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Parts for your 2016 Holden Commodore-Control arms
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2016 Holden Commodore control-arms: what they do and when to service them
Control-arms are absolutely fitted to the 2016 Holden Commodore (VF Series II). Technical documentation including the Holden VF Commodore Workshop/Service Manual (MY14–MY17, GM Holden) identifies a MacPherson strut front suspension with a lower control arm, and an independent multi-link rear suspension using upper control arms and toe/lateral links. The GM Global Electronic Parts Catalogue for VF also lists front lower control arm assemblies and rear upper control arms for 2016 models, while Gregory’s Manual for VE/VF covers control-arm and bush replacement procedures. So, control-arms are relevant to this model and form a key part of its suspension geometry.
On the 2016 Commodore, the control-arms locate each wheel precisely, keeping alignment true as the suspension moves. The arms pivot on bushes to absorb vibration and noise, while integrated ball joints allow smooth steering and vertical movement. That means stable camber and caster angles for sharp turn-in, better braking stability, and even tyre wear—exactly what owners expect from a big Aussie sedan or wagon.
They’re not a routine “replace by date” item, but they do wear. Local roads, larger wheels, and the odd kerb strike can accelerate bush and ball joint wear. During regular servicing, it’s smart to have a technician inspect the control-arms and bushes for cracks, perishing, torn boots, leaking hydro-bush fluid, or bent arms, and check for play in ball joints. A quick road test for clunks over bumps, vibration under braking, tramlining, or uneven inner-edge tyre wear can point straight at tired bushes or joints.
- Service tip: if a control-arm or bush is replaced, torque the pivot bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the bush.
- Use new one-time-use (torque-to-yield) bolts and nuts where specified by the Holden/GM service manual.
- Always carry out a full wheel alignment after control-arm or bush work to reset camber and toe.
- Consider quality OEM-equivalent arms or reputable bush kits, polyurethane can sharpen response but may add a bit of NVH.
- Replacing in axle pairs helps keep braking and steering feel consistent left-to-right.
Owners aiming to keep their VF tight and confidence-inspiring should have control-arms and bushes checked every service or roughly every 10–15,000 km, especially if there’s any new noise, steering wander, or uneven tyre wear. Done right, fresh control-arms restore that planted Commodore feel.
Popular questions about 2016 Holden Commodore control-arms
How can someone tell the control-arm bushes are worn on a VF?
Typical signs include clunks over speed humps, steering shimmy under braking, vague turn-in, and inner-edge tyre wear. A visual check may show cracked or oil-soaked (leaking hydro-bush) rubber, or a split ball joint boot. A workshop can lever-test the arms to confirm excess play and pinpoint which bush or joint is the culprit.
Is a wheel alignment needed after control-arm replacement?
Yes. Changing a control-arm or even just the bushes alters the static position of the knuckle and the way the arm sits at ride height. A proper alignment resets camber and toe to factory spec, protecting tyres and restoring straight-line stability and steering feel.
How long do VF control-arm bushes typically last?
It varies with driving and road conditions, wheel and tyre size, and load. Many see 80–150,000 km, but harsh roads, big wheels, and frequent heavy braking can bring that forward. Regular inspections will catch wear early before it chews out tyres or affects safety.
