19 year old V70xc... rear end sagging. Aftermarket Nivomats?

Post by **jvl** » 28 May 2018, 11:33

Hi guys,

So, in preparation for our camping trip this summer, I think I would like to change out the rear shocks.
I now have Nivomats installed. The boots are torn, but I don't see any leakage (mechanic didn't either, I asked them to check it when they put it on a ramp while balancing all 4 wheels.)

I've come across a few alternatives:
1) Replacing with OEM Nivomats. About $680 is the cheapest option I found.
2) Using a 'conversion kit' that allows you to put in regular shocks and springs. I'm not against it, but just didn't find a kit that suits my car (yet).
3) putting in aftermarket 'Nivomat' shocks. I read in another topic on here that some one recommended aftermarket Nivomats from Monroe, but I can't seem to find them locally. Any suggestions on where to buy?

Thanks,

Joost

Post by **misha** » 28 May 2018, 11:56

Since you are from NL,you can contact Monroe directly or find their authorised dealer.
Sachs have them too,since they are oem.
If they don't leak,leave them alone.
Nivomats will allow the car to lay down about 3cm when fully loaded and will keep it in that height.

Post by **jvl** » 28 May 2018, 12:13

Thank you Misha.

I've read that Nivomats sometimes leak, and then start leaking after a while - but do lose leveling ability. Is that true?

Also, the car is currently a bit heavier than normal because of my drawer system that is installed in the back. When loading holiday stuff, I would not want it to sag further.

I also found these monroe air levelers: anyone has experience with those?

Thanks again.

Joost

Post by **misha** » 28 May 2018, 15:17

You have 2 options...direct replacement for factory nivomats or like those one from video.
When they go bad they start to leak.When they leak for a while they start to loose the abillity for self leveling due to oil starvation.

LOB · Post by **LOB** » 28 May 2018, 23:57

Have you checked price and availability at estateservices.nl ?
I bought a nivomat set there for a really good price.

Post by **jvl** » 29 May 2018, 00:25

@Misha: OK. I Like the idea of getting to fine-tune air levelers myself (nice extra: ability to lift the rear when on dirt roads etc).
I see 2 downsides compared to nivomats:
1) having to carry a compressor around
2) fitting them. How do I know they fit without major conversion?? I found this set:http://www.skandix.de/de/fahrzeug-teile ... 850c796f8b

Not sure it will fit though??

@ LOB: Thanks for the suggestion. At estateservices.nl they come in at around €440 per nivomat so €880 total. The cheapest I found so far is at Volvopartswebstore.com: about $680=€580 including shipping...

Thanks!

Post by **jvl** » 29 May 2018, 00:32

By the way, I also found these Monroe 'nivomats' (which i'd be willing to settle for, seeing the difference in price):
https://www.auto-onderdelen24.nl/monroe/7436941
But will they fit? It says in the description they will fit my vehicle. But I don't want to take my rear end apart, have the car up on jack stands and then find out I need to return the items. The price (~€300 for the pair) is tempting though, seeing my V70XC is an older car...