Skip to content
MOTRS

Torana (LJ-LX) / GTR / SLR / A9X

1972-1979 / Coupe / Sedan / Hatchback / Australia

All Torana (LJ-LX) / GTR / SLR / A9X problems All workshop issues
Common Suspension

Worn Rear Trailing Arm Bushings

Symptoms

Clunking from the rear under acceleration and braking. Rear axle wanders. The car feels loose and imprecise through corners.

Cause

The rubber bushings in the rear trailing arms deteriorate over time. The trailing arms locate the rear axle laterally and longitudinally, when the bushings wear, the axle can move under load.

Fix

Replace the trailing arm bushings.

Polyurethane replacements (Nolathane, SuperPro) are recommended, they last longer than rubber and provide more precise axle location, though they transmit slightly more road noise.

Budget $150-300 for a complete set.

Cost mentioned in fix
Budget $150-300 for a

Know something we don't?

Owned a Holden Torana (LJ-LX) / GTR / SLR / A9X? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update
// More Torana (LJ-LX) / GTR / SLR / A9X problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension

Front Strut Mount Failure (LH/LX)

Clunking over bumps, particularly at the front. Steering feels vague. Noise when turning the steering wheel at low speed.
Common Suspension

Rear Coil Spring Sag

The rear of the car sits lower than it should. May bottom out over bumps. Uneven stance when viewed from the side.
Common Engine, Holden Six (173ci / 202ci)

Worn Bearings and Low Oil Pressure

Oil pressure drops below 25 psi at idle when hot. Knocking from the bottom end under load.
Common Engine, Holden Six (173ci / 202ci)

Triple Carburettor Synchronisation (XU-1)

Rough idle, uneven running, flat spots, poor throttle response. The engine feels rough and unbalanced.
Minor Engine, Holden Six (173ci / 202ci)

Valve Stem Seal Deterioration

Blue smoke on startup that clears within a minute. May also smoke briefly on deceleration.
Critical Engine, Holden V8 (253ci / 308ci)

Overheating in the Compact Engine Bay

Temperature gauge climbs in traffic or under sustained load. May push coolant out the overflow. Engine pings (detonation) under acceleration.
View all 19 Torana (LJ-LX) / GTR / SLR / A9X problems