Rear Anti roll bar bush

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Gazdkw

Well that is quite depressing. That's alot of money.

It is, but you need to check if you have nivomat rear shocks first. Not all cars have them, but its likely that yours does being an XC70.

If you replace them, you'll have a comfortable ride for a long time to come and handling will be improved (especially when towing).

Although, in saying that, you'd only invest that kind of money into the car if you were keeping it.

[Gazdkw]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

It is, but you need to check if you have nivomat rear shocks first. Not all cars have them, but its likely that yours does being an XC70.

If you replace them, you'll have a comfortable ride for a long time to come and handling will be improved (especially when towing).

Although, in saying that, you'd only invest that kind of money into the car if you were keeping it.

I will have this car till its demise so yes, I am keeping it.

Yes I am almost certain I have nivomat shocks. Is there a part number? I have done some searching but not coming up with much.

Easy to change?

[Tatsfield]

Originally Posted by Kev0607

It is, but you need to check if you have nivomat rear shocks first. Not all cars have them, but its likely that yours does being an XC70.

My XC70 has the 4C shock system. I thought that this was the standard fit for the XC70 and Nivomat were an optional fit for both the XC70 and V70.

[Kev0607]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

My XC70 has the 4C shock system. I thought that this was the standard fit for the XC70 and Nivomat were an optional fit for both the XC70 and V70.

I think 4c only relates to the front shocks, not the rear.

4c are expensive though. So are Nivomat.

[simboc2004]

Nivomats were standard on all R Design V70s (lowered suspension). As I always buy 100,000 mile cars, the worry about replacing worn out Nivomats persuaded me to buy a "normally" suspended car... Full front and rear suspension change cost me less than £500 using new quality OE, or genuine Volvo/Ford, components (and Eibach pro-kit lowering springs). It's also worth finding out Ford part numbers - if there are equivalent Galaxy/S max/Focus parts (maybe not for XC70s?) - because their parts are almost always cheaper than Volvo ones, even when the same. I have bought Ford parts that arrived with Volvo stamped on them - plus many parts from Volvo with FoMoCo on them...

I have just done the same full suspension change to my wife's V40 - after Volvo quoted well over £1000 to replace just two broken front springs - and, again, did it all for under £500 (including Eibach springs again) using Sachs shocks and Volvo/Ford OE parts. First time ever I had a Lemförder drop link (usually top rated OE stuff - and identical to the originals on the the car) fail on installation, so I swapped to natty black Meyle ones instead (very solidly built, but pricey!)

There are a lot of different Volvo springs for v70s (and, I'm sure, XC70s) - you really need to do a check on VIDA using your VIN to find the correct parts/part numbers. There are many variations of ride height and vehicle weight involved - different car specs = different spring rates. I know someone who had their local independent garage change their broken V40 rear springs and their car came back looking like it was jacked up at the back! They hadn't used the VIN to check what springs it had fitted when built.

[Kev0607]

Agreed on that. There's a lot of suspension setups on these cars. VIDA is your friend, or a call to your local dealer who may be able to create a quotation and send it to you with the part numbers on (if you ask nicely)... then you can cross reference them with aftermarket.

The key thing is make sure you buy quality parts like Bilstein, Sachs or KYB for the shocks. For the top mounts, go with Febi Bilstein or Corteco for example. Don't buy brands you've never heard of. There's plenty of aftermarket cheap junk, you don't want to use that. Use quality stuff and it'll last.

[simboc2004]

Originally Posted by Tatsfield

My XC70 has the 4C shock system. I thought that this was the standard fit for the XC70 and Nivomat were an optional fit for both the XC70 and V70.

In 2008 the UK market XC70 SE (base model) came new with standard suspension, whilst the SE Sport and SE Lux came with 4C (and Speed Dependent Steering) as standard. 4C and Load Compensating Suspension (Nivomats?) were extra cost options on the SE (£1100 for 4C and £500 for load compensation.

In the 2011 UK MY there were three models - ES (base), SE and SE Lux - all had standard suspension as standard, with 4C or Load Compensating Suspension as extra cost options (£1150 and £535). Also AWD was only on D5 or T6 powered vehicles.

By 2014 MY the range in the UK had dropped to 2 models - SE (Nav) and SE Lux. 4C or Load Compensating Suspension were cost options on both models. AWD now on all but the lowest spec D4 SE model.

[Kev0607]

The OP has a 2008 XC70, SE trim. So good news is he may not have the expensive shocks then? Unless nivomat and 4c were added as options from the factory.

If he doesn't have the expensive shocks, he could probably replace all on his car for the price of one nivomat (if he shops around). Maybe still have some change left over!

[Gazdkw]

I have has a look but its hard to tell.

See photos

[Andymharrison]

It's hard to see but the advice I was given when doing my XC90 was that nivomat are much fatter than standard and have rubber bellows on the post.

If you do need to change nivomat look to see if volvo do a conversion kit from standard to nivomat. I found there is one for the XC90 which included 2 shocks and 2 springs for under £500. Cheaper than a single nivomat alone.