension setup.

To explain why, we need to look at the suspension design itself. The 2004 Holden Commodore features a traditional front suspension that consists of a double wishbone or control arm setup with coil springs and separate shock absorbers, rather than a MacPherson strut system. Strut mounts are specifically part of a MacPherson strut assembly, where the strut combines the shock absorber and coil spring into one unit. This unit is bolted directly into the body of the vehicle via the strut mount.

Since the Commodore utilises a coil spring and shock absorber independently mounted in a double wishbone arrangement, there is no integrated strut to be mounted. As a result, the components known as strut mounts simply are not fitted to the front suspension of the 2004 Holden Commodore. Instead, this car uses separate mounting points for the shock absorbers and control arms, with bushings and ball joints playing the key roles that strut mounts would in a MacPherson setup.

Put simply, the absence of strut mounts in this vehicle's front suspension is down to the type of suspension architecture it employs. The double wishbone system offers advantages in handling and ride comfort that Holden engineers prioritised for this model, and the design just doesn't require strut mounts the way a MacPherson strut system does.

Turning to the rear, the 2004 Holden Commodore uses a semi-trailing arm or multi-link suspension with coil springs and separate shock absorbers, again without the integrated strut assembly. This means no strut mounts are present at the rear of the vehicle, either.

So, if you own a 2004 Holden Commodore and are servicing your suspension, you won't find strut mounts to inspect or replace. Instead, the focus should be on the shock absorber mounts, control arm bushings, ball joints, and coil springs. These parts carry the workload that strut mounts might in other vehicles.

It's worth noting that while strut mounts are a critical component in vehicles that do use MacPherson strut suspension, the absence of these mounts in the Commodore does not mean maintenance or wear is any less important. The separate shocks and springs require their own care.

When servicing the front and rear suspension of the 2004 Holden Commodore, checking for signs of wear in the shock absorber bushes and mounts is key. Look out for noises such as clunks or rattles, poor ride quality, uneven tyre wear, or changes in handling as these can indicate worn mounts or bushings. Replacing worn shock absorber mounts or bushings will restore proper suspension function and ride comfort.

Regular maintenance routines are recommended, such as:

• Inspecting suspension mounts and bushings every 20,000 to 30,000 kilometres
• Checking shocks for leaks or damage during servicing
• Replacing worn or damaged shock absorber mounts promptly to avoid further suspension damage

Owners should also pay attention if the vehicle feels less stable during cornering or on rough roads. These symptoms often point to suspension mount issues even without strut mounts present.

In essence, while the 2004 Holden Commodore doesn't use strut mounts, the principles of good suspension maintenance still apply. Keeping an eye on all suspension components, especially the shock absorber mounts and bushings, goes a long way towards ensuring this classic Commodore drives smoothly and safely for many kilometres to come.