Parts for your 2012 Holden Commodore-Exhaust mount

2012 Holden Commodore exhaust-mount: what it does and how to look after it

Based on the Holden VE Series II (2010–2013) service manual Exhaust System procedures and the GM Holden parts catalogue for VE/VF, the 2012 Commodore uses rubber exhaust mounts (also called hangers/insulators) throughout the system. These mounts suspend the front pipes, centre resonator and rear mufflers from the body, isolating vibration and keeping clearances correct across sedan, Sportwagon and ute variants.

The exhaust mounts on a 2012 Holden Commodore do a simple but critical job: they cradle the exhaust so it can move a little under load and heat expansion, while stopping it from banging on the underbody, crossmembers or rear bumper. When the mounts harden, crack or sag, owners often notice rattles over bumps, a thud on take-off, droning at certain revs, or tailpipes sitting unevenly in the bumper cut-outs. Left too long, a sagging system can stress welds and flanges, or melt nearby trim.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to inspect every exhaust mount from the front pipe back. Look for perishing, splits, elongated holes, stretched metal hooks and any signs the exhaust has been hitting heat shields or suspension arms. VE Series II cars typically have multiple rubber insulators around the centre section and twin hangers at each rear muffler, so check all of them. Lowered cars, vehicles used for towing and those that see gravel roads tend to wear mounts faster.

• Common signs it’s time to replace: visible cracks, sagging exhaust height, metallic knocks, exhaust touching the body, or melted bumper edges.
• Handy tips: support the exhaust with a jack and a block of wood, use silicone spray to slip rubbers off/on, and fit quality OEM-spec rubbers to keep NVH down.

Replacement is straightforward for a competent DIYer with axle stands and basic spanners, but always follow the workshop manual for safe support points and fastener torque on brackets. Swap any rusted hangers or bent brackets at the same time. After fitting, check for 10–25 mm clearance around the system, especially near the diff cradle and heat shields, and ensure tailpipes sit even and centred. Polyurethane hangers can firm things up, but they can also transmit more vibration, most road cars are best on OEM-style rubber.

Done right, fresh exhaust mounts restore that quiet, tight feel and help the Commodore’s exhaust last longer without annoying knocks or drone.

How often should the exhaust mounts be replaced on a 2012 Commodore?

There’s no fixed interval, but a quick check every service (10,000–15,000 km) is wise. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions, rubbers commonly last 5–10 years. Replace at the first signs of cracking, sagging or noise, or any time the exhaust is removed for other work.

Can polyurethane hangers be used instead of rubber?

Yes, but they’re firmer. Poly can sharpen alignment and reduce movement on performance setups, yet it often raises cabin vibration and exhaust drone. For daily-driven VE Series II cars, OEM-style rubber usually gives the best comfort and noise control.

What are the typical symptoms of a failed exhaust mount on a VE Series II?

Look for clunks over bumps, droning at steady speeds, tailpipes sitting low or off-centre, and shiny rub marks where the exhaust has touched the body or heat shields. Any of these are a cue to inspect and replace the offending mounts.