Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV

1988-2006 / Sedan / Estate / Australia

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems All workshop problems

Common Brakes

Rear Caliper Seizure (VT-VZ with IRS)

Symptoms

The car pulls to one side under braking. One rear wheel is noticeably hotter than the other after driving. Rear brake pads wear unevenly. Fuel economy drops. In severe cases, a burning smell from the affected wheel.

Cause

The rear calipers on VT-VZ IRS models use a sliding caliper design with guide pins that corrode and seize if not lubricated. The handbrake mechanism integrated into the rear caliper can also bind. Australian conditions (dust, occasional water crossings) accelerate corrosion.

Fix

Remove the caliper, clean and regrease the slide pins with high-temperature brake grease.

Free the handbrake mechanism.

If the piston is seized, the caliper needs reconditioning or replacement.

Parts: $100-200 per caliper (reconditioned exchange).

Include new pads and rotor if wear is uneven.

Prevent recurrence by servicing the slide pins every 12 months.

Cost mentioned in fix

$100-200 per caliper

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Other known issues

Critical Brakes

Brake Booster Failure (VN-VS)

Hard brake pedal, significantly increased stopping distances. The pedal feels like pushing against a brick wall. May be accompanied by a hissing sound from the engine bay.

Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Intake Manifold Gasket Leak

Coolant leak at the junction of the intake manifold and cylinder heads. May present as coolant loss without a visible external leak (coolant enters the intake ports), or as a coolant stain on the side of the engine. Engine may run rough or misfire if coolant enters the combustion chamber.

Critical Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Harmonic Balancer Failure (Ecotec, VS onwards)

A wobbling pulley on the front of the crankshaft. Knocking or rattling noise from the front of the engine. The drive belt may track poorly or come off.

Common Engine, V6 (Buick/Ecotec 3.8L, VN-VY)

Supercharger Bypass Valve Failure (L67 supercharged V6)

Loss of boost, rattling from the supercharger, reduced performance. The supercharger may make a whining noise that changes with the valve's operation.

Critical Engine, V6 (Alloytec 3.6L, VZ)

Timing Chain and Guide Failure

Rattling noise on cold start that may persist after warm-up. Check engine light with codes related to camshaft timing. Rough idle, misfiring, loss of power. In severe cases, the engine won't start or runs extremely poorly.

Critical Engine, V6 (Alloytec 3.6L, VZ)

Oil Leaks from Timing Cover

Oil weeping or dripping from the front of the engine, behind the harmonic balancer area.

All Commodore (VN-VZ) / HSV problems