SECTION C - SUSPENSION
CAUTION:
HSV vehicles are equipped w ith a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). An SRS consists of seat belt pre-
tensioners ( fitted to all front seats), an d a driver’s-side air b ag AND a passenger’s-sid e air bag and left an d
right hand side air bags. Refer to CAUTIONS, Section 12M, of the Holden VX Series Service Information
before performing any service operation on or around SRS components, the steering mechanism or wiring.
Failure to follow the CAUTIONS could result in personal injury or unnecessary SRS system repairs.
PURPOSE
The purpos e of this sect ion is to provide inform ation on the front and rear suspens ion assem blies fitted to HSV VX
models . The inf ormation is des igned to supplement the inf o rmation c ontained in the Holden VX Service Information,
and details are given where differences occur between the HSV models and standard Holden models. A series of
instruction drawings describe the design changes and indicate specific part numbers, fitting instructions and
relevant notes for vehicle servicing.
NOTE:
If specific technical data on a HSV model is not contained in this supplement, obtain data for that model from the
relevant Holden VX or WH series Ser vice Infor m ation Supplem ent. Refer ences ar e m ade throughout this s ection to
Holden Service Information, to assist in providing information for specific service operations.
CAUTION:
W hen hois ting (or j acking) HSV models, ens ure that the lifting head of the hoist lif ts on the chassis before the arm
of the hoist contacts the side-skirt
FRONT SUSPENSION
1. GENERAL
The front suspension assembly fitted to all HSV VX models is based on the Holden ‘MacPherson Strut’ design. All
HSV front s uspension s truts ar e gas pres suris ed and Luxury and Grange struts have Monroe Sensatrac. This basic
assembly (and the rear assembly) is then modified by HSV to provide a suspension system more suited to the
requirements of the HSV vehicle. That is, Performance and Sport suspension systems are fitted to sport and
performance type vehicles, and Luxury suspension systems satisfy the requirements of the luxury sedans. A
summary of these suspension systems and their Standard (S) and Optional (O) applications is contained in the
following paragraphs:
TABLE-1 - HSV SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
MODEL: SPORT PERFORMANCE LUXURY PRESTIGE
Senator Sedan O S
Senator Estate O S
ClubSport/
ClubSport R8
S
O
XU6 S O
Grange S
GTS S
2. FRONT SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
The following components are fitted to front suspension assemblies as indicated:
Sport Suspension
03C-990601 Spring - Frt Susp (Sports)
03F-000601/2 Strut Asm - Frt - RH/LH (Sports)
Luxury Suspension
03C-990601 Spring - Frt Susp(Luxury)
03F-991601/2 Strut Asm - Frt Susp - RH/LH (Luxury)
Performance Suspension
03C-000701 Spring Frt Susp (Perform)
03F-000701/2 Strut Asm Frt RH/LH (Perform)
Prestige Suspension
03C-970301 Spring - Front Suspension
03F-991301/2 Strut Asm Frt-RH/LH
3. SERVICE OPERATIONS
Service front suspension assemblies fitted to HSV models in accordance with the relevant Holden VX Series
Service Information. Additional service requirements for specific HSV suspension assemblies are detailed in
succeeding paragraphs.
CAUTION: SAFETY AND CAUTIONARY NOTE FOR VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH ABS
Whenever any component that forms a part of the ABS is disturbed, it is vital that the complete ABS system is
checked. Refer to Section 12L – ABS & ETC of the Holden VX Service Information.
The tyre life of high perform ance low-profile tyres f itted to HSV VX vehicles is very sensitive to the toe-in setting of
the front suspension. It is crucial therefore, that care is taken to set the toe-in accurately to the correct specification.
The front wheel alignment specification for VX vehicles is:
VX & WH
Toe-in Degrees Total 0°10' ± 0°10'
Degrees Per Wheel 0°05' ± 0°5'
Camber – 0°30' ± 0°20'
Caster 7°45' ± 1°15'
• The toe-in specification is deliberately quoted as an angle because wherever possible toe-in should be
measured in degrees.
WHEEL ALIGNMENT MACHINE CALIBRATION
(From Holden Service Bulletin November 1993)
Investigation of front wheel alignment complaints has revealed a number of dealers with alignment machines
incorrectly calibrated for the vehicle/s being checked. This situation arises because of two basic conventions for
measuring toe-in;
• Measured across a 14"rim as if tyre is not fitted, and
• Measured across 28" tyre. In reality, few modern tyres have a 28"outside diameter, but this standard was
developed when larger tyres were used.
The 28"s tandard is a c ar ryover fr om the days when toe-in was meas ured by jack ing the f r ont wheels of f the gr ound,
spinning them , and scribing a refer ence line on each tread. Af ter settling the vehicle down, the toe-in could then be
measured directly from the tyres with a ‘trammel bar’. However, some manufacturers specify toe-in as if the
tram mel bar was placed at the wheel rim diam eter, nominally 14" Setting toe-in using the wrong convention for the
wheel alignment machine will cause the actual toe-in to be either TWICE or HALF as much as the specification.
NOTE: IF IN DOUBT, SET TOE-IN USING DEGREES, AS THE ANGLE IS UNAFFECTED BY THE DIAMETER
OF THE WHEELS USED.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR MACHINE
Check with the m anufacturer of your equipment if unsure of which standard your machine us es to display toe-in. If
unable to establish this, or if your machine appears to be inaccurate, check the machine as follows:4
• Fit properly inflated 15"wheels and tyres to the front of a VP or VR Commodore. Jack the car, spin the
wheels and scribe a line at the m iddle of eac h tyre Set the vehicle on the alignm ent m achine and set toe-in
to 10mm (5mm per wheel).
• Measure toe-in at rear of tyres and then at front of tyres with a ‘trammel bar’. If the front distance is less
than the rear distance, you are measuring the toe-in correctly. Compare the measured toe-in to the
following table to assess your machines calibration.
MEASURED TOE-IN RESULT
7 to 11 mm Machine reads @28"
16 to 22 mm Machine reads @ 14"
OTHER CALIBRATE MACHINE
NOTE: The above figures are correct for a 205/65/15 tyre, being a 25"diameter.
INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION
1. GENERAL
Rear suspension assemblies fitted to HSV models are detailed in the Front Suspension, paragraph 1: these
assemblies have been developed to satisfy the various applications of the range of HSV models described in that
paragraph. Non level ride shock absorbers are gas pressurised, level ride are not.
2. REAR SUSPENSION COMPONENTS
The following components are fitted to rear suspension assemblies as indicated:
Sport Suspension
04B-970702 Spring - RR Susp (Sport)
04E-000601 Shock Abs - RR (Sport)
04F-971001 Bar - RR Stabiliser (Sport)
Luxury Suspension
04B-970801 Spring - RR Susp (Sedan)
04B-970201 Spring RR Susp (Estate)
04E-991601 Shock Abs - RR (Luxury Sedan) Sensatrac
04E-991801 Shock ABS-RR (Estate) Sensatrac
04F-971001 Bar RR Stabiliser
Performance Suspension
04B-970702 Spring RR Susp (Sport )
04E-000703 Shock ABS-RR (Perform)
04F-970301 Bar-RR Stabiliser(Perform)
04E-000704 Shock ABS RR (Perform, Level Ride, sedan)
04E-971003 Shock ABS RR (Perform, Level Ride, wagon)
04E-971004 Shock ABS RR (Perform, non Level Ride, wagon)
04A-990603 Rear bush, Performance suspension *
WH Grange Suspension
04B-991301 Spring Rear Suspension
04E-991301 Shock Absorber – Rear Suspension (Level Ride, Sensatrac)
04F-970301 Bar – Rear Stabiliser
* For non m ulti link vehic les fitted with Perform ance Sus pension, the firm er suspension bush 04A-990603
is fitted to the inboard side of each of the rear semi trailing arms.
Service Information For Multi Link IRS
Fitted to the VX GTS IRS is the Multi Link Suspension System. The major components of the Multi Link system
include the following :
Cross Member Asm-Rr-Multi Link 04A-990710
Control Arm-Multi Link 04A-990701
Bush-Multi Link 04A-990706
The multi link cross member is unique to the standard cross member in that it has four brackets welded onto it to
support the f r ont of the c ontrol ar m. Eac h multi link r ear s emi trailing has the multi link bush pus hed into the inboard
side which is voided to allow for side movement and also a tapered hole drilled at the lower part of the arm for
mounting of the rear of the control arm. The control arm links connect from the semi trailing arm to the rear cross
mem ber, thes e links give s upport to the semi tr ailing arm and reduce s uspension toe change during cor nering and
increased vehicle load. T he multi link control arm is also adjustable in length and alter s the rear toe. It is im portant
that vehicles fitted with Multi Link are wheel aligned using a four wheel aligner, this ensures that the front and rear
geometry’s are tracking in line.
Refer below f or the recomm ended wheel alignm ent settings . T hese settings are at cur b weight, which is the vehicle
in a condition of full fluids, full fuel, no people or luggage.
Rear Toe : 0 ± 1mm (0°± 0º10mins)
Camber : -1°30mins to -2°30mins
Torque Settings : 65 ± 5Nm
2.1 REAR SUSPENSION - LUXURY
(Incorporating Automatic Level Ride)
2.1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Automatic Level Ride is fitted as standard to Senator, Senator Signature, Grange and is optional on other m odels.
Automa tic Level Ride is an elec tronic ally controlled self levelling s ystem that maintains the vehicle at a cons tant trim
height, independent of load. This feature uses a specifically designed electronic sensor, fixed to the rear cross
member on the right hand side (see Figure C-1), which controls an electric motor driving a single cylinder air
com pr es sor , and an ex haus t air solenoid valve. T he c ompr ess or s upplies the nec es sa ry pressure to oper ate the Air
Shock Absorbers via "snap on" air lines. The Air Shock Absorbers assist the rear springs in supporting the vehicle
body under all loads.
The sensor has an integrated electronic controller that is programmed to adjust ride height only when necessary,
ignoring sudden changes, as experienced on bumpy roads. The design of the system maintains trim at all times
provided the battery is connected. As a safeguard to prevent the battery being flattened, an electronic timer
switches off the compressor if it runs for a prolonged period (i.e. due to an air leak in the system).
The compressor assembly includes a maximum pressure release valve and an air drier. All air entering or
exhausting the system flows through the dryer, which has an internal m inimum pressure retention valve preventing
the Air Bag, surrounding each Shock Absorber, from completely exhausting independent of the sensor controlled
exhaust valve.
A number of benefits result from the level ride feature. These include headlamp aim and rear view mirror
adjustm ent being m aintained independent of load, as well as ens uring the rear wheel cam ber and toe-in are held at
the optimum positions to minimise tyre wear. An additional major benefit is obtained from supplementary design
changes that can be made to spring and damper rates for improved ride quality at all loading conditions with
minimum compromise to handling. These changes are possible since the suspension does not have to be
sufficiently stiff to absorb road impacts, while supporting maximum vehicle load.
Electrical power to operate the Level Ride system is supplied by a separate harness except the Senator Signature
model which uses the main integrated wiring harness and a short ‘patch harness.’
2.1.2 SYSTEM OPERATION
2.1.2.1 Activation
The sensor's actuating arm is attached to the lower control arm via a connecting link (See Figure C-1). Before
any ac tivation can occur the ac tuating arm must remain in either the intake or ex haust zone for a continuous 17
to 20 seconds.
The time delay prevents the compressor or exhaust valve from activating when the vehicle encounters sudden
bumps. Another stability feature is a designed "Deadband". The Deadband helps to minimise hunting by
deactivating the com pres sor and s olenoid when the vehicle trim s into or onto one of the Deadband edges. Refer
to Figure C-2 for details on rear suspension trim heights and Deadband.
2.1.2.2 Loaded Vehicle
When the vehicle is loaded, the vehicle body moves downward into the intake zone, causing the actuating arm to
move upwards. After 17 to 20 seconds, the sensor relieves compressor head pressure by briefly activating the
compressor relay. The compressor starts and pressurises the air shock absorbers until the vehicle body aligns
with the bottom edge of the Deadband, at which point the compressor stops.
2.1.2.3 Unloaded Vehicle
When the vehicle is unloaded, the vehicle body moves upward into the exhaus t zone, causing the actuating arm
to move downwards. After 17 to 20 seconds, the sensor activates the exhaust relay. The exhaust solenoid
activates and vents pres sure fr om the air shock absorbers until the vehicle body aligns with the top edge of the
Deadband, at which point the solenoid deactivates.
2.1.2.4 Deactivation
The compres sor and ex haust solenoid operations are monitored and c ontrolled by individual but inter connected
timers. The timers deactivate specific trimming operations under the following conditions:
a. If the compressor runs for a cumulative time of more than four-and-a-half minutes, the compressor timer
deactivates all system operations.
b. If the exhaust solenoid is active for a cumulative time of more than four-and-a-half minutes, the solenoid
timer deactivates the solenoid.
NOTE:
The sensor tim er s m ust be r eset bef ore any further operation can tak e plac e. The VX system is reset af ter eac h
ignition cycle ON, OFF for one minute, ON.
2.1.3 MAINTENANCE
2.1.3.1 Service
CAUTION: DO NOT LOWER CAR WITH EMPTY SHOCK ABSORBER AIR BAGS AS DAMAGE MAY
RESULT.
This system is designed to r un with the minim um of m aintenance. At every service the following components
should be checked:
a. Air Lines: Inspect lines and replace if sleeving or line is worn. Refer Section 2.1.5.1 for service
instructions.
b. Harness Ties: Check harness ties and replace if broken or loose, refer Figure C-1 and Figure C-3.
c. Compressor Mounts. Check compressor mounts and replace if broken. Check security of mounts.
d. Air Filter. Inspect and replace air filter if contaminated or at the 30,000km, 70,000km and subsequent
40,000km service intervals, whichever comes first. Follow instructions in Section 2.1.5.2.1 for
replacement details.
NOTE:
The Air Filter is the only regular service item.
2.1.3.2 Contents of Automatic Level Ride System
VX LEVEL RIDE SYSTEM
PART NO DESCRIPTION
04E-970807 HEIGHT SENSOR-ASM
04E-970802 BRACKET HEIGHT SENSOR
70B-050001 NUT NYLOC
73A-082088 BOLT (HT SNSR BRKT TO XMBR)
70G-080002 NUTSERT
04E-970803 BRACKET BALL STUD
04E-970809 LINK HEIGHT SENSOR SED, LUX 70mm
04E-971002 LINK HEIGHT SENSOR WAG, LUX 77mm
04E-211917 COMPRESSOR
04E-970805 BRACKET COMP TO BODY
73A-053088 BOLT (COMPRESSOR TO BRKT)
72H-970801 BOLT (COMP BRKT TO BODY)
04E-211913 T PIECE
04E-211914 AIR FILTER
75C-180501 CABLE TIE
04E-970806 AIRLINE ASM-COMP TO SHOCK ABSORBER
12H2970801 LEVEL RIDE PATCH HARNESS
12H2970803 LEVEL RIDE UNDERBODY
2.1.4 COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY - SERVICE
The c ompres so r as s embly is located above the left hand rear ax le shaft and below the floor pan. The VX system
is secured to a compressor bracket which then mounts to the chassis subframe. The general arrangement for
VX Compressor Assembly is shown in Figure C-3.
2.1.4.1 Removal
Remove the air filter , rem ove the three s crews sec uring the com pr essor to the com pres sor m ounting brac k et
and remove compressor assembly.
2.1.5 AIR LINE AND AIR FILTER - SERVICE
2.1.5.1 Air Line
Removal:
Disconnect snap-on air lines by rotating each clip 90° and gently pulling the line free. Cut or unclip air line ties.
Installation:
Reverse the above proc edure tak ing care not to k ink lines when installing to s hock absor ber. Ensur e air lines do
not contact sheetmetal raw edges.
NOTE:
ENSURE THAT AIR LINE TIES ARE CORRECTLY POSITIONED AND THAT AIR LINES ARE SECURE.
2.1.5.2 Air Filter
Removal:
Remove compressor assembly as per instructions Section 2.1.4 - Comp ressor Assembly Service. Unclip filter
from compressor isolation bracket and twist free from air hose.
Installation:
Secure new filter to bracket and connect hose. Refer Figure C-3 for correct filter location.
2.1.6 SHOCK ABSORBER - SERVICE
The shock absorbers are serviced as per the standard Holden rear shock absorbers. Refer to the relevant Holden
Service Information.
CAUTION:
Do not lower car with empty air bags as damage may result. Whenever the system is unpressurised or when the
vehicle rear sits obviously high after lowering from an on-hoist operation (suggesting shock absorber air bags may
be pinched or jammed), immediately raise vehicle, disconnect sensor connecting link, push sensor arm above
horizontal for 17 to 20 seconds, and run compressor for about 30 seconds to inflate shock absorbers. Reconnect
sensor connecting link and lower vehicle. Driving the vehicle with pinched or jammed shock absorber air bags will
irrepairably damage the shock absorber
2.1.7 HEIGHT SENSOR - SERVICE
The height sensor assem bly is bolted to the rear crossm ember on the right hand side as illustrated in Figure C-1.
The sensor bracket specification is critical and essential that the bracket is not bent or distorted. Read the
installation procedure carefully before fixing the bracket to the crossmember.
2.1.7.1. Removal:
a. Unclip or cut c able ties as appr opriate which s uppor t sens or harnes s to the height sens or bracket. Separate
the harness from the sensor gently squeezing and pulling away the connector retainer. Refer Figure C-1.
b. Remove height sensor link by unclipping link end cover and gently prying from sensor arm.
Refer Figure C-1 for link details.
c. Support sensor while removing sensor bracket bolt (73A-082088). Refer Figure C-1.
2.1.7.2 Installation:
Before proceeding any further, check that the sensor bracket is within specification as detailed in
Section 2.1.10 Lev el Ride Specification s. Reverse the above procedur e, taking care not to bend or distort the
bracket. Ensure link clip is refastened otherwise, system failure may occur.
2.1.8 RELAY CONTROL MODULE - SERVICE
VX relays are incorporated in the Relay Box in the driver’s-side lower dash panel.
2.1.9 DIAGNOSTICS
2.1.9.1 General
The following procedures are guides that can help to determine the probable cause of an Automatic Levelling
System problem.
It is important that the reader is familiar with Section 2.1.2 - System Operation, in order to accurately identify
the problem.
Test Equipment Required
1. DC Voltmeter and Ohmmeter(> 20 megohm/ v).
2. Jumper leads required for short circuit (cct.) tests.
2.1.10 LEVEL RIDE SPECIFICATIONS
The rear suspension height specifications are shown on Figure C-2.
To achieve this specification note the following:
1. The vehicle must be at kerb weight, see Figure C-2.
2. The internal angle of the Height Sensor Bracket is 80 degrees.
X
3. SERVICE OPERATIONS
Service Operations and Service Intervals for HSV Rear Suspension assem blies are the sam e as those detailed
in the relevant Holden VX Service Information except when detailed otherwise in this supplement.
The Height Sensor Link part number and length for each Level Ride application is as follows:
04E-970809 (VX SEDAN & WH Grange - 70mm)
04E-971002 (VX ESTATE - 77mm)
For rear wheel alignment specification, refer to Section 4A Rear Suspension – Early Production Trailing Arms or
Section 4A Rear Suspension. For trim height specifications refer to Figure C-2.
Wiring connections for the VX system are shown in Section 12N – Fuses, Relays and Wiring Harnesses or
Section 12P – Wiring Diagrams.
4. DIAGNOSTICS
4.1 PROCEDURES
The following procedur es are guides that c an help determine the c ause of problem s with the level ride system. It is
important that the user of these procedures has a working knowledge of the level ride system.
4. 2 PRELIMINARY DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE
Step Action Value Yes No
1. Does vehicle trim? Go to Step 2 Go to Step 3
2. Does vehicle trim to correct height? Refer to
Figure C-2
Specifications
System OK Check all rear
suspension
components for
wear and
damage, paying
particular
attention to the
height sensor
mounting and
bracket
3. Does vehicle lower after specified time when vehicle is
unloaded? 20 seconds Go to Step 4 Go to Chart, 4.3
COMPRESSOR
ASM TEST
(SOLENOID
TEST)
4. Does vehicle rise after specified time when vehicle is
loaded? 20 seconds System OK Go to chart 4.4
COMPRESSOR
ASM TEST
(MOTOR TEST)
4.3 COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY TEST (SOLENOID TEST)
Step Action Value Yes No
1. • Has a system reset been carried out by cycling
ignition, refer 2.1.9 DIAGNOSTICS in this Section? Go to Step 2 Carry out
system reset
and re-check
system
2. • Is fuse 8 OK (25 amp fuse .) ?
• Is fuse 6 OK ( 10 amp fuse in fuse panel) ?
• Is fuse 15 OK (10 amp fuse in fuse panel) ?
Go to Step 3 Replace blown
fuse/s, check
wiring for
cause of
fuse/s blowing
and re-check
system
3. • Disconnect the wi ring harness at the level ride sensor
• Turn ignition ON
• Short circuit pin 2 (white wire) to pin 4 (Black wire) in
the level ride sensor connector (connector YR47)
• Listen for clicking of the solenoid valve and the air
escaping from the system, or check for voltage
between pin A & C at the compressor harness
connector (connector YR46).
• Is there a clicking sound from solenoid valve,
escaping air from the system or voltage at the
compressor harness connector between pin A
(Orange/Black) wire & C (white wire)?
Compressor asm
solenoid OK,
proceed to Chart
4.5 HEIGHT
SENSOR TEST
(SOLENOID
OPERATION) in
this Section
Go to Step 4
4. • Check system wiring for continuity
• Is wiring OK? Replace
compressor
assembly refer
2.1.4
COMPRESSOR
Assembly -
Service
Test system
with other
harnesses-
replace as
necessary.
4.4 COMPRESSOR ASSEMBLY TEST (COMPRESSOR MOTOR TEST)
Step Action Value Yes No
1. • Has a system reset been carried out by cycling
ignition, refer 2.1.2.4 Deactivation Note in this
Section?
Go to Step 2 Carry out
system reset
and re-check
system
2. • Is fuse 8 OK (25 amp fuse.) ?
• Is fuse 6 OK ( 10 amp fuse in fuse panel) ?
• Is fuse 15 OK (10 amp fuse in fuse panel) ?
Go to Step 3 Replace blown
fuse/s, check
wiring for
cause of
fuse/s blowing
and re-check
system
3. • Disconnect the wi ring harness at the level ride sensor
• Turn ignition ON
• Short circuit pin 3 (yellow wire) to pin 4 (Black wire) in
the level ride sensor connector (connector YR47)
• Listen for compressor motor running, or check for
voltage between pin B (Green wire) & D (Black wire)
at the compressor harness connector (connector
YR46).
• Does the compressor motor run or is there a voltage
at the compressor harness connector between pin B
& D?
Compressor
motor OK,
proceed to Chart
4.6 HEIGHT
SENSOR TEST
COMPRESSOR
OPERATION in
this Section
Go to Step 4
4. • Check system wiring for continuity
• Is wiring OK? Replace
compressor
assembly refer
2.1.4
Compressor
Assembly -
Service
Replace patch
harness and
re-check
system
4.5 HEIGHT SENSOR TEST (SOLENOID OPERATION)
Step Action Value Yes No
1. • Has a system reset been carried out by cycling
ignition, refer 2.1.2.4 Deactivation? Go to Step 2 Carry out
system reset
and re-check
system
2. • Disconnect height sensor link, refer 2.1.7 Height
Sensor- Service, in this Section
• Turn ignition ON
• Lower height sensor arm 45° and wait 20
seconds
• Listen for clicking of the solenoid valve and the
air escaping from the system, or check for
voltage between pin A (White wire) & C
(Orange/Black wire) at the compressor harness
connector (connector YR46)
• Is there a clicking sound from solenoid valve,
escaping air from the system or voltage at the
compressor harness connector between pin A &
C?
12 volts
System OK.
(re-check
system for
correct
operation if
necessary )
Go to Step 3
3. • Check system wiring for continuity
• Is wiring OK? Replace
height sensor
assembly refer
2.1.7 HEIGHT
SENSOR-
Service, in this
Section and
re-check
system
Replace patch
harness and
re-check
system
4.6 HEIGHT SENSOR TEST (COMPRESSOR OPERATION)
Step Action Value Yes No
1. • Has a system reset been carried out by cycling
ignition, refer 2.1.2.4 Deactivation- Note in this
section?
Go to Step 2 Carry out
system reset
and recheck
system
2. • Disconnect height sensor link, refer 2.1.7 HEIGHT
SENSOR- Service, in this Section
• Turn ignition ON
• Raise height sensor arm 45° and wait 20 seconds
• Listen for compressor motor running of check for
voltage between pin B (Green wire) & D (Black wire)
at the compressor harness connector (connector
YR46)
• Does the compressor motor run or is there a voltage
at the compressor harness connector between pin B
& D?
12 volts Go to Step 3 Go to Step 5
3 • The compressor motor may be operating but the
compressor may have failed
• Run the motor for two minutes and check the shock
absorber air bags are being pressurised
• Are air bags being pressurised?
System OK (re-
check system
for correct
operation if
necessary)
Go to Step 4
4. • Check air compressor filter for blockage, refer 2.1.5.2
AIR FILTER, in this Section
• Is filter OK?
Replace
compressor
assembly and
re-check
system
Replace filter
and re-check
system
5. • Check system wiring for continuity.
• Is wiring OK? Replace height
sensor
assembly refer
2.1.7 HEIGHT
SENSOR, in
this Section and
re-check
system
Replace
harness and re-
check system
REAR AXLE
1. GENERAL
HSV VX models are equipped with either a Limited Slip Differential or Hydratrak ( a specifically designed Viscous
coupling type limited slip differential).
• Manual transmission LS1 vehicles final drive ratio is 3.73:1 and the differential (Part No.92082622) can be
identified by Broadcast Code ET.
• Manual trans mission VX GT S vehicles f inal drive ratio is 3.91:1 and the diff erential (Part No. 92089748) can be
identified by Broadcast Code CK.
• Automatic transmission vehicles final drive ratio is 3.07:1 and the differential (Part No. 9205342) can be
identified by Broadcast Code EH.
2. SERVICE OPERATIONS
The differential oil must be changed at 45,000 km intervals. Use synthetic hypoid gear oil to HN2040 such as
‘Mobilube SHC 80W-140 ID’.
The viscous coupling cartridge assembly is a sealed unit and must be replaced as a complete assembly if required.
General service operations are the same as those described in the Holden VS series Service Information however,
to determine if the Hydratrak coupling cartridge is faulty, undertake the following torque check. The Hydratrak rear
axle assembly is covered by the current Axle Warranty Changeover agreement between GMHAL and Spicer
Axle Australia (refer GMHA Dealer Bulletins).
TORQUE CHECK
i. Place transmission in neutral with engine turned 'OFF'.
ii. Jack up one rear wheel, then release park brake lever to fully 'OFF' position. Support vehicle body on a safety
stand.
iii. Remove centre cap (alloy wheels).
iv. Mark relationship of road wheel to axle flange. Remove road wheel attaching nuts and remove wheel.
v. Remove calliper attaching bolts and remove calliper from mounting, refer Section 5 BRAKES in the Holden
Commodore Service Information No. 2. Support caliper on a wire hook. Remove brake disc.
CAUTION: DO NOT ALLOW CALIPER TO HANG BY BRAKE HOSE.
vi. Using a torque wrench in c onjunction with adaptor , Tool No. 4A48, and torque wrench adaptor E6662B, rotate
axle shaft in forward direction. If the unit is operating satisfactorily, a torque reading of 35 Nm should be
obtained whilst turning the axle shaft at 20 rpm (e.g. one third of a turn per second).
If a torque reading of less than 25 Nm or more than 80 Nm (@ 20 rpm ) is obtained, remove differential case
and inspect the differential components and repair or replace as necessary.
However, if the Hydratrak Coupling cartridge unit is faulty it will require replacement with a new Coupling unit,
as it is a sealed, non-serviceable fluid filled component.
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO REPAIR OR WELD THE COUPLING UNIT.
vii. Install brake disc and calliper. Tighten calliper attaching bolts to the correct torque specification.
Caliper Attaching Bolt
Torque Specification 55- 70
Nm
viii. Install road wheel.
NOTE:
When installing the wheel, align the marks made prior to removal.
ix. Remove safety stand and lower vehicle.
x. Tighten road wheel attaching nuts to the correct torque specification.
Road Wheel Attaching Nut
Torque Specification 110-140
Nm
xi. Refit wheel cover/centre cap.
LIMITED SLIP DIFFERENTIAL - PRECAUTIONS
(From Holden Commodore VS Series Service Information)
(Volume Number 2)
CAUTION:
When ser vicing a vehicle fitted with a Lim ited Slip Diff erential (inc luding Hydratrack type), never run the engine with
the transm ission in gear and one wheel rais ed. The driving f orce to the wheel on the ground may cause the vehicle
to move.
NOTE:
'On Car' type wheel balancers are not recommended for use on the rear wheels of cars equipped with a Limited Slip
Differential. One rear wheel will drive if in contact with the ground when the opposite wheel is raised. This type of
balancer may be used by removing the wheel opposite to the one being balanced with the vehicle raised and
supported on safety stands. (Refit wheel nuts, reversed, to retain brake disc).
PROPELLER SHAFT AND UNIVERSAL JOINTS
1. GENERAL
The HSV VX GTS m anual vehicle is equipped with a specific ally balanced version of the standard GMHA propeller
shaft. This is to reduce driveline dis turbances at higher propeller shaft speeds due to the high num erical f inal drive
ratio.
Part number for this shaft is 04A4990701.
All other HSV models use standard GMHA propeller and drive shafts.
