Suspension Page C - 1
Page C - 1
Section C
Suspension
ATTENTION
HSV vehicles are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). An SRS consists of seat belt pre-
tensioners (fitted to all front seats), a driver’s-side air bag , a passenger’s-side air bag and left and right hand
side air bags. Refer to CAUTIONS, Section 12M, of the Holden V2 Coupe 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.
1 Purpose...................................................................................................................................................2
2 Front Suspension...................................................................................................................................3
2.1 General Information............................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Front Suspension Components............................................................................................................................ 4
Performance Suspension...................................................................................................................................... 4
Touring Suspension..............................................................................................................................................4
Adjustable Performance Suspension................................................................................................................... 4
Steering Rack (GTS Only) ..................................................................................................................................... 4
2.3 Service Operations ................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.4 Service Intervals..................................................................................................................................................... 6
3 Independent Rear Suspension .............................................................................................................7
3.1 General Information............................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Rear Suspension Components............................................................................................................................. 8
Performance Suspension...................................................................................................................................... 8
Touring Suspension..............................................................................................................................................8
Adjustable Performance Suspension................................................................................................................... 8
Rear Suspension Geometry.................................................................................................................................. 8
4 Ohlins Suspension.................................................................................................................................9
4.1 General Information............................................................................................................................................... 9
4.2 Servicing/Inspection and Maintenance.............................................................................................................. 10
Inspection Points:................................................................................................................................................ 10
5 Rear Axle...............................................................................................................................................14
5.1 General Information............................................................................................................................................. 14
GTO & LE Coupe.................................................................................................................................................. 14
GTS Coupe ........................................................................................................................................................... 14
5.2 Service Operations .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Limited Slip Differential....................................................................................................................................... 15
Suspension Page C - 2
Page C - 2
1 Purpose
The purpose of this section is to provide information on the front and rear suspension assemblies fitted to HSV Coupe
Series 3 models. The information is designed to supplement the information contained in the Holden V2 Coupe Series
Service Manuals, 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 Coupe Series 2
Service Information Supplement. References are
made throughout this section to Holden Service
Information, to assist in providing information for
specific service operations.
When hoisting (or jacking) HSV models,
ensure that the liftin g head of the hoist lifts on
the chassis before the arm of the hoist
contacts the side-skirt
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Page C - 3
2 Front Suspension
2.1 General Information
The front suspension assembly fitted to HSV Coupe Series 3 model is based on the Holden ‘MacPherson Strut’ design.
This basic assembly (front and rear) is then modified by HSV to provide a suspension system more suited to the
requirements of the HSV vehicle. All GTO and LE Coupe Series 3 struts have Monroe Sensatrac. The GTS Coupe
Series 3 has a HSV specification steering rack for improved steering response and also now has Adjustable Performance
Suspension.
TABLE-1
HSV SUSPENSION SYSTEMS
MODEL: PERFORMANCE TOURING APS
GTO S
LE S
GTS S
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2.2 Front Suspension Components
The following components are fitted to front suspension assemblies as indicated:
Performance Suspension
03C-020601 Spring - Front Suspension
03F-030701 Strut Asm Frt - LH
03F-030702 Strut Asm Frt - RH
Touring Suspension
03C-020601 Spring - Front Suspension
03F-030601 Strut Asm Frt - LH
03F-030602 Strut Asm Frt - RH
Adjustable Performance Suspension
03C-020601 Spring – Front Suspension
03F-030705 Strut Asm. Front – LH – Adjustable
03F-030706 Strut Asm. Front – RH – Adjustable
03A-040703 Top Plate – Outer
03A-040704 Ring - Retaining
11A-030701 Brace – Front Strut
Steering Rack (GTS Only)
09A-030701 Steering Rack
Suspension Page C - 5
Page C - 5
2.3 Service Operations
Service front suspension assemblies fitted to HSV models in accordance with the relevant Holden V2 Series 3 Service
Information. Additional service requirements for specific HSV suspension assemblies are detailed in succeeding
paragraphs.
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 V2
Series 3 Service Information.
The tyre life of high performance low-profile tyres fitted to HSV Coupe Series 3 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 HSV Coupe Series 3 vehicles is:
Camber -0°30' ± 0°10'
Caster 7°45' ± 1°15'
Degrees Total 0°10' ± 0°10'
Toe-in Degrees Per Wheel 0°05' ± 0°5'
The toe-in specification is deliberately quoted as an angle because wherever possible toe-in should be measured in
degrees.
Suspension Height measurements in mm. Kerb Weight = Base Weight + full tank of fuel.
622 +/- 5 622 +/- 5
622 +/- 5
617 +/- 5
605 +/- 5 605 +/- 5
18”x8” 19”x8” 19”x8”
LE COUPE GTS COUPE
GTO COUPE
VEHICLE SUSPENSION HEIGHT AT KERB WEIGHT
MODEL
WHEEL SIZE
FRONT
REAR
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Page C - 8
3.2 Rear Suspension Components
The following components are fitted to rear suspension:
Performance Suspension
04E-021201 Shock Absorber – Rear
04F-971001 Bar – Rear Stabiliser (15 mm)
Touring Suspension
04B-970702 Spring Rear Suspension
04E-030601 Shock Absorber – Rear
04F-010503 Bar – Rear Stabiliser (14 mm)
Adjustable Performance Suspension
04E-030704 Shock Absorber - Rear
NOTE
Performance rear spring is a carry-over from the
Holden V2 Coupe Series 1 model.
Rear Suspension Geometry
Rear suspension geometry should be set within the limits specified:
Toe Degrees per wheel 0o00’ to 0o15’
Variation side-to-side 0o10’ maximum.
Positive degrees indicates toe in.
Conditions for vehicle set-up are as specified for Holden Coupe Series 3 models. For HSV height information for the
Coupe Series 3, refer to the diagram on page 5
Suspension Page C - 9
Page C - 9
4 Ohlins Suspension
ATTENTION
HSV vehicles are equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). An SRS consists of seat belt pre-
tensioners (fitted to all front seats), a driver’s-side air bag , a passenger’s-side air bag and left and right hand
side air bags. Refer to CAUTIONS, Section 12M Occupant Protection System in the MY 2004 VY 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.
4.1 General Information
The purpose of this supplement is to provide information on the new Ohlins Adjustable Performance Suspension fitted
standard to VYII GTS Sedan and Coupe
The Ohlins system consists of oil filled front struts and rear shock absorbers that have adjustable bump and rebound
settings. Adjustment is carried out via knobs fitted to each shock absorber assembly. Removal and replacement of
the front strut and rear shock absorber is similar to the Holden suspension systems with the exception of front strut hoses
and canisters which are mounted on the front strut brace in the engine bay. Refer to instruction drawings
04I-040006 sht1, 04I-040006 sht2 and 04I-040007.
The front mounting is a unique adaptation of the Monroe front strut with a HSV designed and developed upper mounting
system.
The rear dampers utilize the standard top and bottom shocker mounts. However as these units are fitted with external
gas canisters, the front canisters are supported on the strut brace in the engine bay. The rear canisters are a “piggy
back” unit and are affixed to the shocker.
The adjustment knobs are located on the remote canister units. These knobs can be turned by hand clockwise to
increase damping force, or anti-clockwise to decrease damping force.
When movement of the vehicle occurs, fluid flows through the apertures and shims, underneath and above the piston
(depending on whether a compression or a rebound movement has occurred) .The fluid that has been displaced by the
volume of the rod is forced into the external fluid reservoir. The separating piston between the oil and the gas has been
displaced and gas pressure increases. The result of the increased gas pressure against the rod and the oil flow through
the apertures in the shims provide the resistance to movement or damping. Gas is also used to help alleviate cavitation in
the oil.
Suspension Page C - 10
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4.2 Servicing/Inspection and Maintenance
Clean the shock absorbers externally with a soft detergent. Lift the dust cover and use compressed air. Be careful that all
dirt and debris is removed. Lift the bump rubber and clean the area below. Keep the shock absorbers clean and always
spray them with lubricant (CRC 5-56, WD 40 or similar).
Inspection Points
1.Check brackets or bushes for possible excessive play.
2. Check the piston shaft for leakage or damage.
3. Check the shock absorber body for external damage.
4. Check the dust cover for damage.
5. Check the spring condition.
6. Check for excessive wear of rubber components and dust covers.
7. Check fastening points to vehicle.
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5 Rear Axle
5.1 General Information
The HSV Coupe Series 3 model is equipped with a Limited Slip Differential.
GTO & LE Coupe
• Automatic transmission LS1 vehicles’ final drive ratio is 3.07:1
• Manual transmission LS1 vehicles’ final drive ration is 3.73:1
GTS Coupe
• Automatic transmission 300 kw vehicles’ final drive ratio is 3.46:1
• Manual transmission 300 kw vehicles’ final drive ration is 3.91:1
Suspension Page C - 15
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5.2 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’.
Limited Slip Differential
When servicing a vehicle fitted with a Limited
Slip Differential never run the engine with the
transmission in gear and one wheel raised.
The driving force 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).