Hello Everyone!

96 850 turbo wagon, 146,xxx miles, probably original suspension (not sure though).

It started making creaking and snapping sounds a couple days ago, just the drivers side rear. Very loud! When doing a bounce test, there seems to be almost no dampening going on, just keeps bouncing. The other side is still working smoothly. I'm sure they're original equipment, and both look the same are far as age goes.

I popped the rear tire off, and the spring looks good, and I can grab the shock and it seems to be mounted tight.

Any ideas?

Also, as far as replacing the shocks- dang those Nivomats are spendy! Has anyone had good luck with like a Boge or Blistein? What would I be sacrificing by not going with the Nivomats?

Also, does anyone have a source for the anti rattle springs for this model? I looked online and couldn't find it. Yes, the pads on this wheel are rattling too. If not, I'll just contact my somewhat local Volvo Dealer.

Thanks!

Doug
Superior WI USA

welcome to the forum. try fcpgroton.com or vlvworld.com

Check your strut mounts and spring seats.

The Nivomats are BEST, for the Turbo Wagons. But there are other aftermarket products that either works better or are a lot cheaper.

Hi! Welcome to the forum!

I have gotten great reviews about self levelling Nivomats on the rear from many 855 T5 oldtimers. And these guys are really good drivers and speedsters.

I myself am using yellow bilsteins on the rear for my 18996 wagon, and so far am happy with it. I don't have much needs in carrying heavy loads, however once I had plastic cupboard in the back (which was full of baby stuff and quite heavy) and was still able to speed. The handling did not give way.

Happy hunting!

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I just finished tearing it apart to find that my shock mount was broke. On fcpgroton, the shock mount they sell is different depending on whether I've got the self leveing Nivomats or not.

How can I tell? Do they physically look different than a standard shock? I'm only assuming that they are the original shocks, but it had 120,000 miles on it when I bought and came with no history.

The ones on the car are bluish green, and have stamped on them:

Volvo
9140264-4
4515
Belgium

Can anyone venture a guess as to whether these would be the self leveling Nivomats?

Thanks

Doug