Suspension: XC90 Rear Shock Replacement

[PsYcHe]

Hi,

I have a 55-plate with a leaky shock at the back, which obviously needs replaced. Are they all the same shocks (or how do I tell.. I think the part number sticker is still on one of them)? And how difficult a job is it?

Just checking before I blunder in as I've read a few posts concerning 'standard' shocks and Nivomat shocks.

[BestGear]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Hi,

I have a 55-plate with a leaky shock at the back, which obviously needs replaced. Are they all the same shocks (or how do I tell.. I think the part number sticker is still on one of them)? And how difficult a job is it?

Just checking before I blunder in as I've read a few posts concerning 'standard' shocks and Nivomat shocks.

Hi

All UK xc90s have self leveling rear suspension, ie nivomat.

Its best to replace like for like, but if you do take the cheap route with standard (non leveling) rear shocks that you need to change the rear springs too, as they are significantly different too.

The rear nivomat shocks are very expensive, and there are no alternative self leveling options around.

At least they are very easy to fit!

David

[ianu]

Thanks David - what would be a typical price for the nivomats ? Do I need to sell an organ ? :'( Mine are probably due a change too.

[PsYcHe]

I'll maybe give my local indy a shout, see just how much.

Taggarts gave me a price of 700 quid, I was assuming that was a pair, but given that they wanted 70 quid for a rear wiper, I don't have much faith in their pricing!

[400-ascona]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

I'll maybe give my local indy a shout, see just how much.

Taggarts gave me a price of 700 quid, I was assuming that was a pair, but given that they wanted 70 quid for a rear wiper, I don't have much faith in their pricing!

You can buy a conversion kit from Volvo which is designed to convert non nivomat to nivomat. I think its about £450 to £500 and includes shocks, springs and all bolts etc for both sides. Obviously on a car already fitted with nivomat the kit can still be used.

There is a post on here somewhere about the kit and its part number.

Rob

[searider]

Here you go:

http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showth...ht=nivomat+kit

[aland]

I've just replaced the (self levelling) rear shocks on my 2008 XC90 with 135,000 miles on it.
One side was noisy going over bumps and didn't feel right. A look underneath found oil around the rear suspension on that side.

Info for anyone doing this job...

GSF car parts (wrongly) said that standard shocks would fit.

The correct item from Volvo is part number 30683451. I was quoted £402.50 + VAT each.
The kit (intended to convert standard cars to self-levelling) is part number 8685627 and cost £426 + VAT. It includes: 2x shocks, 2x springs and new nuts & bolts for all.

I just fitted the 2x shocks, didn't see the point in replacing the springs.

Car is now fine, much smoother.

The hardest part is turning the nuts at the top of the shocks while preventing the shock shaft from turning. Access is terrible from inside the car, under the 3rd row seat bases.

I ended up grinding flats on an 18mm socket, so I could grip it with mole grips (and hold it still), while turning the shock shaft with a T40 torx bit in a ratchet.
A deep 18mm socket would have been better, but I didn't have a long enough T40 torx bit to turn the shaft with (down through the square drive hole in the top of the socket).
This is where the proper Volvo would really help.
If I was doing it again I'd sacrifice the socket and weld it to a cranked handle around the top - would be much easier then.

Now I have one good used shock, going on ebay unless anyone here wants it for a cheap repair to their car?

[TheScrew1972]

Assumed your '90 was a 2005 D5 and had a look on the monroe website which shows this price (albeit out of stock)

Mike

XC90 Shocks.pdf

[GJB]

Originally Posted by aland

I've just replaced the (self levelling) rear shocks on my 2008 XC90 with 135,000 miles on it.
One side was noisy going over bumps and didn't feel right. A look underneath found oil around the rear suspension on that side.

Info for anyone doing this job...

GSF car parts (wrongly) said that standard shocks would fit.

The correct item from Volvo is part number 30683451. I was quoted £402.50 + VAT each.
The kit (intended to convert standard cars to self-levelling) is part number 8685627 and cost £426 + VAT. It includes: 2x shocks, 2x springs and new nuts & bolts for all.

I just fitted the 2x shocks, didn't see the point in replacing the springs.

Car is now fine, much smoother.
The hardest part is turning the nuts at the top of the shocks while preventing the shock shaft from turning. Access is terrible from inside the car, under the 3rd row seat bases.

I ended up grinding flats on an 18mm socket, so I could grip it with mole grips (and hold it still), while turning the shock shaft with a T40 torx bit in a ratchet.
A deep 18mm socket would have been better, but I didn't have a long enough T40 torx bit to turn the shaft with (down through the square drive hole in the top of the socket).
This is where the proper Volvo would really help.
If I was doing it again I'd sacrifice the socket and weld it to a cranked handle around the top - would be much easier then.

Now I have one good used shock, going on ebay unless anyone here wants it for a cheap repair to their car?

Think you will find the springs with standard shocks are much heavier duty so be careful.

[aland]

Originally Posted by TheScrew1972

Assumed your '90 was a 2005 D5 and had a look on the monroe website which shows this price (albeit out of stock)

Mike

Attachment 62976

Car is a 2008 D5 185.
Not sure if those are self-levelling?