Commodore (VB-VL)

1978-1988 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VB-VL) problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Power Steering Rack Leak

Symptoms

Power steering fluid on the ground, heavy steering at low speeds, whining noise from the power steering pump.

Cause

The steering rack seals wear with age. The rack boots fill with power steering fluid, check by squeezing the boots. If they're firm and oily, the rack is leaking.

Fix

Replace or rebuild the steering rack.

A reconditioned rack is $300-600 exchange.

A new aftermarket rack is $400-800.

Replacement takes 2-4 hours.

Cost mentioned in fix

$300-600$400-800

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// More Commodore (VB-VL) problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Front Suspension Wear (All Models)

Clunking over bumps, vague steering, wandering on the highway, uneven tyre wear.

Common Suspension and Steering

Rear Axle Bearing Noise

Humming or whining noise from the rear that changes with speed but not with steering input. May also develop a clunk on deceleration.

Minor Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Worn Valve Stem Seals

Blue smoke on startup that clears after 30 seconds to a minute. May also smoke briefly on deceleration after sustained highway driving.

Common Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Carburettor Issues (VB-VH)

Hard starting, rough idle, flat spots on acceleration, flooding, poor fuel economy, black smoke.

Critical Engine, Holden Six (3.3L / 202ci)

Oil Leaks (All Holden Six and V8)

Oil on the garage floor, oil smell, oil coating on the underside of the engine.

Critical Engine, Holden V8 (253/308)

Overheating in Traffic

Temperature gauge climbs into the red zone in slow traffic or on hot days. May push coolant out the overflow.

View all 21 Commodore (VB-VL) problems