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Is Nivomat Conversion Impossible for P2 platform

posted by  Hovonogila on  Mon Jun 26 22:02 CST 2017
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last visit: Mon Sep 22 20:53 CST 2014
[RELATED]

I have an S80, 2004, awd, 5 cylinder, and just discovered (200K) that I have nivomats and they've failed. Volvo (via Tasca and Borton) get about $325 per side (list is almost $600). I spoke with a terrific parts guy at IPD that says it physically impossible to install standard shocks (with stiffer springs) and that's why no conversion kit exists. I'm not crazy about the idea of putting that kind of money in a 13-14 year old car with miles. It runs well, but it needs control arms and an axle too.

I've thought about salvage, but those shocks are going to be ten years old (if I can find any) which is about the time they fail.

Suggestions?
--
I'm stuck on Volvo and Volvo's stuck on me....when it comes to FWD I always listen to the "Oracle of Minnesota'








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    Is Nivomat Conversion Impossible for P2 platform S80 2005

    posted by  someone claiming to be Davey on  Tue Jan 16 10:14 CST 2018 [RELATED]

    Here's what I did . . .
    2005, s80, awd, 2.5t. (Use s60 p2 for parts reference)
    Sachs 311762 spring (with spring base on shock)- $90
    Suplex 38108 spring - $70
    Re-used all other hdwe - was in good shape
    You will need a strong come-along to go between the wheels. You have to pull on them, to pull the wheels down further, to get the driver side assy to clear the body. For some reason, Passenger side drops right out.







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    Is Nivomat Conversion Impossible for P2 platform

    posted by  KlausC on  Wed Jun 28 09:24 CST 2017
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
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    Mark, you realize that you can replace just one Nivomat at a time? When mine failed at 185K, I found one leaking fluid and the other still OK. So I replaced just the one and that worked out great.

    If you had regular shocks on your car, it would be close to the time to get your 3rd set.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new








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      Is Nivomat Conversion Impossible for P2 platform

      posted by  Hovonogila on  Wed Jun 28 12:58 CST 2017
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      last visit: Mon Sep 22 20:53 CST 2014
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      My mechanic says they're both shot. I've done a little reading on the Nivomat self-pumper and it's pretty interesting engineering. Chrysler put them on the Town and Country minivan and GMC on the Suburban.

      What I'm curious about is why someone hasn't found a way to convert FWD and AWD cars.

      IPD says there is no way a conventional shock and spring could fit. That doesn't make sense. I have a V70 with conventional shocks and springs and that model has pumpers as an option. Maybe the drive axle to the individual rear wheel takes up space needed for the conventional shock and spring.

      They're not leaking. How can I verify both failed.

      (If we devise a solution to fitting conventional shocks I'll split the money with you. You can retire to International Falls, or Hibbing, someplace nice.)
      --
      I'm stuck on Volvo and Volvo's stuck on me....when it comes to FWD I always listen to the "Oracle of Minnesota'








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        Is Nivomat Conversion Impossible for P2 platform

        posted by  KlausC on  Wed Jun 28 15:32 CST 2017
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        last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
        [RELATED]

        If the Nivomats are not leaking, find something around 100lbs. First measure from ground to top of bumper, write it down.

        Put a good weight in the hatch area close to the bumper - neighbor's kid works. Measure the distance again.

        Then shove the back of the car up and down about 10 times. With the weight still in the car, measure again. If the shocks work, then you should be close to the original measurement.

        Some people drive around the block, I suggest not with the neighborhood kids!
        --
        Keeping it running is better than buying new








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    Is Nivomat Conversion Impossible for P2 platform

    posted by  KlausC on  Tue Jun 27 09:36 CST 2017
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 10:15 CST 2014
    [RELATED]

    You could sell the car to me for a really cheap price! But, you used up the suspension and now it is biting you in the wallet. If you had 'normal' shocks and struts, and were to go to a shop to have them replaced, it would cost you around $1200.

    Except for rusty bolts (let them soak in PB Blaster for a couple of days), replacing the nivomats is an easy job. Sure, they cost a lot, but they last a bit longer than traditional shocks and make for a more friendly ride.

    Just be glad your car isn't equipt with 4C suspension!

    And get those control arms repaired before you have to buy new tires.
    --
    Keeping it running is better than buying new







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