V50 Shocks

[theRsole]

In the process of getting the front wishbones and rear bushes done, I have three leaking shock absorbers…
Is there an uprated shock I could put on that would be a good bit stiffer? but not bone rattling?
Don't really want to lower it as the roads here are horrific, but would like something that would give me a bit of firmness for cornering! I find it a bit sloppy at the moment - hopefully the new bushes will help a bit there too
(it's a 55 plate 1.8 if it makes any difference)

[Guru]

Bilstein B6 sport shocks :thumbs_up:

Front left: 35-110736
Front right: 35-110743
Rear: 24-196529

[theRsole]

sounds good (and expensive!)
what's the rough fitting time for these? Don't have access to a garage anymore so need to pay for stuff to get done!

[Guru]

Can't comment on that as I do my own work, but a garage with an impact gun and a set of retracters should have the whole car done front and rear in less than 4 hours.

a cheaper alternative would be Bilstein B4 which are similar to OEM regarding stiffness and handling specs.
Or SACHS
fronts> 313 667 + 313 665.
rear> 313 669

KYB is also a fairly good option..

Search for shocks under Ford Forcus II, Focus C-Max 04-07 .. you may find them cheaper not having to pay the Volvo premium.

[theRsole]

cool, I was wondering if it would be worth upgrading or just replacing the springs at the same time? a total overhaul would be nice, guess springs aren't too ridiculous price wise!

[cheshired5]

I did my shocks on the drive and it took me 5 hours but that's having never done anything like that before. I also changed droplinks and track rod ends.
You say you want stiffer but unless you've had the car from new, you could find that just having a new set firms things up regardless.
I thought I wanted uprated but it turned out that my old shocks were offering nothing as they were so bad.
Once my new Meyle's went on, the car drove like new. £86 well spent.

[theRsole]

true enough, i'm sure a new standard set would be a bit better than it is at the moment, I'll see what the price difference is like on it!
just always looking to see if there can be small improvements when things are needing done...

[cheshired5]

just always looking to see if there can be small improvements when things are needing done...

That's my philosophy too and the dismantling of struts isn't something you want to be doing too often if it can be avoided.
Not especially difficult but it is time consuming and using spring compressors isn't for the faint hearted.:)

[theRsole]

Guru - can you double check the part numbers for those if possible, just before I order them...
24-113823 is the rear one that comes up on the website I plan to order from...
cheers

[850Chris]

Bilstein B4's are what your after (B6 a bit OTT if you're not wanting to lower etc...). Try Parts For Volvo - they do a good deal on a set of 4.

[theRsole]

Gives me options tho!
;)

[Guru]

Guru - can you double check the part numbers for those if possible, just before I order them...
24-113823 is the rear one that comes up on the website I plan to order from...
cheers

24-113823 has been superseded by 24-196529 but some shops still use the previous part number .. I wouldn't worry, both numbers refer to the same item :thumbs_up:

HERE (http://web1.carparts-cat.com/default.aspx?11=18&14=4&10=28B40C77274A43818C4E3791F833ECAC018004&12=100) you can check for yourself through the Bilstein Online Catalogue.

[theRsole]

I thought that was the case, one of the searches I did suggested that it was a superseded item! Will get them ordered up tomorrow

cheers:thumbs_up:

[Guru]

How much will you be paying for a set of B6 if I may ask? I believe they will drop the car a few mm even on stock springs.

... and don't you mind their yellow colour? :D

[theRsole]

They came in at £500 quid for the set, cheapest I could find, the official site was 40quid more and delivery was more too