Guide: Rear spring replacement, V40

[caprirob]

Great guide Phil - very comprehensive

[rogertd25]

Originally Posted by phil_r

Done this job 3 times now, and I've finaly put a guide together. Hope it helps a few people out, easy enough job if you have the tools and the space to do it.

If you spot any big mistakes please let me know! Or if you want higher res copy of the photos


Cheers
Phil

Hi Phil I'm new to the forum, now attempting to change rear springs on 1998 v40. Cannot open your PDF s, can you email direct to rogertd25@hotmail .co.uk
Thanks
Roger.

[v40alex]

Try downloading them from his dropbox link, listed further on in the thread

Originally Posted by phil_r

Edit: turns out using dropbox I can share files.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/80403716/rear%20springs1.pdf
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/80403716/rear%20springs2.pdf

Phil

[bimmer49]

I've been looking at rear ends lately since being back in the UK. Nooo not those ones (well, those aswell) S40 ride heights compared to V40 ride heights. It seems to me S40's ride higher than V40's!!!!
Are they the same type of shock? eBay suggests they are.

Any opinions?

[flyingtech55]

I did this job a couple of months ago when my V40 failed its MOT due to a broken rear spring. I found swearing a lot and hitting things with hammers helped too!

TimR

[bimmer49]

I'm currently negociating for these. Not strictly cosher in Spain for MOT purposes but might get them thru. If not, I'll put the old ones back on and change them again after it has passed!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COILOVER-V...-/181362663022

[v40alex]

Seem very cheap, you generally get what you pay for with suspension. Ohlins shocks are like £400 each, I had one on my motorbike and it was the best thing I spent money on.

[skyship007]

Originally Posted by bimmer49

I'm currently negociating for these. Not strictly cosher in Spain for MOT purposes but might get them thru. If not, I'll put the old ones back on and change them again after it has passed!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COILOVER-V...-/181362663022

If you pull a silly trick like that it will be classed as gross negligence if you get involved in an accident, even if it's not your fault.

Fitting Far Eastern junk (Far too cheap) is not a good move and it's very difficult to get your money back when they fail, unless a garage bought and fitted them.

The only upgrade to standard Volvo approved shocks and springs, including approved lowering kits, is to fit self levelling shocks to the stern. That's about 1K Euros including new springs (Must be changed with shocks or the warranty is not valid). Skandix and the ZF/Sachs web site list all the different suspension options that are not classed as non standard Mods.

[timmytarmac]

Hi there bimmer I looked into this a while back and alot of people who fitted the cheap coilovers had a lot of problems like riding on the bump stops. Unless you are going to spend a £1000 on decent ones or buy good quality lowering springs stick to what you have got, It could be alot of hassle just removing them for your MOT. I do agree with skyship if you got in a accident they might have a claim against you.

[bimmer49]

It's not lowering I need, it's raising.
Not by much.
In Spain there isn't too much investigation by insurance after an accident....they leave it to the Police and they don't look too hard so long as you are insured!

Changing the shocks all round ain't no big deal on these.

I'll take a punt and if they are crap I'll look for something else. At £190 it's worth a go.

Spain may be part of Europe but it's not a police state!!
That's what I tell European police when they ask for ID. Is say "England is not a police state, we don't have to carry ID!" Usually promotes a suitable response!