Parts for your 2009 Holden Commodore-Steering bushes

2009 Holden Commodore steering bushes — are they a thing?

Short answer: on a 2009 Holden Commodore (VE Series), traditional steering rack mounting bushes aren’t used. The steering gear is rigidly bolted to the front subframe, so there’s no separate “steering bush” to replace like you’ll find on earlier Commodores. This layout is confirmed by GM Holden’s VE Service Manual procedures for steering gear removal and installation (which specify direct rack-to-cradle fasteners, not pressed-in bushes), by the Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for VE (no rack-mount bush listing), and by major aftermarket catalogues (Nolathane and SuperPro list steering and suspension bushes for VE control arms and sway bars, but not a steering rack mount bush). Holden’s VE chassis tech info also notes the shift to a more rigid rack mounting to sharpen steering feel.

Why the change? Holden chased a more precise, European-style steering response on VE. A hard-mounted rack improves on-centre feel and consistency under load, while noise and vibration are handled elsewhere in the system: hydro-bushed lower control arms, the intermediate shaft coupling, column support bearings, and tyre compliance. Because of that, there’s simply no steering rack bush to service on a 2009 Commodore.

What to look after instead? If the steering feels loose, knocks over bumps, or wanders, the usual suspects on a VE are:

• Outer tie rod ends and inner tie rod (rack ends)
• Rack boots (gaiters) for splits and fluid ingress
• Intermediate shaft/universal joint play
• Front lower control arm bushes (rear hydra-bushes are a known wear item)
• Power steering fluid condition and level (use the spec shown on the reservoir cap or owner’s manual)

As part of routine servicing, a mechanic should check for free play at the wheels, inspect rack ends and tie rod ends for wear, look for boot damage or leaks, and confirm the rack is secure on its mounting bolts. If any components are replaced, a proper wheel alignment is a must. If you’re chasing a tighter feel, quality replacements for worn tie rods and fresh control arm bushes usually deliver more benefit on a VE than hunting for a steering rack bush that isn’t there.

Technical sources referenced: GM Holden VE Commodore Service Manual (steering gear mounting procedure), GM Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue (VE steering assembly breakdown), Nolathane and SuperPro VE application catalogues (no VE steering rack mount bush listings), and Holden VE chassis technical release materials.

Popular questions

Does a 2009 VE Commodore have steering rack bushes I can replace?
No. The VE rack is hard-mounted to the front cradle with bolts, so there are no separate steering rack bushes to change. If there’s play or knocking, focus on tie rod ends, rack ends, and control arm bushes.

What causes vague steering on a 2009 Commodore if it’s not the rack bushes?
Most often it’s wear in the outer tie rod ends, inner rack ends, or the front lower control arm rear hydra-bushes. Tyre condition and pressures, plus a past alignment that’s out of spec, can also make the steering feel ordinary.

Can I fit aftermarket steering bushes as an upgrade?
Not on a VE rack mount—there’s nothing to swap. If you want a sharper feel, look at quality tie rod components, fresh control arm bushes, and good tyres, then get a proper performance alignment.