1997 Volvo 850 - It is harder to pull with rear passengers

Post by **xHeart** » 21 May 2014, 08:50

Our 850 is calm as pacific. Thank you.

But several recent trips with adults in back seats felt strange - drag and rub. The load was not more than 250LB. Slow to stop.

The rear shock absorbers are a year old Bilstein TC. Rear rotor, pads, and parking brake were replaced recently. Front suspension parts were replaced 2 years ago with OE/OEM.

Any thoughts?

Post by **rmmagow** » 21 May 2014, 09:13

Bad/broken rear springs maybe. Correct tire size?

Baptiste1106 · Post by **Baptiste1106** » 21 May 2014, 09:16

Purchase rear overload springs from Ipdusa.com. Call them before you purchase and they will explain why there product works for your rear sag/drag w/ load

Post by **Ben850** » 21 May 2014, 11:38

"Purchase rear overload springs from Ipdusa.com. Call them before you purchase and they will explain why there product works for your rear sag/drag w/ load"

Great. Now I want these.
Thanks for making me pull out another $300. (both cars) I am almost not joking.

I don't like the lowering (performance?) springs at all. I do feel a bit of a sag/bounce in the rear of both the wagon and the sedan. Both of which have new Bilstein TC, and Sachs-Boge respectively for rear dampers.

This does make sense even though some might say springs do not go bad.
When you consider metallurgy and decay, I don't see how that could be true.

I may look into these.

Post by **xHeart** » 21 May 2014, 11:55

I am adding it to delta link project –– replacing control arm and anchorage bushing.
Is Lesjofors a match for IPDs -- $110 vs $148 for a set?

Post by **Ben850** » 21 May 2014, 12:04

xHeart wrote:I am adding it to delta link project –– replacing control arm and anchorage bushing.
Is Lesjofors a match for IPDs -- $110 vs $148 for a set?

My sedan needs this after the last Michigan winter.

The potholes effectively killed the 21 year old bushings and mounts.

Lets go in on a group deal.
Just kidding, but who knows?

I also have to be honest here. If it is painted blue, it should not cost $38 more.

Point being, I believe new springs cannot hurt if you don't mind tossing a few more dollars at something that makes you feel good.
(I don't think other drivers will know, so I don't care if they are blue or not)

But who am I to talk. My whole engine compartment is plumbed in blue. (alright, showing off again)

: Yes. I see it more than anyone else.

I try not to judge, but when some vendors offer the same part under an upgraded pretense and price, I find it to be in bad taste.
It is business, but one would rather not be taken advantage of. Even if they make it blue for me.

Post by **abscate** » 21 May 2014, 15:05

Your dipstick is red with envy, but we probably don't want the rest of the board to know about that.

Post by **Ben850** » 21 May 2014, 15:15

abscate wrote:Your dipstick is red with envy, but we probably don't want the rest of the board to know about that.

I will take care of that before another photo of my engine bay is taken.

Thanks for pointing that out though.
I did notice it before, and tried not to make mention or draw attention.

Post by **xHeart** » 22 May 2014, 10:55

abscate wrote:Your dipstick is red with envy, ...

Poetic.
...else, some have "turned blue" after seeing that red dipstick.

Post by **erikv11** » 22 May 2014, 11:37

About the rear overload springs from IPD: I used these on my first wagon and I loved them, especially for loaded, long road trips. They are basically just a stiffer spring with the factory length. So they are fantastic when you have a load back there, but they make the back end a little jumpier when empty, and the rear of the car rides a tad higher. But stiffer means improved handling, as well, without lowering.

I still have them, but they sit idle for now because my family likes the wagons to ride a little squishier. I'll probably get them on the 98 at some point though.