V70R Rear Suspension question

[sdg1970]

The rear shocks on my newly acquired R were semi-seized and in need of changing. I got a standard set of V70 shocks with the car on purchase, and I later checked that these were compatible. As I wasn't planning on hard cornering, I decided to get my mechanic friend to fit them rather than buying a more expensive pair. The end result is this:

Now should a standard 1997 R (FWD) be that low at the rear, or are standard V70 shocks the wrong ones!?! The fitter said the ones that came off were the same, but seized..

[classicswede]

You will need to change the rear springs to match the shocks

[sdg1970]

Originally Posted by classicswede

You will need to change the rear springs to match the shocks

In other words, there are lowered coil springs fitted??

[sdg1970]

A quick comparison to my 2.4T reveals much more compressed coil springs - so defo gonna fit standard ones.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by sdg1970

The rear shocks on my newly acquired R were semi-seized and in need of changing. I got a standard set of V70 shocks with the car on purchase, and I later checked that these were compatible. As I wasn't planning on hard cornering, I decided to get my mechanic friend to fit them rather than buying a more expensive pair. The end result is this:

Now should a standard 1997 R (FWD) be that low at the rear, or are standard V70 shocks the wrong ones!?! The fitter said the ones that came off were the same, but seized..

Most unusual for two rear dampers to have the same fault at the same time . I suspect your car had Nivomat self leveling dampers , they are fatter than standard ones with a convoluted belows around the rod .
These work with soft rear springs .
Standard dampers are thinner and work with stronger springs ..
If your height has lowered since you changed dampers and the dampers look visually similar i reckon those old dampers were not seized , but welded up to support the car ! which could have been very dangerous .

If you plan to change the rear dampers to something non standard you should inform the insurance company , they wont be up to controlling the rear end of a 150 mph motor car .

[sdg1970]

This is what the springs look like currently:

[sdg1970]

Originally Posted by Clan

Most unusual for two rear dampers to have the same fault at the same time . I suspect your car had Nivomat self leveling dampers , they are fatter than standard ones with a convoluted belows around the rod .
These work with soft rear springs .
Standard dampers are thinner and work with stronger springs ..
If your height has lowered since you changed dampers and the dampers look visually similar i reckon those old dampers were not seized , but welded up to support the car ! which could have been very dangerous .

If you plan to change the rear dampers to something non standard you should inform the insurance company , they wont be up to controlling the rear end of a 150 mph motor car .

What does a T5 have as standard??

[Clan]

Originally Posted by sdg1970

This is what the springs look like currently:

when you fit the proper Nivomat dampers with those they pump up to the correct height ..... default is low , the dampers help support the load . Normal dampers do nothing to support load .

[sdg1970]

Originally Posted by Clan

when you fit the proper Nivomat dampers with those they pump up to the correct height ..... default is low , the dampers help support the load . Normal dampers do nothing to support load .

Im not convinced a FWD R rear suspension is any different to a T5 as yet. I understand AWD's had Nivo's, but await correction.

[Clan]

Originally Posted by sdg1970

Im not convinced a FWD R rear suspension is any different to a T5 as yet. I understand AWD's had Nivo's, but await correction.

there are a multitude of variations with springs and dampers used , Your chassis type plate designates exactly what is fitted at the factory , it comprises of 7 letters and numbers ... something like 12F41X8