Parts for your 2016 Holden Commodore-Universal joints

2016 Holden Commodore universal joints — are they actually used?

Short answer: no — the 2016 Holden Commodore (VF Series II) doesn’t run traditional cross-type universal joints in its tailshaft. Factory documentation lists a two-piece propeller shaft that uses front and rear flexible couplings (giubos), a centre support bearing, and a rear constant-velocity (CV) joint. That layout appears across VF sedans, wagons and utes. Technical sources that spell this out include the Holden/GM VF Commodore Service Manual (Driveline/Propeller Shaft — Description and Operation) and GM Global Service Information (VF II), which describe the couplings, CV joint and centre bearing with no universal-joint service parts. This is echoed by the GM Electronic Parts Catalogue (VF tailshaft assemblies list flex discs, centre bearing and a CV joint), and driveline supplier catalogues (e.g., Hardy Spicer/Spicer Australia) that offer VF/VE flex discs, centre bearings and CV joints, but no U-joint kits for VF.

Why no universal joints? Holden engineered the VF driveline for better refinement and durability. The rubber flex couplings act as torsional dampers to cut driveline shunt and vibration, while the CV joint handles angular change and plunge more smoothly than a uni. That combo suits the VF’s chassis geometry (particularly with independent rear suspension on sedans/wagons) and helps keep NVH down at highway speeds. It also lets the factory use sealed components that need less regular attention than greaseable unis.

So if someone’s chasing “universal-joint” service on a 2016 Commodore, what they actually want is a health check of the tailshaft couplings, centre bearing and rear CV. Typical tell-tales include a clunk on take-off or shift, a droning or buzzing vibration under load, or visible cracks/delamination in the rubber doughnuts. When replacing couplings, use quality parts, align the arrows/orientation marks, torque the hardware correctly, and renew any stretch bolts. If the tailshaft’s removed, mark its orientation for balance, and set the centre bearing pre-load as per the workshop manual. A tired centre bearing or CV joint should be replaced before it takes out a coupling — and it’s good practice to inspect both couplings together, as wear at one end often shows up at the other.

• Key service items on VF: front and rear flex couplings (giubos), centre support bearing, rear CV joint.
• Common symptoms: clunks on throttle changes, vibration at certain speeds, perished or cracked rubber couplings.

Popular questions

Does a 2016 Holden Commodore have universal joints?
No. The VF Series II tailshaft uses front and rear flexible couplings (giubos), a centre support bearing, and a rear CV joint — no greaseable cross-type universal joints are fitted from factory. That’s how Holden controlled NVH and driveline shunt on these cars.

What should be serviced instead of universal joints on a VF Commodore?
Inspect and, if needed, replace the flex couplings, centre bearing and rear CV joint. Look for cracking or delamination of the rubber, excessive play, or vibration/clunks on take-off. Use correct torque specs and alignment marks when refitting, and check tailshaft balance/orientation.

Can universal joints be retrofitted to a 2016 Commodore tailshaft?
It’s not recommended. Converting to unis can introduce vibration, alignment issues and compliance headaches. The smarter fix is to rebuild the tailshaft with quality OEM-style couplings, a fresh centre bearing and CV joint, which keeps the car’s refinement and durability intact.