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Is it time for new shocks? 850 1997

posted by  Highmile_volvo on  Tue Feb 3 13:19 CST 2009
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last visit: Mon Sep 8 20:17 CST 2014
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Hi,

I have a 1997 850 T5. It has about 102,000 miles on it. I'm the 2nd owner. I don't believe the shocks have ever been replaced. Under most conditions they seem to perform okay. They seem fine when braking hard, or going over bumps for the most part.

But, when I accelerate fast, to maybe pass a car on the freeway, the front end sways back and forth. I guess this might happen to an extent because of the front-wheel drive, but how excessive should it sway? I also think at times, certain parts of the freeway have grooves in them from tire wear, which doesn't help the car track, but I'm just wondering if I was to have Bilstein HD strut/shocks installed, would that make a difference in how the car handles under fast acceleration?

Thank you,

Michael








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    Is it time for new shocks? 850 1997

    posted by  KlausC on  Wed Feb 4 17:21 CST 2009
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    Under full boost while at speed, there will be a little torque steer but easily handled.
    I put Koni sport struts on the front of my 98 R and they were real nice. No torque steer with AWD, but the 1/2 inch dive under braking went away. That was at 150K miles.

    Have your wheels aligned if you think the shocks are OK. They will tell you if there is something out of adjustment or in need of repair.

    Klaus
    --
    My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.








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    Is it time for new shocks? 850 1997

    posted by  KlausC on  Tue Feb 3 14:39 CST 2009
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    If the nose of the car does not dive under braking, then the shocks are probably good.
    Your side to side motion is not from bad shocks but either control arms or other suspension bits. Verify that the end links are still tight by pulling/pushing on them, they should not move.
    --
    My name is Klaus and I am a Volvoholic.








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      Is it time for new shocks? 850 1997

      posted by  LilHelpHere on  Wed Feb 4 11:51 CST 2009
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      last visit: Wed Oct 15 22:09 CST 2014
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      Shocks in the rear respond the the old fashioned bounce test -get the rear bouncing and if it continues to bounce after you let go then you need shocks. Replace in pairs. Got Bilsteins in rear and didn't notice much difference good or bad. Have not had any work done on struts, and am now curious as to how long they should last -it's been a long time.
      --
      '97 855na, Mobil 1, K&N, various IPD's and eBay's







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