Parts for your 2006 Holden Commodore-Steering bushes

2006 Holden Commodore steering-bushes: what they do and when to replace

Steering-bushes are absolutely relevant on the 2006 Holden Commodore. Technical references such as the Holden VZ and VE workshop manuals (steering rack mounting sections) and common parts catalogues confirm their fitment: for example, SuperPro lists a Rack and Pinion Mount Bushing kit for VE/WM models (from 2006), and Nolathane lists rack mount bush kits for late VZ and VE platforms. In short, both late-2006 VZ and 2006-on VE Commodores use rack-and-pinion steering mounted to the front subframe with isolating bushes.

On this Commodore, the steering-bushes sit where the steering rack bolts to the front cradle. Their job is to keep the rack properly located while soaking up vibration and harshness from the road. Good bushes mean the driver gets a direct, predictable feel without unwanted kickback, and the rack stays aligned so tyres wear evenly. When the rubber (or polyurethane) ages, the rack can shift under load, which blunts steering response and can cause clunks over bumps or a pull under braking.

Common signs the steering-bushes are due:

• Vague steering on centre, or the wheel doesn’t self-centre cleanly
• Clunking or knocking over potholes and driveway entries
• Steering rack movement when someone rocks the wheel with the bonnet up
• Uneven tyre wear and a steering pull that alignment alone won’t fix

Inspection is straightforward during a service: with the front lifted safely, an assistant gently turns the steering while a tech watches the rack for side-to-side movement in the mounts. Perished, oil-soaked, cracked or squashed bushes should be replaced. On high‑kilometre VE and late VZ cars, they’re a known wear item.

Replacement options include OEM-style rubber (quieter, factory feel) or quality polyurethane (firmer, crisper response, very durable). Either way, correct rack centring and bushing orientation matter. Fasteners should be torqued with the vehicle at ride height to avoid preloading. Because the rack position can change a touch, a wheel alignment afterwards is a smart move.

As a rule of thumb, have the steering-bushes inspected every 40,000–60,000 km, or sooner if the car tows, sees rough roads, or has wider tyres. If they’re tired, swapping them out freshens steering feel dramatically and protects tyres and other steering gear from extra stress.

Popular questions

Do 2006 Commodores (VZ and VE) actually have steering-bushes?
Yes. Both late VZ (built in 2006) and the new-for-2006 VE run a hydraulic rack-and-pinion mounted to the subframe via isolating bushes. Factory service manuals and common aftermarket listings (e.g., SuperPro and Nolathane rack mount bush kits) back this up.

What are the symptoms of worn steering-bushes on a 2006 Commodore?
Expect vague steering, clunks over bumps, and sometimes a pull under braking or odd tyre wear. If the rack can be seen shifting in its mounts while someone turns the wheel, the bushes are likely past their best.

Rubber or polyurethane—what’s better for replacement?
Rubber keeps the original comfort and noise levels and suits daily driving. Polyurethane sharpens steering feel and resists deformation, great for spirited driving, towing, or rough roads. Either is fine quality-wise, it comes down to the owner’s preference for comfort versus response.