142 / 144 / 145

1966-1974 / Sedan / Estate / Sweden

All 142 / 144 / 145 problems All workshop issues

Common Suspension and Steering

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

Symptoms

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

Cause

The rubber bushings in the lower control arms, anti-roll bar mounts, and upper spring seats perish and split. Road salt and heat accelerate decay.

Fix

Jack the front end, inspect all bushings visually and by levering with a bar.

Replace any that are split, cracked, or allow excessive movement.

Polyurethane bushings are available and last longer but transmit more road noise.

Use a press or large vice to fit new bushings, heat the arm to ease installation.

Torque all bolts with the suspension at ride height to avoid pre-loading the bushings.

Get a four-wheel alignment afterward.

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Other known issues

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 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