1996 960 suspension questions

frisky99 · Post by **frisky99** » 28 Dec 2018, 17:35

Hello , I am considering a very nice 1996 960 with about 130k. Mechanicals, interior and body are very good and show it has been well taken care of inspite of limited repair history. The interior is rattle free but both front and rear make noise over bumps. I would have no problem with rebuilding the front but the rear may be something else. To me the noise sounds like sway bar links or bushing. Are links and bushing a common problem on these cars? Should the car be avoided because of the self leveling shocks cost ?. I probaby should see if I can find a good indy to take a look.
The car sits in a level position. Thanks,
Frisky

dm635 · Post by **dm635** » 28 Dec 2018, 20:00

I can't answer about the rear. You don't indicate if the rear has the nivomat shocks. But I do know for sure that the front sway bar links get lose and make a very upsetting noise. Sounds really bad and serious. It's a small ball joint that makes a big noise. A lot bigger than you'd expect.

frisky99 · Post by **frisky99** » 28 Dec 2018, 20:04

Thanks, I guess I thought all 96 960's had the nivomat shocks.

Post by **jimmy57** » 28 Dec 2018, 21:28

No, in 1995 the Nivomats started being optional. The leaf spring is 3 or so mm thicker with normal shocks on std rear suspension. Nivomat models have the thinner spring. I had two 1995 965s and one had Nivos and one didn't. I changed the Nivomats for normal gas shocks and installed the thicker spring when the Nivomats started failing to level that car.