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200 Series General Forum for the Volvo 240 and 260 cars |
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Ailing Nirvomats?Views : 645 Replies : 8Users Viewing This Thread : |
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May 14th, 2018, 12:00 | #1 |
Not an expert but ...
Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 12:45
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Boncath
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Ailing Nirvomats?
I'm pretty certain my car must have Nirvomats at the back, or something similar. The kind that have an external spring for part of their length?
I noticed today when fetching 5 heavy bags of compost that the back end seemed rather low. Even after driving for a bit it had only pumped itself up a bit, and still looked sagged. I'm sure in the past it would indeed self-level virtually to normal ride height. When I unloaded the bags and rocked the suspension a bit the level rose by about 1 1/2 ". Presumably this indicates the shock absorbers are ailing? They still pass the bounce test, and the recent MOT, but don't seem to self-level any more. Also they have developed a squeak when standing still. I'm aware that Nirvomats go with special softer springs, so can't just be changed for ordinary shock absorbers, but are they really worthwhile? I've several spare ordinary springs so wondered about using those and just getting standard (much cheaper?) shocks? |
May 14th, 2018, 12:15 | #2 |
Monster Raving Loony
Last Online: Nov 12th, 2018 20:03
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: hitchin
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As far as I can tell, when nivomats fail its ££££, unless you can find a used pair at sensible dosh you are far better off with standard shocks.
Of course, if you do heavy towing or use the car as a builders van then the nivos are the better choice. Break open the piggy bank.
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1994 850 2.0 bought at 32,000 miles used daily now 45,000. Still like a nearly-new car 2004 filthy polluting diesel VW |
May 14th, 2018, 13:16 | #3 |
Trader Volvo in my veins
Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 23:53
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Anglesey
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It sounds like you have extra load shocks like these https://www.classicswede.co.uk/200_s..._18244872.aspx
rather than Nivo's. They don't self level, they just take more to compress |
May 14th, 2018, 16:00 | #4 |
No I'm not the redhead
Last Online: Nov 25th, 2022 09:49
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: North Yorkshire Coast
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If you remove them and go for normal springs and shocks, you'll also probably not have a rear anti roll bar fitted.
I have a rear ARB with brackets in my stash of stuff if you need one. |
May 14th, 2018, 19:03 | #5 |
Not an expert but ...
Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 12:45
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Boncath
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Until very recently the car could take a heavy load without sagging, or rather it did but pumped itself up the moment it got under way. Now it only levels with ordinary loads. So I presume that means it must have Nirvomats, or something that serves the same function. Does that mean I can assume the springs are the softer kind, so will need changing if I swap to ordinary shocks? How could I tell - do they look different?
It's got an ARB, thanks Antz, I fitted it a few years ago. |
May 14th, 2018, 19:28 | #6 |
Trader Volvo in my veins
Last Online: Apr 26th, 2024 23:53
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Anglesey
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Nivo's have large body and are upside down with the body at the top and piston at the bottom.
The extra load shocks have the coil spring around them as per link. If there was no rear ARB that does suggest Nivo's in which case you need to replace springs and shocks |
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