142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

Tired Shock Absorbers

Symptoms

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

Cause

Internal seals wear out, damping fluid leaks, gas charge escapes. Shocks don't last forever, 80,000 km is typical.

Fix

Bounce each corner of the car and watch the rebound, it should settle within one cycle.

If it bounces more than once, the shock is done.

Replace in pairs (both fronts, both rears).

Fit quality units, Bilstein, Koni, or Boge are all superior to cheap pattern parts.

If the car's lowered or you want a firmer ride, adjustable Konis are worth the extra cost.

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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

Steering Box Wear or Leaks

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.

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