Suspension: Rear shocks

[hodge911]

Hi all i need some help !
I have a 2004 Xc90 d5 awd and today on my mot I was advised it's going to need new shocks on the rear N/S/R has a slight weep.....
So how do I tell if I have self levelling or standard shocks fitted ?

[S60D5-185]

From memory, all uk XC90's have self levelling Nivomat rear shocks.

With these they are either working or not so it is entirely possible to replace one defective one with a good used one unlike conventional shocks that should be changed as a pair.

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by hodge911

Hi all i need some help !
I have a 2004 Xc90 d5 awd and today on my mot I was advised it's going to need new shocks on the rear N/S/R has a slight weep.....
So how do I tell if I have self levelling or standard shocks fitted ?

Hello, all UK XC90's have Nivomat self levelling suspension. there were some 2010 models that were supplied with non self levelling, but they were much later than yours and should have been corrected under warranty.

TBH I didn't think a slight weep was an MOT failure but I'm happy to be corrected. Are yours working correctly?

They crop up on the forums fairly often and e-bay is also a good source. Note you cant substitute std shock on Nivomat equipped cars .... to do that you need to swap the springs as well.

Hope it helps.

[Tony500]

I wouldnt rush and buy one... If it's damp it's totally fine but will keep and eye where you park your car and see if there is any fluid on the ground from it.
We got a shock for a XC90 for £140 off eBay and that was brand new. From Volvo they are expensive. My V70 has same shocks fitter and have been slightly damp since owning the car just over 2 years ago. It's not dripping and car it works as it should. Obviously in some people's eyes to replace asap

[hodge911]

Thoughts on the conversion kit . 2std shocks & 2 springs to suit ? I can get 1 for £150 (new) or a good used self levelling one for £65
Which would you guys go for please

[SwissXC90]

Go for a 2nd hand self-leveling shock. It would be a crying shame to remove the self leveling capabilities from your car.

[hodge911]

Originally Posted by TruckbusUK

Hello, all UK XC90's have Nivomat self levelling suspension. there were some 2010 models that were supplied with non self levelling, but they were much later than yours and should have been corrected under warranty.

TBH I didn't think a slight weep was an MOT failure but I'm happy to be corrected. Are yours working correctly?

They crop up on the forums fairly often and e-bay is also a good source. Note you cant substitute std shock on Nivomat equipped cars .... to do that you need to swap the springs as well.

Hope it helps.

It didn't fail mate just a verbal advisory that it has a very light misting On it

[TruckbusUK]

Originally Posted by hodge911

Thoughts on the conversion kit . 2std shocks & 2 springs to suit ? I can get 1 for £150 (new) or a good used self levelling one for £65
Which would you guys go for please

TBH, if it were me, I'd go for the used Nivomat ... why chuck away the self-levelling that comes with the car for something "make-do" ... no brainer in my book.

Hope it helps

[brothergibb]

Originally Posted by hodge911

Thoughts on the conversion kit . 2std shocks & 2 springs to suit ? I can get 1 for £150 (new) or a good used self levelling one for £65
Which would you guys go for please

Any recommendations on where I can get one for that cheap? Cant see any on Ebay around that price thanks. I'm looking for a pair.