Rear suspension, shocks and springs replacement, P80 Volvo, 850, S70, V70, etc. - VOTD

[@robertstumpf8023]

Hey Robert my hat is off to you I've been watching your videos since I got my daughter a 1998 S70 4 years ago... And today after watching this video my son and I swapped out the rear shocks and mounts on his 1996 850. Thanks so much for the quality time with my kids

[@RobertDIY]

Awesome, you are welcome

[@W-Thom]

You're a god damn lifesaver. This is the umpteenth time you've helped me with the car.

[@RobertDIY]

Awesome!

[@mr.iforgot3062]

thanks again Robert for the commen sense video. You really help a lot of folks, wether they know it, admit it, or realize it. (noticed the minimal negative comments) What helps me are the tool lists and your explanation through the process. Really impressed by these vehicles.

[@RobertDIY]

Glad you're watching.

[@Audifane]

Hi, thanks to this video we were able to replace the nivomat on my 855 yesterday we enjoy all your tutorials thanks from France!

[@RobertDIY]

+Severine Audifan you are welcome.

[@Audifane]

James Armstrong I am located in Limousin, Limoges 😉

[@carolebrown5831]

@@Audifane I am far south in Céret, 66400, Occitanie - have a 1997 855S

[@13angryBs]

There's some huge frost heaves up the road from my house and a day after putting a 15" sub in my trunk, I found my left rear tire was stuffed in the wheel well and the right side was normal height. So I soaked the nuts in PB that day, and removed the shocks and springs today, which was easy thanks to this Vid! And my new IPD overload springs and Sachs shocks should be here tomorrow.

[@RobertDIY]

Nice

[@TheWizechatmgr]

Thanks again Robert for making these videos. I hope it isn't too hot while you're here in the great north east.

[@RobertDIY]

thanks for watching.

[@Sonicozz]

Thanks for your valuable information Robert, I have successful changed my rear shocks today without any hiccups. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome.

[@garrybolton591]

Another great video, Just had a rear spring go an my 99 V70 so just watched this for help and guidance, keep em coming Robert!

[@RobertDIY]

Thanks for watching.

[@BlastReadingSeries]

Wow, so you can reuse the NIVOMAT shock mounts, sounds like the way to go. Of course, if you've got a Pick-n-Pull near you! Great video, man!

[@RobertDIY]

+BlastReadingSeries thanks for watching.

[@bwell111]

Always appreciate and love your helpful videos. Thanks.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@enot8888]

Many thanks to Robert for your videos. Once again you help them with me! God bless you for this! ))

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@ejshelby5460]

Robert, you probably serviced Mr Gus Fring's black volvo v70

[@RobertDIY]

Lol, that would be cool.

[@msweatt3970]

Just bought myself a '95 850 glt with some basic upkeep required and your videos are an absolute treasure trove! Is this essentially the same job on the sedan model 850?

[@RobertDIY]

Yes

[@Xdro19]

Thank you for your tips and tutorials! I just picked up a 98 v70 T5 wagon and the back end feels like it's twerking and I need to replace the PCV box. Picked up new shocks and plan on busting this out in the morning.

[@RobertDIY]

Trailing arm bushings are probably busted, usually on the passenger side.

[@awyep4169]

Another great video robert, today im putting in new Monroe shocks and LO lowering springs in my 99 S70.

[@RobertDIY]

Good deal.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Good job. I ve replaced both my rear springs on the C70. I ve left the shocks for now as they seem good. Its a tougher job on the C as you have to go in through the rear seats ;-(

[@RobertDIY]

fredintheshed1 I understand. Very accessible on the wagons.

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

+Ben quinn Afraid not as you have the roof storage compartment there. Nope they are located behind the rear seat back and you have to remove the rear seat and in my C70's case also the x2 10" sub woofers and work from there. tricky.

[@ritaedwards5834]

Great instruction! You have given me the confidence to do this repair. Thanks.

[@SKEETER1292]

Hi Robert. You really are the volvo whisperer. I need your help. What is the part at 9:25 called. The ones on my s70 completely rotted away and can't find them for the life of me. Thank you for all your help and sharing your knowledge.

[@RobertDIY]

Upper spring mounting plate. Not sure if those are a replaceable item. Let me check...

[@RobertDIY]

parts.volvocarslisle.com/Volvo_1996_850-25l-5-cylinder-Fuel-Injected/Suspension-and-Steering.html

[@RobertDIY]

It's not listed on the parts diagram.

[@SKEETER1292]

Thank you for trying to help. I guess it is time to self engineer something crazy lol. Keep up the good work

[@MaxKuehn]

Upper spring mount plate has the number 1387906 and is replaceable with ease.

[@802padcrashers4]

hey how do you put new shock mounts in ? you don't really cover that and in my car someone installed the rear shock mounts incorrectly they threw the steel cover plates away and installed the shock mount as a cover instead lol do you just cover the shos=ck with mount then feed it up?

[@RobertDIY]

+802 Pad Crashers what kind of car do you have?

[@Erik7prc]

robert saving ehbody money $$$ i ordered 2 Sachs rear shocks from IPD. im going to attempt to replace my old shocks. i already have the overload springs in the rear. i even bought myself a 17"breaker bar! this looks like a doable job

[@RobertDIY]

Pretty easy.

[@M3lv1n-VR46]

Dear Robert, the bolt thats holds the rear shock absorber on the bottom end broke, do you no if there are replacements for sale ?

[@RobertDIY]

I was told there are, I replaced my entire rear end because of it. Almost junked the car. Search "Volvo 850 trailing arm shock mount bolt broke" and you might find the info. In the meantime I giant zip tied mine until I fixed it.

[@hans-erikhansson9398]

Robert..!Great of you,to deal this Video..!I learn from you!Thank you so much..Hey from Hasse in Sweden.Ps.I have changes' the timingbetl,so evryting is ok now.Brrr its' coold in Sweden today!!

[@RobertDIY]

LOL, Thanks for watching.

[@NinjaRelic1]

Im about to order the parts to do this job myself, aside from the shocks themselves which were replaced relatively recently. Do you know if there are any more of the upper rubber spring seats left in stock anywhere Robert? i cant seem to find any in north america, i know you typically get these kinds of parts from scrap yards, but living in the rust belt of Canada on the east coast these are rare if not impossible cars to find.

[@RobertDIY]

No, I usually purchase them new. Try the big 3, iPd, FCP and Swedish Car Parts

[@carlmunoz1083]

the nut of the lower spring mount has seemingly fused to the bolt via nature's thread locker, rust. i've sprayed it with pb and brushed the threads, but this nut is not keen on being separated from the bolt. any advice? thanks!

[@RobertDIY]

Heat and pry bar.

[@Philosopat]

Robert, I am all the way back to putting that top bolt nut back on the shock. I am trying to use an impact and it still is just spinning the shaft. What am I doing wrong? Thanks!

[@Philosopat]

Ok, I got it! I had to use a 17mm angled wrench and a monkey wrench to hold the tip of the shaft for the shock. Was able to tighten the bolt down that way! Keeping the impact for pesky bolts!

[@RobertDIY]

Cool

[@MrVestan]

Thanks Ive been waiting for this! Is it easy to replace the springs without removing the shocks, because I know the shocks were replaced about 4 years ago?

[@RobertDIY]

+klonecki Good deal. Thanks for watching.

[@scottwasham9483]

You ever find out the torque value for the bottom spring retainer nut? I recently installed some ipd springs on my 96 850. Had a clunking noise in the rear, seems like I might of had the orientation of the spring on the bottom twisted. Which caused the top of the spring to become twisted on the top mount. I re-positioned the spring and tightened down the bottom nut but didn’t use my impact to tighten it as much as I did before. The rattle is gone but still curious of the actual torque value for that nut

[@RobertDIY]

Nope. My guess would be around 35 ft lbs

[@humboldtaloha5678]

I had a hard time seating the drivers side spring properly in the lower mount, especially since it was dark out. The drivers side doesn't look like it matches the passenger side, but it's difficult to tell. The height measurements are the same on both sides. Would you take the shock off and redo it? (Torrential rains here and no garage.)

[@RobertDIY]

+Humboldt Aloha Pull the tire and check it.

[@imuger]

hey robert, i tried to replace the rear shocks on my parents v70 '99. when trying to pull the bottom bolt loose, it broke completely off! now i cant secure the new shocks anymore. and it looks like the pin where the hole of the shocks are secured at are welded to the frame. any ideas? thanks a lot!

[@RobertDIY]

Weld it back on or have a shop do it.

[@imuger]

Robert DIY welding jobs on the suspension are not allowed by the government inspection in Switzerland 🇨🇭. As for that reason garages won't do it, but i found a welder that did the job and you can't see a thing. Thanks!

[@thebimmerphile2623]

Great job Robert! I'm sure the Black Panther thanks you! LOL.

[@RobertDIY]

TheBimmerphile LOL, yes it does. Now for the fronts.

[@thebimmerphile2623]

Robert DIY That ride was a tad bit rough on those old decrepit nivomats. LOL

[@williamflipse1030]

Fantastic video. I haven’t attempted yet due to the fact I have a 2000 v70 xc awd... is the process entirely different with the cross country?

[@RobertDIY]

yes, should have a video for that.

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJekhZp6m9WCj6c

[@williamflipse1030]

THANK YOU

[@williamflipse1030]

Now beyond this what needs to be done to remove and replace the springs?

[@silverP911]

Great video Robert - my suspension is good so far but my rear spring seats need to replace - how much labour hours should a shop charge me to replace the *rear* upper spring seats on a 98 c70 - I am providing the parts... thx

[@RobertDIY]

I have no idea. I don't control shop time.

[@ClassicCarsWestOakland]

Hi Robert, i watched the entire video but can't find the answer to my situation. i have a 1996 850r wagon with nivomats. i want to swap to a regular shock and spring but not sure which NEW spring and shocks to go with. i don't want to use used parts. do you know which shock and spring will have the correct ride height and stiffness for a stock 850r? thx!

[@RobertDIY]

I guess you should go with T5 wagon springs and any shocks you want.

[@GoldenGrenadier]

I'm about to do this to an early p2 v70 and I have a sneaking suspicion that it was equipped with nivomat shocks and the previous owner just slapped some bilstiens on it. Rear end is super low.

[@RobertDIY]

Nivomats were installed on AWD vehicles. When people purchase kits, and remove the Volvo springs, they get that. Volvo springs usually have a paint spot on them and some break on the P2 cars.

[@Millisekund]

When replacing regular shocks with regular ones, is there anything else one would need besides the mount and shocks themselves? I assume, most of the ofter parts can be reused, given that the springs are in good condition.

[@RobertDIY]

I don't think so.

[@Millisekund]

@@RobertDIY Thanks for the quick reply

[@philiprowney]

Excellent infos Brother. I just got a '96 T5 [ not an 'R' though ] and it's tired in the shocks.

[@RobertDIY]

Most of them are.

[@fall3n245]

So you replaced the shock, the shock mount, and springs correct? And was the shock mount that was replaced located underneath the car where the top of the shock meets the car?

[@RobertDIY]

Shock mount has 2 bolts in the top of the area accessed from inside the car. She top of the shock screws on it.

[@RobertDIY]

I only replaced the spring because the shock was a different type, not Nivomat.

[@Balquo_]

Hey Robert. Do you know if you can replace the boot on the nivomats?

[@RobertDIY]

No I don't.

[@lek0mislenia]

Hi Robert, i have volvo 850 wagon 1995. Is it possible to change the spring witout take off the shock?

[@RobertDIY]

+ADVXPL yes

[@stepheneckberg4214]

Robert - thanks for another great step by step video. Question - now that the ride height is an inch higher in back do you recommend front end alignment to keep things in spec?

[@RobertDIY]

I don't understand your question. I usually only do an alignment after I replace a front suspension part or have an obvious alignment problem.

[@stepheneckberg4214]

@@RobertDIY Thanks for the response. I won't worry about alignment if I'm just changing rear springs as you did here.

[@kevinabalo]

Hi Robert, I've bought new lowering springs for my T-5R. Q: Will I need a top mount, or will the spring utilize the same set-up as the old `Nivomat` spring? I realize that I'll need lower spring mounts. Thx.

[@RobertDIY]

Should be the same. You are replacing the shocks, correct?

[@kevinabalo]

Hi, Yes, both shox and springs. I want to have everything in place before I pull it all down. I know the bottom of the non Nivo spring seats differently, I was unsure about the top spring mount. I've got new shock mounts and Koni Str's all ready to go. I'll tell you how I got on.

[@RobertDIY]

Good deal.

[@kevinabalo]

Done it this weekend. Had to cut one of the springs off, the nut in the mount was rusted solid. Job took me all day, though I did underseal the car as well. Koni shox all round now with new springs. The handling is improved phenomenally, but there is a small sacrifice there in ride comfort; a bit harsh. Too harsh if it was a daily driver imo. Which is not the case with mine.

[@RobertDIY]

kevinabalo it will smooth out a little in about 3,000 miles.

[@ipsfryt]

I have the two Nivomats to replace on my '98 V70R AWD. It's only done 315k km, and I'd like to keep it going. It's impossible to find the right model of Nivomat online in Europe, it seems, but I can have a pair from the US for about $600, about half what I'd need to pay for the parts from Volvo in France. Do you guys ALWAYS swap these for standard shocks and stronger springs? What's the difference in price, and isn't it worth staying with Nivomats?

[@RobertDIY]

On the AWD vehicles I always stay with the Nivomats.

[@ipsfryt]

Thanks @@RobertDIY. Tasca will be happy. :)

[@michalp5542]

Is there a video from the bushing rear axle ??

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWcqGCQiN2mb6s

[@robertolson4536]

thanks Robert, big help. job done with your help

[@RobertDIY]

+Robert Olson Glad it helped.

[@blackoutcorrespondence170]

hey robert- thanks so very much for all the time you put into these wonderfully detailed vids- i currently have the lower shock nut completely frozen in place to the point where its begun to strip.. ive been drenching it in pb blaster and occasionally taking a torch to it while periodically jacking/lower the vehicle in hopes to break this free.. any ideas before i round this out further? and if the nut ends up being too rounded after do you have any good ideas for nut replacement thanks do much patrick

[@RobertDIY]

Remove the caliper so you can get on it at the correct angle. I usually get those bolts from the dealer.

[@robmce4872]

Thanks robbo...great help.

[@RobertDIY]

You are welcome

[@Bumbazaurs]

Good day, Robert! I'm curious ... I own 850 T5 saloon and 850 2,5 20v estate, it is obvious that the T5 is about 20mm lower than the non-turbo versions. So, my question is, what makes this difference, I have done a lot of repairs on both of them, but I can't figure it out!?

[@RobertDIY]

Springs

[@mazas60]

I have changed front shocks and after 7k km outside drivers side tire smooth, inside like new. All front chassis was change ~13k km before. With shocks i have changed mounts without bearings. Why now i have to throw my tires out? How camber changed? Maybe brake disc and hub of a wheel can move a little bit inside/outside and for that camber have changed?

[@RobertDIY]

+Lukas Rutkauskas I don't think so. Have you had an alignment shop look at it?

[@RobertDIY]

+Lukas Rutkauskas Sounds like something is bent.

[@mazas60]

Robert, Soon I will change into winter tires and then go to check alignment. Because before changing everything was ok. And from front i can see that drivers wheel is standing litle bit inside

[@craigholliday6331]

I missed it. What did you do about the busted mount?

[@RobertDIY]

What busted mount?

[@craigholliday6331]

sorry. not the mount, the bolt. I now see that the bolt simply goes through. New bolt, new nut and you're done. But the space for the nut looks tight. thanks.

[@R4CH1E]

Getting into this just now. My mount has one bolt sheared off and the other has torn loose a small chunk of the floor pan. Would fender washers be strong enough?

[@willrogan955]

Robert , I know that you are a busy guy.. but I'm needing your knowledge in the 'spring' dept. My 2000 Volvo s 70 GLT SE.. is sagging in the rear. Bad springs. My question - Can I replace them with the 850 springs .. or ? I've got slim pickings at the local salvage yard but there's a couple of 850's there.

[@RobertDIY]

Sedan springs with fit sedans. If you load it down, get the iPd overload springs. I just got a set for Queen Bee.

[@willrogan955]

Thanks , Robert ! I'm going to check into that

[@bobbyrawlings3303]

Call your Volvo dealer with VIN number and ask them

[@bobbyrawlings3303]

Call your Volvo dealer with VIN number and ask them

[@datboi9035]

I have a 1999 v70 wagon just wanna know if a s70 suspension would work on my car

[@RobertDIY]

the front will.

[@michaelfisher4745]

I have a '95 850 and it makes a terrible clunking/slamming noise in the rear right going over the smallest of bumbs, I just changed the mounts and shocks but it still clunks

[@michaelfisher4745]

any ideas on what it could be

[@RobertDIY]

You have to look at the bushings in the linkages. Probably has a broken part back there somewhere.

[@michaelfisher4745]

+Robert DIY okay.. thanks I was thinking it could be the rear trailing arm but I'll look it all over

[@lajnen3189]

Het Robert! You are inte of my favorite youtubers and have helped me on multiple occations with your content. Now I really need your help! The bolt that runs though the shock absorber broke down when I tightened it! The shock still sits on the bolt but the part that broke is inside of the nut. I dont know what to do and I need some ideas of what to do! Best regards Alex

[@RobertDIY]

replace the shock.

[@lajnen3189]

@@RobertDIY I meant the lower bolt, that runs directly into the rear ”Axle”. The onebthat is shaped like a cone at the bottom. I already replaced the spring and shock and was tightening the lower bolt and it broke.

[@Pratyut]

Hi Robert The 1993 Volvo 960 executive nivomats failed and now it's time to replace the springs and put in some shocks. Here in Thailand all the junk yard parts are available, but I have to pay for them and they ship them to me. What cars have springs and shocks that could bolt in to replace the nivomats and springs? I read on the internet that the way to go is a Toyota Previa from 1994, but you likely know of the best Volvo to get the normal springs and shocks from. Thanks in advance ps. I hope some day to repay you for all your help.

[@RobertDIY]

Sad to say, I have no idea.

[@zx8401ztv]

Fancy designs are fine untill you have to replace them, but you have bypassed that problem now :-D Shame the centre bolts were not longer, a couple of 1 inch spacer plates would have been handy for heavy loads. Ahh captive nuts, not a painfull medical condition lol, a good idea from new.

[@RobertDIY]

zx8401ztv The replacement springs are holding up well with a load. They are not as stiff as the original suspension so I'm trying to get use to that.

[@PaulB__]

On my 850 I have the same upper mount as yours nr. 9140847 and '96 stamped on it. But interestingly I have regular Sachs rear struts not Nivomats. Maybe someone just swapped the Nivomats to regular struts and left the Nivomat mount in place?

[@RobertDIY]

+PaulB what car do you have?

[@PaulB__]

1996 850 TDI wagon.

[@j83460]

my 98 s70 has those rubber bumpers totally deteriorated. can I easily just change those? i did the old push down and see if the car continues to move shock test and it still seems to absorb the movement.

[@j83460]

205k miles

[@RobertDIY]

Yes you can replace the bump stops.

[@j83460]

can you tell me how? i didnt see it in the video? do they just pop off or unscrew?

[@RobertDIY]

Have you searched for the video?

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWcqGCQiN2mb6s

[@michaelluhrman3439]

Robert. Is car you replaced it from a sedan or wagon? Or does it matter? I have a 96 turbo wagon with nivomat and would like to swap and get rid of the nivomat.

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naWcqGCQiN2mb6s

[@RobertDIY]

Man, did you watch the video at all?

[@michaelluhrman3439]

@@RobertDIY yes I did. I wont ask for clarification again. Take care. Thanks for video. I'll read more online sources. Take care

[@RobertDIY]

In the first 2 minutes of the video I explain that I was removing the Nivomats and installing standard parts.

[@RobertDIY]

I encourage people to BELIEVE what I put in the video because I get about 25,000 views per day. If EVERYONE questioned what I put in the video, I would NOT be able to read nor answer any comments.

[@tiktiago]

Hey Robert, I have a V70R 1998 model. I just bought a set of koni special active shocks. The front ones fit perfectly but the rear ones the lower Bolt in our car is conical but the rear part of the special active shock is not. Do you know anyone that had this problem or do you know if there is a way tô fix it? Thank you Tiago Real

[@RobertDIY]

Are the shocks for a AWD car or FWD car?

[@Ryan-uw1hw]

What color are those wheels, they look great..

[@RobertDIY]

Dark grey metallic.

[@Ryan-uw1hw]

@@RobertDIY They're painted right? Do you recall what brand was used and do you recommend it?

[@RobertDIY]

They are close to the original color. They came a little on the brown side which goes great with the yellow. I got the paint over the counter at a local auto parts store. Paint is good.

[@RobertDIY]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/i6KteqGVj9BmZ9U

[@Ryan-uw1hw]

@@RobertDIY Thanks, wanting a similar look on my turquoise 850.

[@jere162]

2000 s70 loud clunk, drivers side rear when turning slow to low speed. Pls help

[@RobertDIY]

Bring it by and I'll look under there to see what's busted.

[@Rexmorgan687]

Does this apply to XC90?

[@RobertDIY]

If the vehicle is front-wheel drive.

[@Rexmorgan687]

@@RobertDIY you're the man! Thanks for the helpful info and video!

[@drowsy_mouse8406]

do I need to replace the springs as well as shocks (I don't have nivomats)

[@RobertDIY]

no, unless the springs are causing the car to lean to one side.

[@drowsy_mouse8406]

they appear to be even, but my 850 rides like a rock, new tires, shocks, and struts it is. Thanks Robert!

[@RobertDIY]

get good ones if you plan to keep her a while.

[@drowsy_mouse8406]

are Sachs decent? they say oem but I've heard bilstein and koni are better. anything is better than the 21 year old ones with 150k on them

[@RobertDIY]

Sacs are perfect.

[@janctveracek4318]

Good job.

[@RobertDIY]

Thank you.

[@redbeak1453]

Hi Robert, I recently put the IPD overload springs on my 1996 850 t5 since I trailer a motorcycle once in awhile. I installed the Bilstein HD shocks around 8 years ago or 60,000 miles. They are a bit harsh. The bumper stops are new. The problem I'm having is a creaking sound from the rear as I go over a gentle incline such as entering a driveway from the street. The left side only as I turn in left. Could it be the delta link bushings? I checked and they look ok without taking it apart. Or the shock mounts? Before I take things apart and try to fix the creaking sound I ask for your expert opinion.The creaking sound has been there even before I did the IPD overload springs.Thank you, Paul from NJ with the Gold 850

[@RobertDIY]

+PAUL MACZ Hmmm, It sounds like a bushing. You can pull the caps in the trunk area and see the top of the shock mounts. See if they are damaged. Have you tried to look at it while the rear is on jack stands?

[@vteckid82]

NIVOMAT! JFC NIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVOOOOOOOMAAAAAAAAAAT

[@RobertDIY]

+vteckid82 so what's your point?

[@carslover3509]

great job put i dont like the Volvo cars

[@RobertDIY]

amjad amj What kind of cars do you like? I hear Camry's are good.

[@carslover3509]

i like jeep cars and Chevrolet cars

[@carslover3509]

you are the big idiot friend and Volvo is big Swedish junk and the BMW the monster of cars and Chevy and the jeep are the greatest of American factories go and learn some thing about the cars ???

[@carslover3509]

hahahahah maybe you are Swedish ????

[@carslover3509]

the Chevrolet is bad ? its the first car Produced in America since 40,s To this day how can its be bad car ???