Nivomats xc90

Joegolden481 · Post by **Joegolden481** » 28 Feb 2023, 17:47

Just picked this gal up yesterday! 2006 AWD with 191k. She has some deferred maintenance despite being very clean and lack of wear. I am ordering a new MAF and a new vvt solenoid. Want to order rear shocks because she is borderline scary

however I cannot figure out if they are nivomats or not. It is a 5 passenger model and no tow package I can’t find anything on driver side under the hood. I even crawled underneath and can’t see much. Any other suggestions? Thanks ahead guys!

Post by **cuhfs** » 28 Feb 2023, 19:44

When you take them out you should be able to tell then. I believe markings are on them. Never did the job myself but I had a shop pull them and then jack the price up on me... telling me they did not realize (or could not tell) until they took them out. I would try calling volvo parts department and give them the VIN. They may be able to tell from that.

Post by **ggleavitt** » 01 Mar 2023, 07:40

Suspension code plaque on the vehicle will tell you exactly what you have. See this link for reference- viewtopic.php?t=96671

Regular rear shock (tube and tube)

: NoNivomat XC90.png (2 MiB) Viewed 374 times

Nivomat rear shock (look for the much larger tube on top plus the rubber accordion)

: DSCN4557.JPG (74.11 KiB) Viewed 367 times

edit- add link, change Nivomat photo

nedc · Post by **nedc** » 01 Mar 2023, 09:29

Unless you're going to be carrying around a bunch of people or heavy objects, I would replace with standard shocks. I replaced Nivos on my 05 with regular shocks and the ride was much improved. The Nivos always had a 'nervous' feel to me unless I had a couple hundred lbs. in the back. Also, contrary to what a lot of people say, the springs for the Nivos are the same as the springs for regular shocks- at least on mine they were. I had purchased 'regular' shock springs and they were the same, so I didn't bother to change. I used OEM Sachs shocks too.

nedc · Post by **nedc** » 01 Mar 2023, 13:58

Now that I see it is a 5 passenger model, it probably doesn't have Nivos.

Joegolden481 · Post by **Joegolden481** » 01 Mar 2023, 14:09

Thank you so much cars for the help! Yes she’s a Five seater so I thought it would be odd to have the Nivomats. Next question was what brand now I see.Sachs it is! Great deal of this car and it is in phenomenal physical condition as far as the interior the leather seats the headliner you know all the weak areas are really really good. BUT needs a ton of maintenance caught up I had to add 3 quarts all to it to hit the dipstick. Ordered a mass airflow sensor and a VVT solenoid. Might as well go ahead to spark plugs. Need to order the shocks. Open this is my favorite I had to order one new Goodyear tire to match the other three almost new Goodyear tires. It had one bald tire on it. Arg. AND I think I’m gonna go ahead and motor mounts. Where does everybody like to order their parts from? Matt Amazon link? Or is FCP euro a good one? It’s been a little while since I’ve had a Old Volvo. Thank Y’all. Joe