Parts for your 2005 Holden Commodore-Strut mounts

Understanding Strut Mounts on the 2005 Holden Commodore

The 2005 Holden Commodore, particularly models based on the VZ series, is well-known for its robust suspension setup, which plays a key role in its handling and ride comfort. One common question among Commodore owners and enthusiasts is whether the vehicle actually uses strut mounts, and if so, what their purpose is and how they should be maintained or replaced.

To get right into it, the 2005 Holden Commodore does not use traditional strut mounts in the way some other vehicles do. Why? Because the front suspension setup on the VZ Commodore utilises a double wishbone arrangement rather than a MacPherson strut system. Strut mounts are typically a component found on MacPherson strut suspension designs, where the strut itself acts as a structural part of the suspension, providing damping and support. In these setups, the strut mount serves the critical function of connecting the top of the strut to the vehicle's body or chassis, often including a bearing to allow the strut to rotate during steering.

The Holden Commodore 2005 VZ series uses double wishbones, which separate the shock absorber and the coil spring from the steering knuckle. This means there is no large strut assembly bolted directly between the suspension arm and the chassis. Instead, the shock absorber sits inside a coil spring and is mounted to the lower control arm at the bottom and the chassis at the top, but not in a way that requires a strut mount. Because of this suspension design, there's simply no need for a strut mount component on the front axle of the 2005 Holden Commodore.

This design choice has a few important effects. The double wishbone setup generally allows for greater control over wheel motion, improved handling, and better ride quality under a variety of conditions. The absence of strut mounts means there is one less wear item to worry about when it comes to suspension servicing and maintenance on this particular vehicle.

However, while the Commodore doesn't have strut mounts, this doesn't mean the suspension is free of wear-prone components. Just like any vehicle, the VZ Commodore's suspension features other rubber bushings, mounts, and bearings that can degrade over time and affect comfort, noise levels, and vehicle handling. This includes the shock absorber mounts themselves, often referred to as top mounts or shock mounts, which perform a similar function in isolating road noise and vibrations and securing the shocks to the chassis.

When servicing the front suspension on a 2005 Holden Commodore, regular inspection of shock absorber mounts, control arm bushings, ball joints, and anti-roll bar bushes is essential. Worn or damaged mounts can cause clunks, rattles, and a deterioration in ride quality, while also potentially impacting safety if left unchecked.

For owners curious about strut mount replacement or maintenance, it's important to focus instead on these other components. Here's what they should keep in mind:

• Shock absorber mounts: While they aren't strut mounts per se, the top shock mounts on the Commodore serve to cushion the shocks and attach them to the chassis. Over time these can develop cracks or wear out, especially if the car spends a lot of time on rough or unsealed roads.
• Suspension bushings and ball joints: These are critical to precise suspension movement and preventing metal-to-metal contact. They tend to wear out slower than strut mounts but should be checked during routine servicing, especially on older vehicles.
• Signs of wear: Owners should watch for unusual noises like clunks over bumps, uneven tyre wear, excessive body roll, or a spongy feeling in the steering.

Replacing worn shock mounts or suspension bushings can significantly improve ride comfort and handling, often making the car feel nearly new again. It's also a good opportunity to inspect shocks and springs themselves, as damage or wear to these will add further strain on mounts and other suspension components.

In summary, while the term strut mount is commonly used in suspension maintenance discussions, it's not strictly applicable to the 2005 Holden Commodore due to its double wishbone front suspension design. Instead, the focus turns to the shock absorber mounts and other suspension components unique to this setup. Regular inspections and replacing worn parts in these areas will help maintain the ride quality and handling Holden Commodore drivers expect and enjoy.