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'87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Jim S. on
Friday, 9 January 1998, at 12:38 a.m.
My '87 Turbo seems to need new shocks. I feel every bump in the road and the rear shocks seem to make a thud noise. When I first bought the car a few years ago a mechanic said it had after market shocks on the rear.He told me they aren't quite the right ones but said the volvo replacement ones were very expensive and not well made and definatly not worth the price. He did a little repair then and the shocks seemed fine for the last 5 years. Now the question: what new shocks do I get? The rest of the car is in tip top shape with about 125,00 miles on it and I intend to keep it. Please help! I'd like a smooth ride.
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Bob Vernon on
Friday, 9 January 1998, at 1:13 p.m.
I've rebuilt three Volvos to include shocks. Here's what I found:
1. Bilsteins are spectacular but very expensive.
2. Volvo replacements are good but expensive.
3. Volvo probably uses Boge, you can find them at discount and they are pretty good.
4. KYB is the best bargain replacement gas shock.
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by H. Chung on
Friday, 9 January 1998, at 1:44 p.m.
I have a 97 850 turbo and already want to change shocks. I'm strongly considering Bilsteins.
Some places offer good prices, just have to shop around. I hear Bilsteins are lifetime waranty so although pricey they are excellent deal.
try www.macneilauto.com and IPD's home page.
Good luck.
ciao.
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Thursday, 15 January 1998, at 3:36 p.m.
Are Bilsteins available specifically for our 850s, or does IPD have a special arrangement with Bilstein, for a special size to accomodate us? I have some Bilstein catalogues , and cannot find a fitment for us? Which might help explain why IPD is getting in excess of $200 per front shock!!
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Terence Lui on
Thursday, 15 January 1998, at 4:31 p.m.
I don't know if this is still true, but at the time I bought my Bilsteins for my 854T, Bilsteins only makes the front struts for the '93 or before 850s. IPD modified the front struts(I think is something on the top of the struts) with the permission of Bilsteins to fit '94 or later 850s. But one thing for sure is that even if Bilsteins offer the front struts for '94 and after 850 now, the spec would be different from the IPD bilsteins. The IPD Bilsteins front struts are valved to IPD's specification(which is stiffer than normal Bilsteins). The rear shocks are the Bilsteins Heavy Duty shocks. They are the same for 850s from any year.
I thinks there should be more different brands of shocks and struts available for the 850s by now. I've heard that H&R should have a spring and shocks package available. Carrera shocks are said to be developing a coil-over system for Volvos. Anyway, these are stuff that I heard or read about, so I don't know if they are true, besides I've already bought my Bilsteins, so I am not in any position to look for shocks and struts!
Terence Lui
the one and only '95 854T with DTM front splitter
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Friday, 16 January 1998, at 8:14 a.m.
Terrence maybe you can clarify this...when you buy front 'shocks' from someone like IPD, are you really just getting:
1) the Strut Insert, or
2) are you getting the entire Strut assembly minus the spring, onto which you install your current or existing spring?
3) the entire and complet strut assembly including spring?
In other words, you dont get the entire Strut assembly do you? Unless you specifically ask for it?
What's a 'coil over' system, and how does it differ from a McPherson Strut?
I know this is elementary stuff, mostly semantic in nature, but from the myriad of messages I've been reading, there seems to be ALOT of misunderstanding about what you are actually buying.
Also, your info about IPD's bilsteins helps explain why they can charge over $200 for a front shock! Because, IOW, its their exclusive. I've read that other people can buy the fronts for about $110 ea, but my current Bilstein info does NOT list our car as a current application, so I wonder what they're really buying. Lastly, my bilstein catalog shows a few models, which I think if I recall correctly, are differentiated by color: possibly blue, yellow, or red. Yellow is the one I see most often. Is that the one IPD valves? Is it Bilsteins version of a 'sport' shock, vs there run of the mill oem replacement? Thanks for all your info on thus. I'm still trying to find out who makes the original Factory shock on our 850s. The most logical candidate seems to be Boge since they make alot of other Volvo model's shocks, but I cant get any confirmation.
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Terence Lui on
Friday, 16 January 1998, at 9:58 a.m.
The IPD Bilsteins front struts comes in the whole assembley minus the springs(the same as OEM struts), and you also use the OEM top mount and bearings. The IPD Bilsteins are the yellow HD struts valved to IPD spec. Bilstein only produce HD shocks and struts for Volvos. There are "sport" models for other makes of cars, the difference is the strut is shorter and stiffer for the use of lowering springs.
A "coil-over" system is struts or shocks with adjustable-perch to control ride-height. IOW right-height ajustable shocks and struts. I don't exactly know how to explain or describe them technically, so may be someone can help me on this.
When I was shopping around for lowering springs in Hong Kong, this guy I talked to told me that Boge do have shocks and struts for 850s, but they sucked, they don't last, and they are softer than OEMs (that's what he said, don't flame me for that).
In general, I like the Bilsteins a lot. In my case, they are much stiffer than OEMs and they do eliminate a lot of the "hard crashing" feeling when going over the bumps. Good luck guys!
Terence Lui
'95 854T withe ugly steel rims and blizzark snow tires
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Terence Lui on
Friday, 16 January 1998, at 10:09 a.m.
In order to let everyone know exactly how the IPD Bilsteins looks like, here is a link to the picture of my Bilsteins and PI springs.
Terence Lui
Picture of my Bilsteins and PI springs
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Friday, 16 January 1998, at 10:59 a.m.
Wouldnt it be cheaper if you could buy just the Bilstein strut insert instead of the whole assembly? BTW, it looks awsome on your web site, with the red calipurs (what did you paint them with, to resist the heat?).
Some folks think that if you used a softer shock than stock, like the Boges you mention, then that would reduce some of the ride harshness, equating the harsh ride with overly firm shocks as that "hard crashing" feeling when going over the
bumps, is mistakenly believed to be caused by the firmness of the shock.. I think the error in this reasoning is that a distinction must be made between spike or quick type damping which must damp small but quick movements as with expansion joint type jolts which the cars suffer from, and rolling bump type damping, which requires a completely different type of damping.
I guess that the Bilsteins can use a stiffer shock because they are better at spike type damping, so that the stiffness is felt on the rolling bumps, but do not feel harsh on the expansion joint type of bump.
Too bad what you heard about the boges....they normally make good shocks, so I'm surprised you heard what you did.
IPD said somewhere that they plan on selling Boges for a less expensive alternative for the 850s this spring. Maybe they'll have it valved for them like the Bilsteins, so that it will deliver a better ride...
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Terence Lui on
Friday, 16 January 1998, at 4:11 p.m.
I don't think struts inserts are available from Bilsteins. Besides, I just checked my OEM struts and looks like it is all welded nicely as a whole assembly, so I don't think you can just take out the insert and put in a new one.
For my calipers, I used engine enamel(sp?), so it is definately able to resist the heat.
By the way, anybody have ways to cue my brake squeaking problem? My Metalmaster is squeaking like a B*t*h when I am driving. Well it only happen this consistently and this loud after I put on my snow tires with 15inch steel wheels. I don't know if it's related.
Terence Lui
'95 854T with squeaking brakes
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Monday, 19 January 1998, at 8:00 a.m.
>>By the way, anybody have ways to cue my brake squeaking problem?<<
Well, Terrence, I had the same problem initially right after I installed my Repco Deluxe pads...By the way, I thought the squealing was just associated with the Deluxe pads...I didnt realize that the MetalMasters exhibited the same nasty annoyance.. Anyway, at first, it was my Fronts which squealed like a Garbage Truck...Big Time, any time I applied them lightly...I cured that COMPLETELY by using a healthy dose of Silicon Grease from Volvo, although any silicon grease should do the job...The trick is to apply all around the 3 pronged spring on the inboard pad and anywhere else the piston is likely to come in contact with any part of the pad. Also, apply it under and around the 'ears' of the pads where they sit on the calipur bracket. That done, it completely disappeared. Then I installed rear pads, and went through the same process again, except there are no 3-pronged springs to lub. But, smear it all over the backs, and anywhere the piston comes in contact. It was NOT as successful as the fronts though. I had more luck with using Teflon Tape, and wrapping it around the anti squeal shims which come with the stock calipurs. Then I wrapped the shims and teflon tape with 2 layers of gray Duct tape...(another use for the stuff!) That has been successful enough so that it hardly squeals at all, and is more than tolerable. Lastly, I dont know if you're aware, but Volvo in one of their TSBs announced a new part which replaces the stock anti squeal shims with a revised design, where a square portion is cut out of them. It should be available from your Volvo parts dept. I got a set, and am waiting til my Deluxe's need replacement to try them.
Its been a long standing problem, the squealing that is, which often takes a bit of ingenuity and patience to solve. Still, its got to be better than going back to those Filthy OEM pads, right?
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Thursday, 15 January 1998, at 6:37 p.m.
Well Paul, there's your answer from Terence. It sounds like Terence is on the ball with the 850 subject. I'm just trying to get new shocks now and shopping around to see if I can find Bilsteins from other suppliers for less. If IPD has recalibrated the front struts, I guess I'll just have to sacrifice that much of handling. I hope it doesn't make so much of a difference.
I just got a reply from Dan Bennion about some Bilsteins he purchased for almost half the price compared to IPD prices. I gotta check that out. He says he got it from R&D Enterprises.
good luck
ciao.
han
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Friday, 16 January 1998, at 8:18 a.m.
Are you sure the Bilsteins Dan said he got were listed as fitting the 850? The bilstein info I recived does NOT list '94 and later 850s as being one of their applications! Its hard to imagine paying over $200 per shock (IPD), but if thats the only way you can be assured of fit and performance, than your choices are limited...I hear that this year, 850 replacement shocks will be available from Boge, which might not be a bad alternative, and I'm sure the price will be more affordable.
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Saturday, 17 January 1998, at 8:34 p.m.
hey Paul, you'r right. Bilstein don't make shocks for the 850's after '93. By the way, Dan's Volvo was a 744. It seems like IPD people are making some profit over the Bilstein mods for the 850's after '93. damnn...........
What do you know about the Boge's? Hopefully they are better than the factory shocks and struts.
Thanks Paul.
han
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Monday, 19 January 1998, at 9:18 a.m.
>>hey Paul, you'r right. Bilstein don't make shocks for the 850's after '93<<
So, I suspect that's one of the reasons IPD can charge > $200 for front shocks...they're the only place post-'93 850 owners may get them...The fact that they have 'custom' valving per IPD design instructions certainly adds to the cost as well....
>>What do you know about the Boge's? Hopefully they are better than the factory shocks and struts. <<
Since I'm unable to get verification of who makes the stock shocks, there's a fair chance that it is Boge, since Volvo uses them in many of their other models...That being the case, its still possible that after market Boges may be valved for more performance than the ones Volvo uses...I read that IPD will be carrying Boges for 850s early this year...I'm going to keep my eyes peeled for them, and for people's responses....I'd like to opt for new shocks, but not at $200 per, unless I wait til my stock ones wear out...
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Paul Elliott on
Monday, 19 January 1998, at 10:55 a.m.
Wait, I just called Bilstein, who told me they DO now make shocks for 850s through 1996. Front model is V36-4015, and Rears are B36-1640. And from a dealer I talked to, retail list prices are only about $15 less than IPD on the fronts! So, unless you can get them at cost, which is $122 for the fronts, expect to pay money!
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Monday, 19 January 1998, at 1:11 p.m.
Great info.... Thanks Paul.
I'll try calling them, but in the mean time, do you know if years through 1996 mean cars with assembly date up to 1996? My car is a '97 but rolled out on Aug. 1996.
Thanks...
this gives me lots of hope... :)
han.
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by han 850T5 on
Monday, 19 January 1998, at 2:00 p.m.
hey Paul,
Just got off the phone with the guy from Bilstein and they have a new model number for the front/rear struts/shocks: AK2301(front)/B361640(rear). The rep told me that it fits the 97 models too.
I guess I won't need IPD's help on the struts and shocks this time.
thanks.
ciao.
han
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Doug Berger on
Saturday, 10 January 1998, at 11:41 a.m.
I have a 90 760 Turbo and I am assuming that your car is set up the same. The front struts are pretty basic. You can replace them either with Volvo ($$$), Bilstein, Koni, or Boge, depending on what you can get the best price on.
The rear shocks are self-leveling Nivomats. You are much more limited in what you can do here. Your options are:
1. Volvo Replacements. (Very Expensive)
2. Boge replacements. (Identical to Volvo, less money)
3. IPD change over kit. Involves replacing the rear springs and going to "normal" shocks.
I went with the Koni's on the front and the Boge Nivomats on the back. Seems to work fine.
Doug
Re: '87 760 Turbo Shocks[ALL/1988] posted by Don Willson on
Saturday, 10 January 1998, at 8:21 p.m.
Is it a sedan or wagon? The RPR catalog shows the 760 with the B230FT engine having Nivomat self leveling shocks. These are expensive and are often replaced with new heavier springs and a good shock.
The RPR catalog says,
"HOW CAN I KNOW IF I HAVE NIVOMAT SELF-LEVELING REAR SHOCKS?
Some Volvos (particularly 760 models) were equipped with self-leveling rear shocks. Unlike most shocks, the Nivomat has an accordion-type rubber boot that covers the junction between the upper and lower halves of the shock. These shocks do a lot fo the spring's work and are matched with a very light duty spring. When she shocks fail and no longer support the car, the rear end on one or both sides will sink low to the ground. This is also true if standard shocks have been installed without replacing the springs on a Nivomat equipped vehicle.
" ----However many owners do not consider it important enough to 'spring' for the money it costs to replace a pair of Nivomats. For you, we provide kits of two KYB GasAJust or Boge TurboGas rear shocks and two rear springs to replace Nivomat load leveller rear shocks. The cost of the pair of springs plus the pair of shocks considerably LESS THAN ONE NIVOMAT!"
A catalog several years old gives a phone number for RPR Co. of 510 524-7200 in Albany California.