VZ SS near end of warranty, advice please.

[ImpulSSiVZ]

Guys,
As the thread title says, I'm after advice on what I should have checked on the car for it's last Holden service.
I've got small things, split driver's side door seal.
Screws missing from the front apron/spoiler.
Busted catch on centre console.
What I would be grateful in knowing is the big things to get checked.
Has there been engine mount probs?
Water pump corrosion.
The list could go on. I'm sure there are some experianced VZ SS current or past owners that have had some probs with the car.
What re-calls were there for the car, mine's a NOV '04.
Thanks in advance of any information you can give me.

[SS_Fury]

dont know about VZ recalls, but the power steering pump seems to be an achilies heel, the power steering rack also. Ask them to check things like joints etc which are common fault areas, prob more so than mechanical.

[Vulture]

There was a recall on the airbag earth I think. There should be a sticker in the front door jamb.

[philstoj]

The more you get them to check, the more you will pay, and they charge like wounded bulls, so make sure any items you get them to fix that they are warrenty items.

As long as its been serviced regularly, all recals done, and all things changed that need to be, coolant, diff, trans/gearbox oils, you should notice if anything needs attension.

I dont trust dealerships, i like to do my own work, im more thorough.

[scoot1]

I dont trust dealerships, i like to do my own work, im more thorough.

Well if the picture in the corner is your ute, I wouldn't worry about the way they drive it!:rofl:

Seriously, I asked about some gearbox noises near the end of my warranty but wasn't too keen on their remedy at the time. If you have any weird noises, suspension clunks and that sort of thing, make sure that you can make them happen on demand, then take the workshop foreman for a drive. Do this when you book it in, then they can't say

"Sorry mate, it didn't make any noises for us. Just monitor it and let us know if it gets any worse"

Because your warranty will run out and then you'll want a VE.

[ImpulSSiVZ]

dont know about VZ recalls, but the power steering pump seems to be an achilies heel, the power steering rack also. Ask them to check things like joints etc which are common fault areas, prob more so than mechanical.

Thanks for that SS Fury, What indicates that the above is a problem?
Is there a bit of knocking noise from the rack?


There was a recall on the airbag earth I think. There should be a sticker in the front door jamb.

I'll check that, thanks.

[Millsy]

get RACQ to do one of their "warrenty" inspections done on it, then anything they find, take it to the dealer and get it fixed, even if they dont find anything, its worth it in the long run...

[ImpulSSiVZ]

There was a recall on the airbag earth I think. There should be a sticker in the front door jamb.

Found the sticker, good one Vulture.


get RACQ to do one of their "warrenty" inspections done on it, then anything they find, take it to the dealer and get it fixed, even if they dont find anything, its worth it in the long run...

Good idea, being an RACQ member I'll look into it.

One thing that I notice is that the engine goes tap tap tap all the time.
Is this normal, or could I have a sticky lifter or something else?

[VZSS350]

No major problems with mine but I do have 2 minor issues that the dealership can't seem to fix. Firstly, occasionally when you apply the brakes there is a grinding/shuddering noise & vibration coming from the front brakes. Brakes still seem to stop the car no worries. Secondly, the front passenger widow gets a squeak in it right at ear level and I find it extremely annoying :vpo:

Won't worry me soon VE GTS on the way :woohoo:

[ImpulSSiVZ]

No major problems with mine but I do have 2 minor issues that the dealership can't seem to fix. Firstly, occasionally when you apply the brakes there is a grinding/shuddering noise & vibration coming from the front brakes. Brakes still seem to stop the car no worries. Secondly, the front passenger widow gets a squeak in it right at ear level and I find it extremely annoying :vpo:

Won't worry me soon VE GTS on the way :woohoo:

I had to get the front discs machined when I bought the car, have you had this done?
VE GTS= nice. I must admit that they are growing on me.
Don't much like the VE SS, still reckon the VZ looks slicker all round.
What color are you getting? I have seen some black ones and they look mean:)

[scoot1]

Secondly, the front passenger widow gets a squeak in it right at ear level and I find it extremely annoying :vpo:



Mate, you want to get a widow that squeaks a bit less and chuck her in the back. Should be less annoying back there.

Sorry, couldn't resist that one!:rofl:

[VZSS350]

Mate, you want to get a widow that squeaks a bit less and chuck her in the back. Should be less annoying back there.

Sorry, couldn't resist that one!:rofl:

Yep, pay that one, just had to read it twice again. The better half got a good laugh out of it.

No wonder the dealership can't fix it!


I had to get the front discs machined when I bought the car, have you had this done?
VE GTS= nice. I must admit that they are growing on me.
Don't much like the VE SS, still reckon the VZ looks slicker all round.
What color are you getting? I have seen some black ones and they look mean:)

No haven't had them machined, not sure what the problem is. No steering wheel vibration just a strange shudder through the brake pedal every now and then, even when travelling at 20km/hr.

I agree, not a huge fan of the VE SS, nice car and I wouldn't say no to one, but reckon the VZ/VY are a nicer looking rig. Then again I wasn't a big fan of the VY HSV's especially the rear end. That's purly my opinion, let the flaming begin.

I've gone the Sting Red GTS finally after 3 months of constantly changing my mine. The black looks unreal but way to hard for me to keep clean (or should I say spotless). Living in the bush only multiplies the problem, dirt, dust, bugs, sh!t roads etc etc.

[ImpulSSiVZ]

Yep, pay that one, just had to read it twice again. The better half got a good laugh out of it.

No wonder the dealership can't fix it!



No haven't had them machined, not sure what the problem is. No steering wheel vibration just a strange shudder through the brake pedal every now and then, even when travelling at 20km/hr.

I agree, not a huge fan of the VE SS, nice car and I wouldn't say no to one, but reckon the VZ/VY are a nicer looking rig. Then again I wasn't a big fan of the VY HSV's especially the rear end. That's purly my opinion, let the flaming begin.

I've gone the Sting Red GTS finally after 3 months of constantly changing my mine. The black looks unreal but way to hard for me to keep clean (or should I say spotless). Living in the bush only multiplies the problem, dirt, dust, bugs, sh!t roads etc etc.

That brake prob is a strange one.
Obviously the fluid's been changed and bled properly?
Does the pedal shudder even without really pushing down on it, ie: foot resting on pedal?
I'm only guessing here, but has the ABS system been checked?
I agree totally with your comment re VY/VZ HSV's, to many straight angles on the extra body bits.
With the GTS VE, they have done the subtle things to the body as a whole to change it, without adding to much extra cladding.
Makes the car look different without being over done.
Good luck with your new car and thanks for your feedback.
ps, get your discs machined, made a world of differance to mine.

[ImpulSSiVZ]

Just bought the new GTS in black. What a dog so far and have already lost most enjoyment due to the car pulling left all the time, stereo button on the steering wheel not working, fogging in the tail lights and more than 20 something scratches in the paint work on every panel. Took the car back after only 10 days old. Its been in the shop 4 times already, had 3 wheel alignments, a balance, and 2 valets to remove scratching . I was then told that have seen this problem many times with the steering and believe it could be in the rack ,also they know about the stereo and lights. Thanks for knowing about these issues already holden and excepting my $85K.
Anyway I've told the dealer I'm not taking the car back untill its all sorted so it now lies in there garage. If they don't sort the issues quick I'll be getting my lawyer involved.

Sorry to read about your probs mate.
You must be damm disappointed.
I hope it all gets fixed to your satisfaction soon.

[Furious_Beagle]

ImpulSSiv...ask them also if there's anything they can do about the colour that your wife picked...maybe you could upgrade to White! :rofl:
Seriously though, get a full check done by independent mechanic, then raise any issues from that at your end of warranty service. The good news is: now you're out of factory warranty you can go nuts with mods!... Remember, life is short, so you need to get where you're going in a big hurry, that's why I opted for an SS-Killa like my little jet-powered shopping trolley:bow:

[ImpulSSiVZ]

ImpulSSiv...ask them also if there's anything they can do about the colour that your wife picked...maybe you could upgrade to White! :rofl:
Seriously though, get a full check done by independent mechanic, then raise any issues from that at your end of warranty service. The good news is: now you're out of factory warranty you can go nuts with mods!... Remember, life is short, so you need to get where you're going in a big hurry, that's why I opted for an SS-Killa like my little jet-powered shopping trolley:bow:

God help the internet when you finally get broadband mate.
As for the color, you and I did a direct swap of that,duh!
I'll keep my Killa Whale, they eat Bluefin tuna for brekky.