Parts for your 2011 Holden Commodore-Steering bushes

2011 Holden Commodore steering bushes: what they do and when to replace them

For the 2011 Holden Commodore (VE Series II), steering bushes are absolutely relevant and used. The model runs a hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering setup mounted to the front subframe, and it relies on rack-mount bushes to locate and isolate the steering rack. Technical references including the Holden VE Commodore Service Manual (GM Global Service Information) and major aftermarket catalogues (Nolathane and Whiteline listings for 2006–2013 VE rack-mount bushes) confirm the presence and serviceability of these bushes on this platform.

These bushes act like small but mighty insulators and locators. They keep the steering rack precisely positioned while soaking up vibration and road harshness, so the wheel stays straight and the car feels settled. When they’re in good nick, steering feel is tight and predictable, when they’re shot, the rack can shift under load, and that’s when the steering starts to feel vague or knock over bumps.

Common signs they’re worn include a dull clunk when turning or hitting potholes, wandering or tramlining at highway speeds, a twitch under throttle or braking as the rack shifts, and uneven front tyre wear. Fluid contamination from a power-steering seep can soften rubber bushes and hurry their decline, so any sign of oil around the rack area is worth checking.

As part of regular servicing on a 2011 Commodore, it’s smart to inspect the steering bushes every 20,000–30,000 km, or whenever the front end is up for tyres, brakes, or a suspension check. A technician will look for cracking, deformation, or any rack movement while an assistant nudges the steering wheel left-right with the engine off.

• Replacement is straightforward for a workshop: support the rack, remove the mounts, swap the bushes, and torque to spec per the Holden manual.
• A wheel alignment is recommended afterwards, as disturbing the rack or subframe can nudge toe settings.
• Material matters: OEM-style rubber keeps it comfy and quiet, quality polyurethane tightens steering feel and resists fluid but may add a hint more road texture.
• Always torque bushes at ride height to avoid preloading and premature wear.

Left too long, flogged-out bushes can mask alignment issues and stress other steering components. Fresh bushes restore that clean, confident Commodore steering feel the platform is known for.

Do steering bushes on a 2011 VE Commodore need a wheel alignment after replacement?

It’s recommended. Even if the rack’s position looks unchanged, loosening the mounts or slightly shifting the subframe can alter toe. An alignment also corrects any wear-related toe drift that old bushes may have been hiding.

Should they go with rubber or polyurethane bushes?

For daily driving and maximum comfort, quality rubber is spot on. For a sharper on-centre feel and better resistance to fluid and heat, polyurethane is a great pick, with a small uptick in road feel. Either way, quality brand and proper torque at ride height make the difference.

How can they tell if the knock is steering rack bushes or control arm bushes?

A quick test is to watch the rack while an assistant gently wiggles the steering wheel, visible rack movement against the subframe points to rack bushes. Knocks that change under braking or acceleration often trace back to lower control arm or radius rod bushes. A workshop can confirm with the car on a hoist.