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Nivomat Rear Shock Absorbers - 850CD

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Old Mar 8th, 2021, 15:29   #11
turboboy
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Default Nivomats

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Originally Posted by riffbiker View Post
@turboboy:

Yes, there are suspension and shock absorber codes on the main ID plate, the same plate as the VIN but the right hand column, fifth down. It is a collection of seven letters. The rear shock absorber code is fourth from the left (also fourth from the right), the rear spring is fifth from the left (third from the right).

My understanding for an 850 (and presumably P80 chassis V70 Ph1) is there are different components to swap out a Nivomat for standard suspension. The Rear Shock Upper Mount Support Plate is different as I think are the two flange bolts holding it. The spring itself is different of course, and its bottom retainer plate and coned 'helper spring' (inside the spring coils) and upper mount might be different as well (or not fitted / fitted). You really need to check it with a main Volvo dealership spares dept.

Hope this helps. Best. RB

Link to ID Plate Location and Decoder
https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/PlateLocation.pdf

Many thanks for this. very helpful. Will have a look at the info when I get a moment and the weather is a bit warmer. (Currently acting as family chauffeur/unpaid Uber).
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Old Mar 8th, 2021, 15:50   #12
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FYI - you probably know this, but PFS Online sell a conversion kit with all the bits you'd need.

https://www.partsforvolvosonline.com...p?cPath=2_1226

£236, but still a lot cheaper than new Nivos - your call, I know I'd prefer to retain the self-levelling capability, but it's at a cost!
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Old Mar 14th, 2021, 11:59   #13
CNGBiFuel
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Me? I don't get the choice. Most of you do.

As I said I've hoarded two new sets of Nivomat, and used springs. Broadly because running a Bifuel, weight of my tank et al... these where stock fitment with good reason.

They're the best, and not as some would have it, caravan use biased. I paid £300 for all four 'boxed', but at current prices I'd be rushed £2200ish for these again. i unloaded my secondary used sets on eBay a while back.

They're good, but at £500+ a corner, if you've a choice, and non Bi-fuel owners have - I don't think I'd pay it. But if you've the cash, do it.


Nivomats have a differing top-mount, and springs. I've heard of springs going, so look after yours with a coat of paint. Springs are NLA.

They do silly miles and the secret to this is the dirt can't get to seals- look after the bellows, once the bellows go...

See pix, I've used motorcycle gaiters and attempted Mini Steering-rack gaiters. Suggest you buy the Volvo part 1387105, Catch 'em now.
Pix...
Attached Images
File Type: jpg My New Nivomat 8626028 Apr 2016 01.jpg (163.0 KB, 25 views)
File Type: jpg MyNivomatsFromHH.jpg (374.2 KB, 27 views)
File Type: gif Nivomat.gif (301.5 KB, 25 views)
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Old Mar 21st, 2021, 17:27   #14
turboboy
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Default Rear Suspension Codes

Quote:
Originally Posted by riffbiker View Post
@turboboy:

Yes, there are suspension and shock absorber codes on the main ID plate, the same plate as the VIN but the right hand column, fifth down. It is a collection of seven letters. The rear shock absorber code is fourth from the left (also fourth from the right), the rear spring is fifth from the left (third from the right).

My understanding for an 850 (and presumably P80 chassis V70 Ph1) is there are different components to swap out a Nivomat for standard suspension. The Rear Shock Upper Mount Support Plate is different as I think are the two flange bolts holding it. The spring itself is different of course, and its bottom retainer plate and coned 'helper spring' (inside the spring coils) and upper mount might be different as well (or not fitted / fitted). You really need to check it with a main Volvo dealership spares dept.

Hope this helps. Best. RB

Link to ID Plate Location and Decoder
https://www.volvoclub.org.uk/tech/PlateLocation.pdf
Well I finally got around to looking at the ID plate and the two codes are "E' and "V" for Shock and Spring.

Does anyone know what these mean? I have had no luck searching as it appears that you need a dealer level computer system to decode to part numbers. My local dealer is friendly but they do stare blankly at each other when you ask a question about "old" volvos.

Have checked and confirmed that the current set-up is conventional, but wonder if the car had been converted from Nivomats by a previous owner.
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Last edited by turboboy; Mar 21st, 2021 at 17:30. Reason: Add information
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Old Apr 3rd, 2021, 13:53   #15
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@Turboboy:

Re: "I finally got around to looking at the ID plate and the two codes are "E' and "V" for Shock and Spring."

Might I suggest you double check your MARKED CODES of E & V, as the only reference to V is for a rear Anti-roll bar. Perhaps you have read one digit too far to the right? Check my PDF link above.

I have checked my Model 850 to 1997 microfiche and provide below the ONLY references to MARKED E and V, which correlate to Volvo OE part numbers, which might be superseded.

# 3546335-5 | Rear spring | STD 5DRS -1993 MARKED E
# 271832-8 | Shock absorber kit | MARKED E
# 9140203-2 | Anti-roll bar | MARKED V

My own notes: None of the above make reference to NIVOMAT, which other marked codes do make reference to. A shock absorber kit (which might or might not be Nivomat) includes the upper and lower mounting nuts and washer. I note you drive a V70 T5 Phase 1, so that will be lowered and stiffened suspension.

You really DO need your friendly official Volvo Parts person to check these for you - but only if you actually need to buy the parts. They will have access to cross-references and Classic Catalogues that I do not have.

Not sure I have been of much help.

Kind Regards, RB
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Old Apr 4th, 2021, 13:23   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by riffbiker View Post
@Turboboy:

Re: "I finally got around to looking at the ID plate and the two codes are "E' and "V" for Shock and Spring."

Might I suggest you double check your MARKED CODES of E & V, as the only reference to V is for a rear Anti-roll bar. Perhaps you have read one digit too far to the right? Check my PDF link above.

I have checked my Model 850 to 1997 microfiche and provide below the ONLY references to MARKED E and V, which correlate to Volvo OE part numbers, which might be superseded.

# 3546335-5 | Rear spring | STD 5DRS -1993 MARKED E
# 271832-8 | Shock absorber kit | MARKED E
# 9140203-2 | Anti-roll bar | MARKED V

My own notes: None of the above make reference to NIVOMAT, which other marked codes do make reference to. A shock absorber kit (which might or might not be Nivomat) includes the upper and lower mounting nuts and washer. I note you drive a V70 T5 Phase 1, so that will be lowered and stiffened suspension.

You really DO need your friendly official Volvo Parts person to check these for you - but only if you actually need to buy the parts. They will have access to cross-references and Classic Catalogues that I do not have.

Not sure I have been of much help.

Kind Regards, RB
Thanks RB,

The full markings on that line are:- B421EVS4.

I can.t afford / justify the cost of conversion to Nivomats so the only reason for a "translation" in curiosity in that it would be nice to know a bit of history about the car.

Appreciate you taking the time to answer, though.

Kind regards,
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Old Apr 7th, 2021, 15:37   #17
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@Turboboy:

Your markings 'B421EVS4' do not seem to 'decode' on my microfiche, which as mentioned is for the Model 850. Searching for 'MARKED S' comes up with a 'helper spring', so unfortunately I cannot help you. No problem in my looking and thanks for your thanks.

Kind Regards, RB
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Old Apr 7th, 2021, 22:06   #18
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I think the S4 final digits could relate to the steering rack.
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Old Apr 8th, 2021, 12:12   #19
CNGBiFuel
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To confirm for those that don't know. Nivomat springs differ and seem harder to find. Top-mounts to Nivomats differ too, but are plentiful and cheap.

Ahem... it's the 'shocks' which are the shock. I've a rough, working set + springs - but as with all used parts, you're likely kicking the can down the road.

I wouln't be too frightend of used Nivomat.... provided, before the point of no return, you catch them with new gaiters / bellows. More so, you're pretty safe if you don't drive anyway - ie if you're doing under 12K pa / piffling miles.

Big whoopsies with big zhorst, big brakes. No miles.
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Old Aug 15th, 2022, 19:55   #20
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Default NiIVOMATS WANTED (bump)

Just to 'bump' my original question.

About sixteen months has passed since I raised this question and I thank everyone who replied. I am still running my original Nivomats (from manufacture), they still work fine and passed the MOT with no problems. However the one that is misting isn't getting any better, so still looking for a replacement pair.

Does anyone have anything 'good' as a pair that are available and worth considering, please? See my first post in this thread for vehicle details (1996 850, standard ride height).

Thanks! RB
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