Parts for your 2012 Holden Commodore-Cv boots

2012 Holden Commodore CV boots: what they are and when to replace them

CV boots are absolutely relevant to the 2012 Holden Commodore. Technical sources including the Holden VE Series II Workshop Manual (Driveline — Rear Drive Axle Shafts), GM Global Service Information, and commonly used catalogues (Repco, ACDelco, GKN/Spidan) all show the VE/WM platform uses constant‑velocity joints with rubber boots on the independent rear suspension half‑shafts. Being rear‑wheel drive, there are no front drive CV boots on this model — the CV boots live at the rear, two per side (inner and outer).

On a 2012 Commodore, the CV boots do a simple but crucial job: they keep special grease inside the CV joints and keep water, sand, and grit out. That’s what lets the rear half‑shafts articulate smoothly as the suspension moves, without vibration or binding. When a boot splits or its clamp loosens, grease gets flung over the underbody and the joint starts to run dry and contaminated. Leave it long enough and you’ll cop clicking on take‑off, shudder under load, or a proper clunk over bumps — and then it’s new shaft time.

As part of regular servicing, it pays to give the rear boots a visual once‑over. Look for fresh grease spray on the inner wheel, control arms, or exhaust, fine cracking in the rubber (especially at the folds), or boots that look twisted or collapsed. Cars that tow, sit low, run bigger wheels, or live on gravel and coastal roads are tougher on boots. At this age, preventive inspection is smart — these Commodores are well into their second decade.

• If a boot is split but the joint’s still quiet and smooth, a quality boot kit and fresh moly CV grease is a tidy fix.
• Use proper stainless clamps and the correct crimp tool, loose clamps are a common cause of repeat leaks.
• If the joint has play, discoloration, pitting, or any clicking on load, replace the complete shaft assembly.
• After refit, check for any grease seepage and re‑inspect after the first couple of drives.

• Good workshop practice: inspect both sides, rotate the shafts while checking, and keep solvents and pressure washers off the boots.
• While you’re there, cast an eye over diff seals and rear wheel bearings — easy wins with the car in the air.

Look after the CV boots and the Commodore’s rear end stays quiet, smooth, and ready for the next open‑road run.

Does a 2012 Holden Commodore have front CV boots?

No. The 2012 Commodore (VE Series II) is rear‑wheel drive, so its CV joints and boots are only on the rear half‑shafts. Up front you’ll find steering and suspension joints with their own dust boots, but not drive CV boots.

Can you replace just the boot, or is a full driveshaft swap better?

If the joint’s not noisy and there’s no roughness or play, a boot kit with fresh moly grease and new clamps is perfectly fine. If the joint has run dry, is clicking under load, or shows pitting, it’s more cost‑effective to replace the whole shaft.

What are the tell‑tale signs a Commodore’s rear CV boot needs attention?

Grease flung around the inner wheel or underbody, fine cracks in the boot folds, a burnt‑rubber smell near the exhaust side, or vibration and clicking on acceleration. Catch a split boot early and you’ll likely save the joint.