740 Shocks

[panda529e699]

Hello.

Just wondered where we can get shock absorbers. I would like Nivomats on the back, for towing. I have tried a few places but they seam un available.

Many Thanks

Andrew

[MiniNinjaRob]

Originally Posted by panda529e699

Hello.

Just wondered where we can get shock absorbers. I would like Nivomats on the back, for towing. I have tried a few places but they seam un available.

Many Thanks

Andrew

Nivomats were fitted to cars with IRS only I think?

If you don’t have them now don’t bother spending the colossal amount of money they are to buy, if you can find them. Get something else!

[classicswede]

Nivo's were offered on all models.

It is far more common to convert from Nivo to normal suspension rather than the other way around.

If you want something better than the rubber blocks to fit in your springs you could go coilovers on teh rear and still spend less than a single nivo

[aardvarkash10]

https://eu.monroe.com/en-emea/produc...-ride-leveller

[bob12]

If you are intent on Nivomats you can get replacements kits direct from Volvo. There are four depending on model and comprise 2 new Sach Nivos/springs and bump stops.

They are not cheap the last time I looked they were about £500+. However, FRF, Swansea will offer a discounted price.

If you can find a good second hand one (not leaking oil) that is the best way. With difficulty the bottom bush unscrews and new gaiters are available from Volvo. Theoretically, Nivos do not need to be replaced as pairs if only one is leaking.

Bob.

[panda529e699]

Many thanks for the replies, would like Nivos, but as mentioned it depends on the cost. The recent caraven has a lesser nose weight so not quite so much of of an issue. Have asked for a price from a Volvo specialist. Will let you know the outcome.

Andrew

[Laird Scooby]

Nivos need softer suspension springs so the movement of the car up and down "charges" the Nivo up to bring the ride height to within 30mm of normal once heavily laden.

In other words they do not work! They are not self leveling because they don't restore ride height to the original, unladen level.

Also when they become weak, it's like being a passenger on the Herald of Free Enterprise, on the last voyage it made!

Best bet is heavy duty normal springs and normal shocks, loads on fleabay at wallet-friendly prices, make sure you get them for the "Not ride height control" variant, likewise with the rear springs.

If you use Nivo springs with normal shocks, youll kill the normal shocks in no time because of the excess movement as normal shocks aren't designed to take the load.

Volvo discontinued Nivos some years back, you may still be able to get kits of them but think £700 PER NIVO!!!

That was the ball-park figure quoted to me by the parts guy at my local dealer a few years ago, that's if he could get them of course!

[panda529e699]

If that's the case I wont bother with them, perhaps I will look in to Volvo genuine standard shocks instead. They were replaced 10 years ago, but it didn't take long for the back end to start sagging, so just want to do it properly .Cant understand how they didn't know the bow door was open on that ferry . Thanks for info

[aardvarkash10]

Originally Posted by panda529e699

If that's the case I wont bother with them, perhaps I will look in to Volvo genuine standard shocks instead. They were replaced 10 years ago, but it didn't take long for the back end to start sagging, so just want to do it properly .Cant understand how they didn't know the bow door was open on that ferry . Thanks for info

Its not sagging because of the shocks - the shock absorber has no influence on ride height unless they are adjustable air shocks.

They did know it was open, but crew squabbled about who was responsible for making sure it was closed AND for closing it. Management underestimated the free surface effect of 100's of tons of water and the utility of a warning light on the bridge to indicate the bow (invisible to the Master on hte bridge) was not closed.

[Laird Scooby]

Originally Posted by aardvarkash10

Its not sagging because of the shocks - the shock absorber has no influence on ride height unless they are adjustable air shocks.

If the original shocks were Nivos Ash and the replacements were standard shocks, the tail end will sag relatively quickly for the simple reason normal shocks don't have the load carrying capability designed into the Nivos. With the springs presumably being the softer ones fro the Nivos, standard shocks would help support the back end for a short time then sag.

Sounds very like what has happened.

Even with Nivos, once they are worn the back end will sit down and if it is unladen, pump itself up after about a mile on rough roads to a reasonable ride height (although still not as high as it should be) but the load carrying capcity is diminished considerably.

Nivos were a great idea in principle, poorly executed in practice.

As far as i'm aware, Monroe Ride Levelers haven't been available here for many years now, if they're still available in NZ then you're lucky - they do actually work to maintain the ride height, laden or unladen. Had a set on one of my old 740s and they worked really well.