142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Steering Box Wear or Leaks

Symptoms

Excessive play at the steering wheel (more than 1" of movement before the wheels turn), wandering on straight roads, groaning or stiffness when turning, hydraulic fluid leaking from the box.

Cause

Worn internal gears, tired seals, incorrect adjustment, low power steering fluid, contaminated fluid.

Fix

Check fluid level and condition (should be clear, not brown or burnt-smelling).

Top up with ATF Dexron III.

Adjust the steering box pre-load (screw on top of the box), tighten until play is removed but steering isn't stiff.

If leaking, rebuild kits are available but it's a fiddly job.

Replacement boxes are common at breakers.

While you're under there, check the steering column UJs for wear, they're a common source of clunking.

Know something we don't?

Owned a Volvo 142 / 144 / 145? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update

// More 142 / 144 / 145 problems

Other known issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Worn Front Suspension Bushings (Control Arms, Anti-Roll Bar)

Clunking over bumps, steering wander, imprecise turn-in, excessive tyre wear, steering wheel off-centre after cornering.

Common Suspension and Steering

Tired Shock Absorbers

Wallowing over bumps, nose-diving under braking, excessive body roll in corners, bouncing after hitting a bump (more than one oscillation).

Common Engine

Oil Leaks from Front and Rear Crankshaft Seals

Persistent weeping or pooling of oil beneath the engine, especially at the front timing cover or rear main seal area. You'll see oil misting onto the bellhousing or dripping from the sump.

Common Engine

Worn Valve Guides and Oil Consumption

Blue smoke on startup or deceleration, fouled spark plugs, rising oil consumption between changes (more than half a litre per 1,000 km).

Common Engine

Carburettor Issues (SU or Zenith-Stromberg)

Rough idle, hesitation, stalling when cold, flat spots under acceleration, poor fuel economy, black exhaust smoke.

Critical Engine

Worn Timing Chain or Belt Tensioner

Rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, especially on startup or idle. Loss of power, poor running, or misfires if timing has jumped.

View all 21 142 / 144 / 145 problems