Retrofit Self Levelling Suspension - new V70

[hollandt]

I have just changed from 05 V70 which had self levelling rear suspension to a new style 08 V70 which does not. Can the feature be retrofitted?
Regards Trevor

[Westyman]

Isn'y is just (!) a matter of replacing the dampers with Boge Nivomats?

[hollandt]

That's what I was thinking but Volvo insist that it cannot be done so I assume that there is a reason - but what?

Regards Trevor

[Rai]

Originally Posted by hollandt

That's what I was thinking but Volvo insist that it cannot be done so I assume that there is a reason - but what?

Regards Trevor

So is there a final resolution on this issue - can these suspensions be retro-fitted or not ? I guess after the warranty period runs out you can do all you want, but question is - can it be done within the warranty period without forfeiting your warranty terms ?

Thanks,

[60041]

Changing to Nivomats would involve replacing the springs and also the top and bottom mountings, which are different to normal shockers.
It would be a very expensive job.

[Ade B]

How does the ride height adjustment work?
Do the spring platforms move?

[60041]

Unlike a normal system of springs and shock absorbers, the Nivomat system works by having some of the springing provided by the Nivomats. This is why the springs are weaker than the standard ones.
The Nivomats adjust to varying loads by pressurising themselves as they work.
When the car is loaded, the suspension moves further than when unloaded. This movement activates a pump within the unit that increases the pressure of fluid within a chamber and this makes the unit harder to compress, thus raising the rear of the car. Once it is at the normal height, the units will stop pumping and the car stays at that level until the load changes again.
They are very good and effective, but their complexity means that they are also very expensive when compared with normal shockers.

[Ade B]

Interesting, but also sound like a headache when they go wrong!

[debcab06]

Originally Posted by Ade B

Interesting, but also sound like a headache when they go wrong!

My V70 D5 had two leaking self adjusting shocks, they were the original factory fitting (1999) and had covered 131k miles. It also has a fitted factory demountable tow bar. So has done some "load lugging" including my own caravan. I made contact with three Volvo specialists and to a man they said the poor reputation is related to the replacement costs they are far superior.. I reckon 131k is pretty good myself. .....Though it hurt when I paid £271.00 each plus VAT!!!

I investigated changing to ordinary shock absorbers and this would have indeed been possible. However, whilst all is available both second hand and new, one needs to change the mountings and the springs. As a result the ride height is taller and if towing a caravan, the ride is inferior with "sagging" and one may need to purchase spring assistors.

[rnlisg]

hi trevor
there are a few alternatives that might help,they wont self level,but may help the rear end of the car dropping.
first is the m.a.d spring assistors,around the £25 mark,you raise the rear of the car so the springs are extended, clean the springs and "wind them up inside the coil and fix with a cable tie,i used these many years ago on my old 750 estate with no problem.son had them on his rover 75 estate no probs.
there is also a rubber ball you fit inside the spring and when req you simply inflate the ball through the valve,i also had these on a car and were fine.
there is also another system,grayston i think,who supply a set of inner coil springs in a kit for various cars,again these are set inside the coils but give a lot more strength,i believe the rear of the car permanently sits a little higher with these fitted.
hope this may help
cheers
sandy