Some issues on my 2013 SV6 VF Commodore

[sonyxperiageek]

Hello everyone, I've just done a warrant of fitness (in NZ) and it's failed due to front left and right lower suspension control arm bushings have play in them. Does anyone know roughly how much it would cost to replace these in Auckland?

Secondly, they also noticed that the front and rear subframe structure has a bit of rust developing and may need attention soon. How hard is this to repair and or stop from growing bigger? Thanks.

 

[wetwork65]

Hello everyone, I've just done a warrant of fitness (in NZ) and it's failed due to front left and right lower suspension control arm bushings have play in them. Does anyone know roughly how much it would cost to replace these in Auckland?

Secondly, they also noticed that the front and rear subframe structure has a bit of rust developing and may need attention soon. How hard is this to repair and or stop from growing bigger? Thanks.

Dont know how much to do the work in Auckland - I can advise on Sydney though, since I have replaced most of the front suspension bit by bit, as I found wear that didn't fit with my OCD. The ball joints in mine were wriggly.
I noticed that good quality bushes/balljoints cost much the same as the whole arms, plus the hassle of getting them out, so I replaced the control arms complete. There are used parts on ebay but meh - they've probably been in a shunt and are worn out and munted.
There are cheap new parts on ebay but I prefered Super Pro arms (for my OCD) e.g. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/165598748401 but these guys only show delivery to Australia. Dunno what the local guys can do for you.
The changeover job takes a few ugga duggas.
If you have access to a workshop you can do more than I can in terms of changing out ball joints/bushings.

 

[shane_3800]

With the subframe, maybe see if you can get one for cheap used, then you can treat that one and get them swapped over.
I would say a good sand blast and powder coat should stop the rust.

Or you could get it acid dipped and E coated which is basically electro podwer coating if I remember correctly.

 

[Anthony121]

The sub frame would probably only have surface rust. Easy to rub off and spray some black paint over it.

 

[wetwork65]

The sub frame would probably only have surface rust. Easy to rub off and spray some black paint over it.

Oops forgot about the surface rust (hopefully that is all you have).
Best passivate with rust coverter after cleaning off what rust you can see first e.g. Ranex at Bunnings, but there are plenty of other products on the market. Done the same with mine, since I live near the coast.
Then paint. Black covers up many problems

 

[sonyxperiageek]

Thanks guys. Re the rust, the auto care guys I went to just did a bit of sanding and black paint. They also told me that Holden do a 20 year warranty on rust? So if it's bad I could just take it into Holden and they'll repair it free of charge apparently! First I've heard of it but great if it's true!

 

[RevNev]

I've just done a warrant of fitness (in NZ) and it's failed

We don't have any periodic examination requirements in SA for registered vehicles but the states who do, I'm thinking there would surely be some authorised workshops passing anything for the right fee.

 

[BlackVXGTS]

They also told me that Holden do a 20 year warranty on rust? So if it's bad I could just take it into Holden and they'll repair it free of charge apparently! First I've heard of it but great if it's true!

That sounds extremely, extremely, extremely unlikely. I doubt that Holden provided such a warranty even when they were still in business. Total BS in my opinion.

 

[Skylarking]

That sounds extremely, extremely, extremely unlikely. I doubt that Holden provided such a warranty even when they were still in business. Total BS in my opinion.

I have a vague recollection that years one manufacturers had a 10 year rust perforation guarantee but supposedly we’re picky shites. Unless there was a clear hole they’d say it’s not perforated so come back when it is, then claim you didn’t maintain it by cleaning up the fist and paint touch up.. Just can’t remember who it was.

If Holden had such a rust warranty, I’d think that these days, post factory closure and Holden demise, GM would be very difficult to get to honour such and you’d have the “it’s not perforated” then “you’ve neglected it” approach.

But as to a 20 years rust guarantee, tell ‘em he’s dreamin’

 

[sonyxperiageek]

Haha i was also extremely surprised when the service guy told me about the rust guarantee lol.

For future reference, there were quite a few arms but the ones that needed replacing for my car were the lower radius arm set. Costed $1360 nzd for both sides.