Nivomat self-levelling rear shock absorbers

dalo57 · Nov 21st, 2017, 14:37

Took my 2012 V70 D5 ex police for its third MOT last week. It has done 90K, I bought it at 39K. No problems at all in 3 years till now. Tester said small oil leak in near side rear shocker. Put it on advisory.
Tried to source replacement from factors but they said dealer only part. Contacted Swansea Volvo, they said none in country, have to come from Sweden and should change them in pairs (£360+vat each!) Said that the part is computerized and has to link with ECU. (Lump on side of damper, perhaps is assister.) . Does anyone have any experience of these and is this true?
Car has been fantastic. Almost as fast as my old V70 T5, but 40 mpg not 25 mpg on a run. Much lighter on tyres.

S60D5-185 · Nov 21st, 2017, 14:57

It sounds to me that you have 4c suspension which has units that are electrically connected to the car.

Nivomats are not coded or connected to the car and it is enetirely possible to replace the leaking one with a good used one.

Picture below shows a 4C unit with module on side. Nivomat does not have this module.

dalo57 · Nov 21st, 2017, 15:03

I was hoping that was the case.

dalo57 · Nov 21st, 2017, 15:29

According to the police spec thread, the police cars had dampers that were 'Police Specification'.

dalo57 · Nov 21st, 2017, 18:25

My damper doesn't go up the centre of the spring. It attaches to a strengthened wishbone.

S60D5-185 · Nov 21st, 2017, 20:31

Does the car have a 4c button on the dash?

dalo57 · Nov 21st, 2017, 20:38

No, nothing on dash nor, as far as I can see, anything in My Volvo on the centre console.

Puffster · Nov 22nd, 2017, 09:40

Should be Nivomat units

Quote:

- Police specification Nivomat self-levelling rear shock absorbers

- Police specification rear coil springs

- Police specification rear anti-roll bar

- Reinforcement brackets fitted to rear suspension lower stay arms

apersson850 · Nov 22nd, 2017, 11:01

Cars with the Continuously Controlled Chassies Concept, known as 4C, have an array with three buttons in front of the gear selector. They are labeled comfort, sport and advanced.

I don't think police cars ever have that. Police cars are frequently heavily loaded, so they need self levelling instead. 4C doesn't provide levelling, but adjustable damping. The two can't be combined on these models.

dalo57 · Nov 22nd, 2017, 13:11

Well mine doesn't have CCCC buttons! I'll keep a lookout for a second hand Nivomat, but will a normal one do? Seems that the police car ones are heavy duty.

Nov 21st, 2017, 14:37	#1
dalo57 New Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2022 23:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: swansea	Nivomat self-levelling rear shock absorbers Took my 2012 V70 D5 ex police for its third MOT last week. It has done 90K, I bought it at 39K. No problems at all in 3 years till now. Tester said small oil leak in near side rear shocker. Put it on advisory. Tried to source replacement from factors but they said dealer only part. Contacted Swansea Volvo, they said none in country, have to come from Sweden and should change them in pairs (£360+vat each!) Said that the part is computerized and has to link with ECU. (Lump on side of damper, perhaps is assister.) . Does anyone have any experience of these and is this true? Car has been fantastic. Almost as fast as my old V70 T5, but 40 mpg not 25 mpg on a run. Much lighter on tyres.

Nov 21st, 2017, 20:31	#6
S60D5-185 Me ? Surely Not! Last Online: Apr 5th, 2024 16:23 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: 2007 Volvo XC90 D5 Geartronic. South of Hadrians Wall.	Does the car have a 4c button on the dash? __________________ “Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” – Mark Twain 😊 2007 Volvo XC90 D5 SE Geartronic

Nov 21st, 2017, 15:03	#3
dalo57 New Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2022 23:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: swansea	I was hoping that was the case.

Nov 21st, 2017, 15:29	#4
dalo57 New Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2022 23:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: swansea	According to the police spec thread, the police cars had dampers that were 'Police Specification'.

Nov 21st, 2017, 18:25	#5
dalo57 New Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2022 23:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: swansea	My damper doesn't go up the centre of the spring. It attaches to a strengthened wishbone.

Nov 21st, 2017, 20:38	#7
dalo57 New Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2022 23:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: swansea	No, nothing on dash nor, as far as I can see, anything in My Volvo on the centre console.

Nov 22nd, 2017, 11:01	#9
apersson850 Premier Member Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2024 14:08 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Traryd View Photos By: apersson850	Cars with the Continuously Controlled Chassies Concept, known as 4C, have an array with three buttons in front of the gear selector. They are labeled comfort, sport and advanced. I don't think police cars ever have that. Police cars are frequently heavily loaded, so they need self levelling instead. 4C doesn't provide levelling, but adjustable damping. The two can't be combined on these models.

Nov 22nd, 2017, 13:11	#10
dalo57 New Member Last Online: Jun 21st, 2022 23:19 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: swansea	Well mine doesn't have CCCC buttons! I'll keep a lookout for a second hand Nivomat, but will a normal one do? Seems that the police car ones are heavy duty.

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