855r

[sye73]

(Also posted in the 850 section)

Hi all
I was wondering if someone could help me with a few questions I have about my 855r pls? Broadly, I'm looking for an overview of (mainly) suspension components so i can better understand the most cost effective way of going through my car and finishing up with a good range of products and not doubled up on labour charges. I should stress that I wouldn't be doing any work myself and it would all be garage based.
The areas I would especially like information on are as follows :

1. Control arms/Lower wishbones (these are the same thing??). I guess I have the option of OEM, Meyle HD or Lemforder ? Would these come with bushes already fitted or do i need to purchase separately ? Labour time/costs to fit ?

2. Tie rods and Drop links - Any preference on brands here or is it basically the same as above?

3. Springs/Dampers and Top mounts - When would it be most cost effective to get these replaced ? Am I going to be doubling-up much by doing , for example ,control arms first and the dampers at a later date ?

4. Wheel bearings - As above : best time to do these ? Is it a case of OEM for these ? Labour time/costs to fit ?

5. Subframe bushes - Again, best time to do these / what bushes to use and what would be an estimate of labour costs to change ?

Many thanks for any help - If anyone one has first hand experience with any of the above ( or BC, Bilstein B4/B6, or Koni suspension set ups ), I'd be really grateful for your thoughts.

Regards

[scvolvo]

Wishbones, go for ally and fit meyle detectable ball joints with poly bushes

Meyle droplinks

B6s work fantastic on the road and are meant for lowering springs unlike b4s (Koni yellows a little firm) Koni oranges str.t are ok. Eibach springs are good, also liked Klien / Lesforjd (same I believe)

Original engine mounts, use subframe inserts from pfv to stiffen up the front a little

[sye73]

Thanks for your post. Could you clarify the following please ?

1.With regards the ally wishbones, are these a particular brand and where would I look at obtaining prices etc ?
2.The Meyle ball joints and droplinks ; Are these part of the HD range ?
3. Having done some research on the Bilstein dampers, I was told that ' B4 are aimed as an OE replacement and will allow for an 'upto 40mm drop' in ride height whilst maintaining damping properties. B6 are aimed at people who want a sports/uprated damper, but don't want a lowered chassis '. Hence my confusion !
4. I will take a look at the springs youve mentioned. I have heard of Lemforder and Lesjofers, are 'Lesforjd' anything to do with these ?
5. I am not in a position to use the subframe inserts as the subframe bushes are in need of replacement and won't accept an insert. Do you have any idea how much a garage would charge to fit x4 new bushes ?

Thanks

[scvolvo]

Yes HD range of parts.

Bilstein don't specify b4s for lowering springs, I've seen them fail once lowered quite quickly.

Look on there website for details, I've perosnally had b4, b6 bilsteins, koni str.ts, koni adjustable yellows, bc coilovers, pro sport coilovers, and quite often multiple sets of them, as now had 17 R's

[scvolvo]

No idea on costs as do 99% of the work myself of with a friend

[sye73]

Originally Posted by scvolvo

Yes HD range of parts.

Bilstein don't specify b4s for lowering springs, I've seen them fail once lowered quite quickly.

Look on there website for details, I've perosnally had b4, b6 bilsteins, koni str.ts, koni adjustable yellows, bc coilovers, pro sport coilovers, and quite often multiple sets of them, as now had 17 R's

Sounds like you have had some decent experience here !
Interesating with the B4/B6 specifics you mention .. I copied this from a dealer Bilstein pointed me to :
Bilstein B4 dampers
.. These dampers are not uprated and should be used with standard springs or lowering springs with circa 30mm drop.

B6 - Ideal upgrade for standard dampers, all the benefits of B8, but standard length designed to work with standard ride height and lowering springs up to approx 30mm lowering

From this I would say Bilstein are happy for B4's to be run with 30mm lower springs ??

[sye73]

I'm still going to research the springs :

4. I will take a look at the springs youve mentioned. I have heard of Lemforder and Lesjofers, are 'Lesforjd' anything to do with these ?

Cheers

[scvolvo]

B4 oem shock that's gas,

b6 is the start of the sports shocks that's why they are yellow ok up to -30mm drop.

B8 same as b6 with shorter damper rods for slightly lower springs -30-60mm

Car parts suppliers may same there ok to -30, but I'm guessing they're trying to sell them, I know a lot of people fit them but they're not a sports shock and I'm guessing there standard shocks are well past it, so even fitting new Volvo shocks would feel similar.

[martin_r_smith]

B4's are fine with lowered springs.