Shocks - The Shocking Story

[Wammer]

So, I have a 2002 XC70 w/101,000 miles on it (Mpls, MN). The right rear shock is now squeaking and rattling - must be time for new shocks. No big deal, right? Except, a) this is a Volvo, b) it's an early iteration of the XC70, c) it's a Volvo. After much web research, it seems the only replacement shocks you can get are OEM. With no other choices, that should make it easy, right? Wrong again. There are 2 possible shocks (30760055 or 30760056) for this car. Why? No idea. Both look the same, same price at FCP Groton (about $100), the fitment guides for each say they will fit my car. So you have to give the dealer the code off the # plate in the engine bay to find the correct shock. So I ask you Volvo gurus who like a good challenge, how can the average joe figure out which shock will work and/or enlighten me as to why there are 2 shocks, differences between them, Volvo reasoning, etc. The code is: 7GXC1831

For the record, the dealer wants $158 each for the shocks, plus $390 labor. An indy shop has to get the shocks from the Volvo dealer, which makes the price $170 per shock plus $200 labor. I'm mechanically inclined and can get the shocks for $100 each. See any pitfalls with the DIY route?

Thanks for any and all comments.

Cheers,
Greg

[billofdurham]

Shocking indeed!

I'm not a guru but I do like a challenge. The important digits from your code are C1. This indicates that when the car came from the factory it was not fitted with Nivomat shocks. Those digits also narrow it down to the part number 30760056.

This shock fits the 2002 VOLVO XC70 2.4T P2 5 DR WAGON B5244T3 AWD AW50/51 AWD ME7. Does that look familiar?

Bill.

[Ozark Lee]

Without Nivomats your universe opens up immensely. There are some Bilstein, Koni, and even Monroe shocks that will fit but the OEM shocks and struts don't stink at all and the others are in the same basic price range for the parts. The Koni product is much more expensive but they are adjustable.

...Lee

[Wammer]

Thank you for your erudite replies - pray tell, where might I find the replacement shocks or find the correct fitment? I had a dickens of a time with searching based on my car. Basically, either the sites don't have the xc70 designation for '02, or if they do, they only show one or both of the OEM Sachs units. I was going to order the OEM from FCPGroton (give them some business based on recommendations from MVS and that they support it) + 10% right now and free shipping. Would I do any better w/other shocks or just go w/what works? I'm not a super aggressive driver, so ultraperformance isn't really an issue; just sick of the squeaky rattles.

Cheers,
Greg

[Ozark Lee]

I'm not a super aggressive driver, so ultraperformance isn't really an issue; just sick of the squeaky rattles.

For starters I'm going to move this thread to the appropriate forum where it can get some more knowledgeable comments on your particular car. That said, there are some considerations such as do you tow things? If you tow a boat or a camper I would look into the Bilstein shocks. If you don't drive the car aggressively and handling isn't an issue the Monroe Sensatrack shocks are mushy and they may smooth out your ride a bit. None of these cars are ever going to ride like a Cadillac.

Squeaky and Rattles, that is why these cars all came with a radio that you can turn it up louder.

...Lee

[JRL]

Without Nivomats your universe opens up immensely. There are some Bilstein, Koni, and even Monroe shocks that will fit but the OEM shocks and struts don't stink at all and the others are in the same basic price range for the parts. The Koni product is much more expensive but they are adjustable.

...Lee

No there are not, not AWD shocks.
No one makes any except Volvo and maybe very expensive Konis (not sure).

[Wammer]

In that case (and I probably would have just gone OEM anyway to avoid any headaches), I'll just place an order for OEM w/o any messing around. For my own edification, do torque values come w/the installation instructions, or is that something I would need to seek?

And, not to belabor the point, but I am curious... it seems there are 2 shocks that are BOTH non-Nivomat. According to the code C1 on my code plate, I need the 30760056, but the 30760055 is also for non-leveling systems. Any ideas on the differences? FCPGroton, unfortunately, doesn't look as thought they have the 56, just the 55.

Many thanks to you fine gents for your input and time!

Greg

[JRL]

One regular shock and
One Nivomat shock ....that is it