Bilstein B4 shocks

[simboc2004]

Originally Posted by tommyweaves

Interesting thread, to which I have nothing useful to add!

However, my MY2011 D3 doesn't seem to handle as nicely as it did when new in 2010 and I wondered if it would benefit from fresh shocks at 138k miles. My local volvo independent says there's no misting or leaks on the shocks so leave them be.

Any thoughts?

Absolutely, definitely, change them. You will be amazed by the difference. I changed mine at 140,000 miles though they weren't worn out - I just thought it was about time. And it was...

[Kev0607]

Anyone heard of Pro Parts Sweden?

I sent an enquiry to Parts for Volvo. The control arms they sell are Meyle, as are the control arm bushings and ball joints (if you decide to buy individual parts for the control arms and get them pressed in, as opposed to buying whole new arms).

However, their strut mounts are "Pro Parts Sweden"? Can't say I've ever heard of them.

[GrahamBrown1]

I have used there stuff before, not suspension components but brakes and power steering reservoir and pipe work when I had my P2 cars. The reservoir leaked and the brakes didn’t last that long. China and a brand name were my thoughts at the time. I can’t comment on there suspension components however.

[tommyweaves]

Originally Posted by simboc2004

Absolutely, definitely, change them. You will be amazed by the difference. I changed mine at 140,000 miles though they weren't worn out - I just thought it was about time. And it was...

I hope you're right! I will of course post an update once they're fitted in the next week or so.

[simboc2004]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

Anyone heard of Pro Parts Sweden?

I sent an enquiry to Parts for Volvo. The control arms they sell are Meyle, as are the control arm bushings and ball joints (if you decide to buy individual parts for the control arms and get them pressed in, as opposed to buying whole new arms).

However, their strut mounts are "Pro Parts Sweden"? Can't say I've ever heard of them.

Not sure I'd fit them. i've had a few things come in packing with Pro Parts Sweden on and all were Chinese made. Mudflaps for £19.99 that are identical to Volvo ones, with all the correct markings and logos. probably from the same factory, off the same production line. I too wouldn't want to fit their parts in my suspension - particularly at the top of the suspension strut... Interestingly I bought some Lemförder drop links for my V40 and one failed on installation. Full refund, but they were always a quality brand, I thought. I bought some Meyle ones instead - wow! So much more solid.

I read the other day that all S90 saloons are now made in one of the Chinese Volvo factories, with them being shipped to Europe on the recently completed train line. The start of the end...

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by simboc2004

Not sure I'd fit them. i've had a few things come in packing with Pro Parts Sweden on and all were Chinese made. Mudflaps for £19.99 that are identical to Volvo ones, with all the correct markings and logos. probably from the same factory, off the same production line. I too wouldn't want to fit their parts in my suspension - particularly at the top of the suspension strut... Interestingly I bought some Lemförder drop links for my V40 and one failed on installation. Full refund, but they were always a quality brand, I thought. I bought some Meyle ones instead - wow! So much more solid.

I read the other day that all S90 saloons are now made in one of the Chinese Volvo factories, with them being shipped to Europe on the recently completed train line. The start of the end...

I thought as much. Usually when you haven't heard of a brand, that's usually a hint not to fit them!

Which brand top mounts did you fit to yours and where did you get them from?

I'm surprised to hear about Lemforder. I've used them in the past and they've been really robust.

[Stu B]

Hi Kev, in response to your previous point regarding control arms - I’ve fitted those with the bushes and ball joints already mounted, and those without that need for bushes pressing in. I’d now always go for the ones with bushes already mounted unless you have a hydraulic press as they are a pain for DIY and not worth the cost saving.

As with a previous posters comments, I’d also avoid poly bushes on a road car.

Cheers, Stu

[robv70rdesign]

Does the resign use the same struts? Looking on vida and there are loads of options but places like pfv only list sachs, bilstein.
Looking at sorting mine out, 177k and starting to creak!
Tha ks

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by robv70rdesign

Does the resign use the same struts? Looking on vida and there are loads of options but places like pfv only list sachs, bilstein.
Looking at sorting mine out, 177k and starting to creak!
Tha ks

R design models use different shock absorbers to "standard" (not R design) cars.

In the rear for example, R designs use Nivomat shocks (self levelling), whereas standard (not R design) models don't.

I'm not sure if R design use a different type of shock in the front to a standard car. My understanding is R design uses same front shocks as a standard model, but the rears are different. Don't quote me on that though.

You could contact PFV or send them an e-mail to ask - They're very helpful. Give them your reg and VIN number.

Nivomat shocks for the rear are very expensive, sadly.

[simboc2004]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

R design models use different shock absorbers to "standard" (not R design) cars.

In the rear for example, R designs use Nivomat shocks (self levelling), whereas standard (not R design) models don't.

I'm not sure if R design use a different type of shock in the front to a standard car. My understanding is R design uses same front shocks as a standard model, but the rears are different. Don't quote me on that though.

You could contact PFV or send them an e-mail to ask - They're very helpful. Give them your reg and VIN number.

Nivomat shocks for the rear are very expensive, sadly.

You are correct - except for 4C models, front shocks are the same across the range, all R-Designs have Nivomats from the factory (partly why I bought a non R and then added all the bits I like). I have never missed the self levelling shocks - even towing