Generally what’s the most likely cause of tear siting low

[2011dandd]

Hi guys as the title suggests.....
What is the most likely cause for the rear of my 240 estate sitting very low even without load?
I have read that rear trailing arm bushes could be likely. But do the springs start to loose there spring?

Cheers

[Dippydog]

Yes springs can get "tired" are you sure they're not broken?By all means check bushes etc.

[Clifford Pope]

Some models were fitted with Nivomat shock absorbers. These pump themselves up when the car is in motion, but obviously if they have failed then the rear stays low. The springs are deliberately softer, relying on the shock absorbers for ride height.

[2011dandd]

Thanks Clifford
So a very expensive fix for originals.
I have receipts to suggest that the rear shocks have been replaced with after market items. So perhaps I’ll get some stiffer springs and some of those hockey puk things

[heckflosse]

Have a look at ClaasicSwedes uprated rear springs if you want to carry a load in the back-we have some on our 245 and they have transformed it. soggy nivos? no thanks.
I have no connection other than as a happy customer by the way!
Jim

[eternal optimist]

Originally Posted by 2011dandd

Hi guys as the title suggests.....
What is the most likely cause for the rear of my 240 estate sitting very low even without load?
I have read that rear trailing arm bushes could be likely. But do the springs start to loose there spring?

Cheers

The most likely reason for low ride height is springs.
If it’s been like it since you had it, a PO might have swapped Nivomats for regular dampers and not changed the springs.

Or you could have regular springs that have got tired with age, or have broken springs.

If you don’t tow or regularly carry half a ton of cement in the boot, a pair of regular springs will do.

[2011dandd]

Originally Posted by heckflosse

Have a look at ClaasicSwedes uprated rear springs if you want to carry a load in the back-we have some on our 245 and they have transformed it. soggy nivos? no thanks.
I have no connection other than as a happy customer by the way!
Jim

I saw your glowing review on the site Jim

[2011dandd]

Originally Posted by eternal optimist

The most likely reason for low ride height is springs.
If it’s been like it since you had it, a PO might have swapped Nivomats for regular dampers and not changed the springs.

Or you could have regular springs that have got tired with age, or have broken springs.

If you don’t tow or regularly carry half a ton of cement in the boot, a pair of regular springs will do.

Cheers



I’m going to change trailing arm bushes whilst I’m at it to I reckon.
Cheers

[Richard240]

Reading this thread I fear I've had my shock absorbers replaced incorrectly and feeling pretty stupid about it...

Last year I had fitted two pairs of new Bilstein B4 shock absorbers from Autodoc to the front and rear because of an MOT failure. He fitted the B4s and we have had a saggy backside ever since. I carry heavy loads regularly and at night get other drivers flashing their lights at me assuming I'm on full beam!

The mechanic (not a Volvo expert) noted the old rear shocks were much chunkier, and I suspect now may have been self levelling ones. I have attached a picture of the old shock absorber. Does anyone recognise this? Might it be a Nivomat?

What are my options to fix the sag (picture attached of the saggy car yesterday loaded heavily with nine 70 litre sacks of bark chippings and my father in law in the rear seat)?
1. Stick with the weak shocks and upgrade the rear springs. If so, to what?
2. Find some Nivomats and switch the shocks back to more what they were like?
3. Get different shocks?

My priority is making sure the car drives comfortably and safely, no need for a big upgrade or changing it's ride height from standard. But I'm enduring a big downgrade at the moment.

Thanks for any thoughts.

Richard

[eternal optimist]

Yes, that looks like a Nivomat unit. They’re not just a damper, there’s also a spring inside it. It you use a standard damper with the same spring you used with the Nivomat, the rear will definitely sag.

Your choices are as follows
Find a pair of good Nivomats (not that easy to find good secondhand units, and likely to be expensive) or
Fit a new pair of regular springs. (Standard, or heavy duty)

A quick search shows these https://www.rendcarparts.com/parts-f...927/RD9131927S