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PV, 120 (Amazon), 1800 General Forum for the Volvo PV, 120 and 1800 cars |
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PV 544 front shock replacementViews : 535 Replies : 5Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Apr 18th, 2018, 02:17 | #1 |
Junior Member
Last Online: Nov 14th, 2018 01:21
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
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PV 544 front shock replacement
Howdy,
I'm hoping someone can guide with installing my new front shocks. I purchased the correct Bilstein shocks from Skandix and NOS front springs from ebay. After finally getting the lower spring mounts lined up and the 4 securing bolts back in (not easy to line up), I went to install the new shock, problem is the shock won't compress enough to match up with the mounting bolts. They are very close, about 1/2 inch off. Has anyone had any experience replacing theirs? Do I need to disassemble any of the suspension to assist? I currently have the front sway bar disconnected but that shouldn't make any difference. Jacking up the lower wishbone has no effect on the distance between the mounting bolts. Thoughts? |
Apr 18th, 2018, 08:58 | #2 |
arcturus
Last Online: Yesterday 07:31
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sagres Portugal
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Replaced mine recently. never had any problem.
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Apr 18th, 2018, 09:28 | #3 |
Trader Volvo in my veins
Last Online: Today 00:23
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Anglesey
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Its because the shock is gas pressure, you just need to push it harder or drop the wishbone and jack teh wishbone up after fitting the shock
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Apr 18th, 2018, 09:45 | #4 |
marches on his stomach
Last Online: Feb 11th, 2022 03:15
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Somewhere in the Netherlands
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It might also be worth comparing the compressed length of the old shocks with the compressed length of the new (you can also see if you have the beans to actually compress the new!)
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Apr 18th, 2018, 12:45 | #5 |
Premier Member
Last Online: Yesterday 19:08
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Connecticut, USA
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cc;
Gas pressure preloaded shocks are typically expanded to their max extension when not installed and constrained... to allow assembly, carefully compress to the dimension you need and hold there temporarily with a cord (such as they have on new KYBs) or a ratchet strap, or even just carefully lever it into place if you just need that last half inch...or compress it from below with floor jack etc. ...just remember...when compressing springs or shocks or suspension mechanisms, you are storing significant amounts of energy, which if released suddenly and uncontrollably can do damage to themselves, or surroundings, including YOU if not done with great care and anticipation of where an uncontrolled/inadvertent release of that energy will take things. WORK CAREFULLY! [...if you are "accident-prone", and still insist on doing the work yourself, it might be helpful to have the wife standing by with the first-aid kit, or have 9-1... predialed.] Good Hunting! |
Apr 21st, 2018, 17:20 | #6 |
Junior Member
Last Online: Nov 14th, 2018 01:21
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
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Thanks to you all, I feel dumb, the shock just needed to be compressed.
But unlike kyb’s, they aren’t under tension so I didn’t think that was the case. |
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