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850 / S70 & V70 '96-'99 / C70 '97-'05 General Forum for the 850 and P80-platform 70-series models

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850 self levelling suspension

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Old Oct 14th, 2002, 21:31   #1
TomW
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Default 850 self levelling suspension

I hav a 96 2.5 litre automatic. Phoned Volvo today as the rear end of the estate is so low. I asked them which springs and shocks they reccomend as I dont want to replace with self levelling. They confused me by asking if car was fitted with standard, sports or dynamic self levelling gear as it may make a difference to what I need. Of course I did not know. I offered them the chassis no. but still they said they wanted to see car first.I just want to get an independent guy to fit shocks and springs on rear. Can anyone tell me what parts I ask for and I will go to a specialist shock absorber place. Just want to know what I am talking about and what to ask to have done so am not taken for a ride,. Oh I need to tow a trailer weighing about 1200 kgs gross occasionly.
Many thanks
Tom
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Old Oct 14th, 2002, 23:54   #2
Simon Linton
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Default RE: 850 self levelling suspension

The most significant part of the post is the last sentence - if you're towing a trailer you really do want to have self levelling suspension.

Indeed, you may already have it and a garage - not necessarily a volvo garage - will be able to confirm that.

If you don't you can fit adjustable suspension to the rear, which will be able to cope with heavy loads or trailers, but slightly more inconveniently than the self-levelling option.

But whatever you can afford or want, you'll need some eyes-on and hands-on assessment before a sensible recommendation can be made.
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Old Oct 15th, 2002, 12:52   #3
TomW
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Default RE: 850 self levelling suspension

Simon,
Thanks for getting back so promptly. You misunderstood me . Self levelling has been on there since new and is rear end is now very low and does not pick up. I think the make is nivomat self levelling . Were all 850s of that era fitted with Nivomat or is there another make of self levelling fitted.
You say its best to tow with self levelling. Do you mean there is less wear and tear on the car or does it just feel better? Would heavy duty springs be just as good? As I said previously Volvo told me they want to see car first to ascertain first whether it has sports, dynamic or standard self levelling suspension before they can advise me which shocks and springs to fit. I would have thought all 96 850s were fitted with same. Mine is a 2.5 CD automatic transmission and not a T5. Is that really necessary? Volvo also told me I would need an oil cooler fitted to provide extras cooling for the transmission. Is that also really necessary?
Thanks again
Tom
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Old Oct 15th, 2002, 13:12   #4
Dave_G
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Default RE: 850 self levelling suspension

I think what Simon is trying to say is that if the self levelling suspension was working correctly, then when you hooked up your trailer the rear wouldn't sink like it is now but would automatically raise itself back to the correct height and therefore the car would be much more stable and safer. I don't know how to check what type you have but I think they were all called Nivomat. Perhaps ringing Don Kalmer or similar might help there.
The oil cooler will probably depend on the kind of towing you will be doing. Dragging a heavy load up long steep gradients is going to be hard on the transmission but I'd think normal motorway work should be ok. I know the T5 has an engine oil cooler as standard.

Hope this helps.

Dave
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Old Oct 15th, 2002, 14:33   #5
TomW
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Default RE: 850 self levelling suspension

Dave
Thanks for the reply and guidance.
The rear is very low even when there is no trailer attached.
Volvo told me the oil coolers purpose is to cool the auto trasnsmission oil and not the engine oil, I will go and ask them again. Can you give me Don Kalmers number.
Thanks again
Tom
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Old Oct 15th, 2002, 15:24   #6
davebslater(uk)
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Default RE: 850 self levelling suspension

Having tried to find this out myself , Volvo just need to know the colour marking so they can replace like for like . If you replace the nivomats , for std that is you may need different springs . Incidentally the nivomats are typically expensive !

Euro car parts , german and swedish all offer std replacemants at a cheaper price .

If you want to uprate , speak to don at kalmar union .

If you tow a lot then an oil cooler is advisable , dont be forced into buying new though , plenty of cars have them fitted , source the aftermarket parts and breakers for a decent price .
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Old Oct 16th, 2002, 08:13   #7
Simon Linton
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Default RE: 850 self levelling suspension

There is a link to Kalmar Union on this site and Don Norchi has posted frequently on the Performance Section forum, too.

If your suspension has collapsed at the back, your car is unsafe and will probably fail its MOT, so this is something to get sorted at once.

There are plenty of non-franchise Volvo specialists listed on this site (you have to be a club member to access the list, though) and in my experience they offer the franchise dealer's expertise at a lower cost.

However, this is a task that most competent garages can tackle effectively, so I'd get the beast down there and get it sorted.

P.S. I very much doubt you need a transmission oil cooler.
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