2003 V70 - New Rear Springs
 

This is a follow up question to one I posted earlier this month. Having found that the rear shocks I need to replace are Nivomats, I have purchased a set of new shocks and Springs (Sachs and Lesjfors). Replacing the shocks is quite easy, but as I have seen mentioned a few times on the forum, replacing the rear Springs is not so easy. I have searched the forum, but cant find a post that discusses changing these on a P2. There are videos and guides on the web for the P1 and P3 cars but none that I can find for the P2. Even SiRobb hasn't done his yet!

Looking at the procedure in VIDA, it would be fairly easy to do, if I had the right Spring compressors. The one I used for the front struts are not wide enough to grip the Spring.

I may end up having to take this to a garage to get them done, but before I do, has anyone here actually done this one their drive, and what spring compressors did you use?

I hate to give up on something like this, but I dont want to injure myself doing it. Even the Haynes Manual said that they could find no safe way of doing these, and suggested taking the car to Volvo, who have the hydraulic spring compressors.

thanks

I've used this spring compressor from Sealey a couple of times on P2 V70 rear springs. It works well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-AK38...%2C238&sr=8-18


The only issue is it is too long. That is overcome by using an appropriate spacer tube between the washer and the bottom clamp.


There is a technique which I've used to do this job by lowering the wishbone arm but I've struggled getting everything lined up again using that method.

Thanks for the response. Knowing that you have actually done this has given me a bit more confidence to give it a go.

From memory, can you remember approximately what length of tube spacer you needed to go with it.

many thanks

Internal spring compressor.
 

I can confirm that you need an internal spring compressor for this job. The one in the Amazon link is perfect.
I have done this job. Not very difficult, but I hate working with springs... Took me a couple of hours if I remember well.

I just measured the tube (it's still on the compressor). It's 170mm. It's not critical so a bit shorter would be fine I think.

It needs to be pretty stout tube and able to take the force being applied obviously. My tube is 3mm wall steel.

One other point to note if you are changing to new springs. Because you are effectively shortening the length of the tool with the tube, then there isn't enough length left to fully uncompress the spring when you remove it from the car.

What I did was uncompress as far as the tool allows, then used another standard externally fitted spring compressor to hold the spring at that point while the internal compressor is removed. Hope that makes sense.

Excellent info thanks. I have the internal compressor on order and will now look for some appropriate steel tubing of the correct length. Also just tried my existing compressors on the "outside" of the Springs and they fit fine.
Should be able to have a go this coming weekend.
Thankyou both (b1mcp and bkulcsar) for the feedback.

Well, thanks to the helpful feed back from Forum members, I got the rear Springs and Shock absorbers changed on my V70. Little bit fiddly getting the compressed spring in an out, but managed it in the end.

It feels good having done it myself, and saved around £150 in labour costs to have the parts fitted for me.

I have the old NIVOMATS and Springs off the vehicle now (see photo).

The reason I changed them was a comment on the last MOT about the bush on the bottom perishing. Its only on one, the other is OK, and from the looks of it the bottom bush can be taken off and swapped. There are no oil leaks from the shocks and the car was riding fine. Its probably been a bit of a waste of time and money changing them, but hey ho, thats water under the bridge now.

Having originally looked for replacement NIVOMATS on the web, it seems these things attract a premium price. Not sure why anyone would want fit these old things, but just in case - these are FREE to anyone who would like to come and collect them. I live in Bishops Stortford. PM me if you would like them.
If I get no takers in the next week or so, Ill send them to shock absorbers heaven. I'll post them on the sales section as well.

Hi MWMan
How do the new shocks/springs feel to your old ones when they are good,
Dave

Hi Dave

I originally fitted the new shocks to the old Nivomat Springs, and it was obvious that the car was sitting lower than before. When I fitted the new shocks along with standard springs, the car is sitting slightly higher than it was with the Nivomats in place.

As for ride, to be honest I cannot tell the difference. The Nivomats were in good shape, other than some perishing of the rubber bush. However, this is with car unloaded. Once I get to filling the rear space up with a decent weight, it will interesting to see how it sits then.

I have attached a photo showing the Sealey AK3842 spring compressor that I used following a recommendation from b1mcp on the forum. I played around with the spacer length to see what would work best and at 110mm, I could compress the spring sufficiently to remove and refit it; and also be able to release the tension without having to use additional spring compressors to help.

Hi Thanks for the info,
it should help other users that want to do the same thing,
Thanks Dave