NIVOMAT Shock Absorber Replacement

[confused_al]

Replacement of NIVOMAT Shocks

I just replaced my Platinum wagon rear NIVOMAT shock absorbers, which is a relative easy job. However, there are a few things different from regular shocks as reference to CN90’s excellent write-up:

Removal and Installation
The NIVOMAT shock has to be taken out and put back in from the bottom due to its huge size. In order to do that, the top locking nut (18mm, M12) has to be unscrewed first. Since NIVOMAT shock mount is quite bit deeper than regular mount, that nut is hard to grip by an offset wrench, but my impact wrench made this a breeze.

Parts
• Which NIVOMAT shock to get could be a bit confusing. The only way to be sure is to check the rear shock absorber code (AKA “marking”) on your VIN plate number 22. My shock is “F” and I found two shocks with different part numbers from Volvo would fit “marked F” rear shock absorber, 271809 (SACHS# 170 496) and 8626028 (SACHS# 444 213). At Sachs web site those two are listed as “replacement for/substituted by” to each other, which I assume 8626028 is a bit newer version but double the list price ($393 vs $181).
• For NIVOMAT shocks, the shock mount (Support plate) is 9140847, Mounting kit 272285 (top locking nut and bottom nut and washer).

Hope this is helpful to someone.

[CNGBifuel]

Self-leveling these are long-lived and the very best. Silly cost though. Volvo part 170496 was superceded by Volvo part 9173368 (Purple Label), and then 8626028 (Purple Label). I presently run a standard ride height V70 with 8626028 (Purple Label) on one side and 9173368 (Purple Label) on the other. Ride height is the same on both sides.

Ex-factory it came with 8626028

So deep breath...

Sach part 444 213 is VOLVO 8626028 or 9173368 both identical, see Sach https://webcat.zf.com/?SPR=4 [go to advacned search] and I know this, mine has these mixed on, and Sach 170 496 is Volvo 271809 or 9140391 because Sach 170 496 is 444 213 and I know this 'cos I tried this too. So you want Volvo 271809 because under this part numebr (the older 850 number) they get cheaper. [Looks skyward in exasperation] and at these prices that makes a big differnce. Sach 170496 is 444213 so buy as comes in best.

To test:

Unload all heavy objects not forming part of the car.
Drive approx 2Km (1.2m) to ensure normal damper lever achieved.
Park on flat surface measure distance between highest point between wheel arch and lowest point wheel rim on both side. Difference between sides should not exceed 15mm.
Load 330lb (159Kg) into rear evenly distributed. The distances measured will decrease.
Drive around for 2-4Km (1.2-2.4m) over uneven surface.
Park up again on a flat surface and re-measure.
Measurements should be the same as first taken on an unladen car, within a permissible deviation of -20 to +8mm. The difference between sides must still be within 15mm.

There should be no excessive oil leakage from the Nivos, but slight sweating is normal.

If only one Nivo is faulty it is not necessary to replace the other!

To change the bellows/gaiters, the bottom eye unscrews. Do thsi or the cr*p will destroy them, i used a universal steering rack gaiter from a Austin Mini.

[CNGBifuel]

I am regularly PMed on this Nivomat gaiter bellow, gator (sic) issue. Volvo do these No. 1018799 or 1387105 but Mercs and Rovers have Nivomat and all use the same gaiter. So some digging will reveal other sources. Did you want it to look pretty? Me, I just cobbled together what I could find. Motorcycle stanchion gaiters would do well.

[hausmeister]

The Nivos on my T5-R are not leaking and seem ok, but the ride is rather hard over bumps, specially in the rear. Do theses models have a harder suspension/different nivomats?

@bellows/dust protection: it is the same as from the 940 nivos, I bought a replacment from skanidx.

[Blockpartie]

T5-Rs came, depending on market adjustments, with a lowered chassis as standard. In that case nivomats and springs are different.

Nivomat dust cover can be replaced with a part from the 200/700/900 series as they use virtually the same dust cover. Just in case you want to use OE Volvo parts.