Volvo 850's (2017) Preferred rear shock absorbers?

Post by **JimBee** » 17 Oct 2017, 21:54

All 3 of my 850's (2 96 855's & a 93 854) have harsh rear axles. I replaced the shocks on the 855's a couple of years ago and they have always felt harsh, more like 2 x 4s where the shocks should be. The rear axle bangs on abrupt changes in road surfaces like sewer rings that are an inch or two depressed or expansion gaps on bridge decks—never mind potholes or railroad tracks.

I realize the 850's are firmly sprung and I'm fine with that. But I've watched other 850's running over city roads and they seem to absorb the roughness more gently.

Suggestions?

Post by **scot850** » 18 Oct 2017, 11:09

Well let's get the response to JimBee's question.

For me, the OE are excellent, but I also like Bilstein Touring for cars without Nivomats at the rear. Buying from FCP gives a lifetime warranty no matter what you buy from them and the rears are not too hard to swap out so, take your choice.

I guess we should ask you the question is how do you drive the car and what are you therefore looking from from the shocks?

Neil.

Post by **wizechatmgr** » 20 Oct 2017, 17:22

If you're able to find some sort of air shock it may allow you to customize the ride to your liking. Longevity of them isn't likely to be as long, but such is life.

Are the springs original? If so, they may actually be a good part of the issue as they age.

Post by **JimBee** » 20 Oct 2017, 21:30

I bought the 3 850's used so I'm not sure if the springs are original, but most likely they are. I wondered too about whether they might be weak, but the back of the cars seem up where they should be—pretty much level with the front. I just stuck a pair of KYB gas shocks (used but still look pretty fresh) on the back of the sedan to see how they perform. They feel really stiff on the bench, so it might be worse. They came off a 98 V70.

One problem with really stiff shocks—other than literally shocking everything that could break or come loose on the car—is they'll shorten the life of the shock mounts. One of mine is already splitting.

Judging by the 200+ views of this post, there seems to be quite a bit of interest in getting the ride right. I guess it's going to be a matter of trying different ratings. For me the ideal will be a ratio of cost/ride quality.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Oct 2017, 06:45

Jim..measure the ride height to see if the springs gave sagged. I lost well over an inch over 150k

Post by **JimBee** » 21 Oct 2017, 11:51

abscate: Where's the best place to measure ride height?
Also I'm trying to muster the courage to renew the end links. I have the parts. See related new post.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Oct 2017, 18:57

Crap, I was trying to ignore that one. I was the lucky one whose delta links crumbled to dust once I started disassembly. My indie talked me out of giving him the job as he said he could have 10-12 hours into the job, so I did it.

I wouldn't worry about breaking too many things on a Volvo...hardware is top shelf. If you can't move a nut or bolt with a 12 inch ratchet, get heat on it, warm it up, then hit it with a good penetrant (ATF acetone BEST) , then try again.

Post by **abscate** » 21 Oct 2017, 19:04

Thread on ride heights here

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=63781&hilit=1999+ride+height

Post by **JimBee** » 21 Oct 2017, 19:48

I'll put a tape on the rocker panels tomorrow.
I'm sure your new springs support tongue weight better, and just noticed you mentioned elsewhere the ride is good. Did you happen to take a drive after replacing each one of the 3 components to evaluate which of them caused the best improvement?