Parts for your 2013 Holden Commodore-Steering bushes

2013 Holden Commodore steering-bushes — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: steering-bushes aren’t used on the 2013 Holden Commodore, whether it’s the late VE Series II or the early VF built in 2013. Technical references show the steering rack is solid-mounted to the front subframe (K‑frame) with bolts and locating sleeves, not with replaceable rubber or polyurethane bushes. That’s by design for precision and durability.

This isn’t hearsay. The GM Holden VE/VF Service Manual sections for Front Suspension and Steering depict the rack bolting directly to the cradle without an isolating bush. The GM Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue for VE and VF lists the rack, fasteners and brackets, but no “steering rack mount bush” component. Likewise, major bushing catalogues (Nolathane and SuperPro) list rack-mount bushes for earlier Commodores (VT–VZ) but have no such listing for VE or VF. VF’s electric power steering further relies on a rigid mount for feel and control, so bushes would work against the intended steering behaviour.

Why some shops mention “steering bushes”: on older Commodores, a worn rack-mount bush was a common knock or wander culprit. On a 2013 model, similar symptoms usually come from other wear points. If there’s play, vibration, or a clunk, the usual suspects are:

• Outer and inner tie rod ends (rack ends)
• Lower control arm bushes (especially rear/hydraulic), and ball joints
• Sway bar D‑bushes and links
• Strut top mounts/bearings
• Intermediate steering shaft joints

So if a 2013 Commodore’s been diagnosed with “steering bushes”, it’s worth a second look. A proper inspection on a hoist, with the wheels unloaded, will quickly pinpoint whether the movement is in a tie rod, control arm bush, or elsewhere. After repair, a wheel alignment is essential to keep tyre wear even and the car tracking straight. Subframe bolt torque should also be checked if a knock persists after other parts test fine.

Technical sources referenced: GM Holden Service Manual for VE Series II and VF (Front Suspension and Steering sections: steering gear mounting shows direct, rigid attachment), GM Holden Electronic Parts Catalogue (VE/VF) listing no rack-mount bush, Nolathane and SuperPro application catalogues showing no steering rack mount bush for VE/VF but listings for VT–VZ.

Popular questions about 2013 Holden Commodore steering-bushes

Does a 2013 Holden Commodore have a steering rack bush?
No. On VE Series II and VF built in 2013, the rack is solid-mounted to the front subframe without a serviceable rack-mount bush. If you’re hearing a knock or feeling play, look to tie rods, control arm bushes, sway bar links, or the intermediate shaft.

What causes a steering clunk that sounds like a rack bush on a 2013 Commodore?
Most commonly, worn lower control arm rear bushes, tired tie rod ends, or loose/worn sway bar links. Strut top mounts can also creak or clunk. These are far more likely than any “rack bush” because there isn’t one on this model.

What should be serviced if there’s steering play on a 2013 Commodore?
Have a tech check inner/outer tie rods, control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar bushes/links, and the intermediate shaft. Replace any worn items, then carry out a wheel alignment. If noises remain, confirm subframe fastener torque and inspect strut tops.