Parts for your 2017 Holden Commodore-Control arms

2017 Holden Commodore Control Arms – What They Do and When to Replace Them

Control arms are absolutely used on the 2017 Holden Commodore (VF Series II). Technical sources describing the VF platform’s chassis note a dual lower control arm MacPherson strut front end (often called a virtual pivot setup) and an independent rear multi-link arrangement that includes control arms. This layout is detailed in Holden/GM service information for VF Series II (GMSi) and widely covered in workshop literature such as the Haynes Holden Commodore VE–VF manual (2006–2017), which outlines front lower arms, tension links, ball joints and bushes, plus the rear multi-link control arms. GM Holden’s engineering briefs on the Zeta/VF chassis also describe the dual lower ball-joint MacPherson front and multi-link rear geometry.

On a 2017 Commodore, the control arms are the key links between the body and the wheel hubs, guiding the wheels through bump, cornering and braking. Up front, the dual lower-arm MacPherson setup sharpens steering feel and keeps camber stable as the car loads up in a turn. Out back, the multi-link design (with its own control arms) keeps the rear tyres planted and the ride nicely settled, whether it’s a city commute or a cross-country run.

Each arm pivots on bushes and ball joints so the wheel can move without transferring nasty vibration into the cabin. Over time, the rubber bushes can crack or soften, and ball joints can develop play. That’s when the car might start knocking over bumps, wander under braking, shimmy through the steering, or scrub tyres.

As part of regular servicing, it’s smart to have the control arms and their bushes/ball joints inspected every service interval (or about every 10,000–15,000 km). Look for split dust boots, leaking or torn bushes (some are fluid-filled), corrosion on arms, and any free play. If replacement’s needed, many owners choose complete arm assemblies for a quicker, cleaner fix, though quality press-in bushes and separate ball joints are available for some positions.

Handy tips for the VF crew:

• Replace arms or bushes in axle pairs where practical to keep handling even.
• Torque bush bolts at normal ride height to avoid preloading the rubber.
• Always get a four-wheel alignment after arm or bush work to reset camber/caster/toe.
• Use new fasteners if specified by the service info, and recheck torque after a short shakedown.

Treated well, quality arms and bushes can last many years, but rough roads, big potholes, track days or heavy towing will shorten their life. Catching wear early saves tyres, tightens the steering and keeps the Commodore feeling the way Holden intended.

Popular questions about 2017 Holden Commodore control arms

How often should control-arm bushes be replaced?
There isn’t a fixed kilometre limit because bush life depends on driving conditions. Many VF owners see 80,000–150,000 km from front bushes, but rough roads, speed humps and load can bring that forward. The best rule is to inspect at every service and act when cracks, fluid seepage (for fluid-filled bushes) or excessive movement shows up.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing control arms?
Yes. Any change to arms, bushes or ball joints can alter camber, caster and toe. A four-wheel alignment right after the job prevents uneven tyre wear and restores that planted Commodore feel.

Can I replace just the bushes, or do I need whole arms?
Both routes are common. Press-in bushes can be cost-effective if the arm itself is fine, while complete arms save time and ensure fresh ball joints and bushings in one hit. Go with quality parts and follow the correct torque-at-ride-height procedure either way.