Parts for your 2017 Holden Commodore-Wheel bearings

2017 Holden Commodore wheel-bearings — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources including the Holden VF Series II Service Manual and GM Genuine/ACDelco parts catalogues confirm that the 2017 Holden Commodore (VF) uses sealed wheel hub and bearing assemblies. Front hubs are a bolt-on, unitised design, rear bearings are sealed and integrated with the hub or pressed into the carrier depending on variant. So yes, wheel-bearings are absolutely used and are a key service item on this model.

On a 2017 Commodore, wheel-bearings let the wheels spin smoothly with minimal friction while carrying the car’s weight. They also help keep the wheel running true so tyres wear evenly and the ABS/ESC systems read speed accurately via encoder rings built into many hub units. Because they’re sealed, they’re not a grease-and-go job — when a bearing wears out, the fix is replacement of the hub/bearing assembly (front) or the bearing/hub at the rear.

Owners typically notice a tired bearing as a humming or growling that rises with road speed and may change when the car is loaded up in a corner. Steering shake, uneven tyre wear, ABS warnings, or heat around the hub after a drive can also point to a crook bearing. A quick driveway check is to raise the wheel safely and rock it at 12 and 6 o’clock, any noticeable play isn’t normal.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to listen for noise on test drives, check for play and roughness with the wheels off the ground, and inspect for grease leakage or heat discolouration. With the Commodore’s sealed design, there’s no periodic repacking — it’s all about inspection and timely replacement.

When replacing, go for quality hub/bearing assemblies and follow factory procedures. On the front, the hub bolts to the knuckle, on the rear (driven) side, the axle shaft and a high-torque fastener are involved, so new hardware and correct torque/angle are important. Avoid hammering on the hub, clean the mating surfaces, and recheck torque after the first short drive if specified. After any bearing or hub work, a road test and, if needed, a wheel alignment check will help protect tyres and keep the Commodore tracking straight.

• Common symptoms: speed-related hum, play at the wheel, ABS light, irregular tyre wear.
• Service tip: sealed units aren’t serviceable — replace at the first sign of noise or looseness.

How long do wheel-bearings last on a 2017 Commodore?

Many see well over 120,000–200,000 km, but life varies with road conditions, wheel impacts, tyre size, and load. Bigger wheels and potholes are hard on bearings. If there’s any noise or play, don’t wait it out — replace the affected side promptly.

What are the signs of a failing wheel-bearings on a VF Commodore?

A steady hum or growl that gets louder with speed, a change in noise when turning, warmth at the hub after a drive, ABS/ESC warnings, or roughness and play when the wheel is spun and rocked with the car safely raised.

Can the wheel-bearings be serviced, or do they need full replacement?

They’re sealed, unitised bearings, so there’s no repacking or adjustment. The correct remedy is replacement of the hub/bearing assembly (front) or the sealed bearing/hub at the rear, following factory torque specs and procedures.