Volvo AWD 850 Forum

INDEX FOR 10/2025(CURRENT) INDEX FOR 1/2022 850 INDEX

[<<]  [>>]


THREADED THREADED EXPANDED FLAT PRINT ALL
MESSAGES IN THIS THREAD




  REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

Shocks/Struts to improve ride. 850 1995

posted by  someone claiming to be JB on  Wed Apr 24 00:33 CST 2002 [RELATED]

Can the rough ride of the 850 turbo be improved, decrease the sharp impacts, with new shocks/struts? If so what would you recommend? Thank you
JB








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Shocks/Struts to improve ride. 850 1995

    posted by  steve s on  Wed Apr 24 09:40 CST 2002
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Thu Mar 10 02:18 CST 2011
    [RELATED]

    springs are the biggest culprit in rough ride, stiff ones especially. but having soft shocks or worn shocks that don't have the necessary compression to take the edge off sharp impacts don't help either. the bilsteins hd may be too hard for u. maybe the bilsteins touring class shocks would be a better fit. as for low tire psi...highly not recommended. low tire pressue (below 30) just doesn't provide enough support for the tires to support the car. extra heat is generated, vulnerable to pot holes for both wheel and tires. blow outs possible at high speed.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Shocks/Struts to improve ride. 850 1995

    posted by  someone claiming to be Ed M. on  Wed Apr 24 02:36 CST 2002 [RELATED]

    Based on my experience with a 98 S70 GLT and from I have read here and other places, I have come to the opinion that the only way to improve the ride is by replacing the tires with a smoother riding tire and/reducing the tire pressure. On my car, Volvo recommends 31psi-34psi which I find too harsh. I run a H rated 205/60/15 tire at 28 psi and the ride is much better. Handling may not be as good, but not noticeable. In the winter, I run a 195/65/15 Nokian T rated NRW snow tire. The car rides quite well with this tire. Going down in speed rating obviously will affect the handling. For the average driver who wants comfort, the best compromise in my opinion would be a T rated tire in size 205/60/15 or 195/65/15. The higher profile tires put more rubber between you and the road. Both tires are within 3% of the diameter of the standard 195/60/15 and should not affect the speedometer or ABS systems--at least I have not noticed any difference. The local Volvo dealer puts T rated Cooper Lifeliner STE on their used cars and they seem to ride well. It basically is a tradeoff between handling and smooth ride. I guess in my old age, I prefer the smooth ride.








  •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

    Shocks/Struts to improve ride. 850 1995

    posted by  markas on  Wed Apr 24 01:04 CST 2002
    Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS]
    last visit: Sat Jan 2 04:39 CST 2010
    [RELATED]

    Hi ya JB,

    I had woundered over this myself as i have a bad back and wanted to soften the ride. But unfortunately the ride is harsh on 850s. I have a 94GLT and have replaced with OEM/Boge at 150k as i was still on my original after 8 years.

    You could try softer springs and use Bilsteins for example i may go for this next time.

    mark in leeds/uk.







    •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

      Shocks/Struts to improve ride. 850 1995

      posted by  Rick850R on  Wed Apr 24 03:47 CST 2002
      Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS] [RELATED]

      Well--for one thing, lowering the air pressure in your tires will cause premature tire wear, and it is not necessarily a safe thing to do. Manufacturers put tire pressure on their tires for a reason. It's what they are designed to run at.

      Softer springs would be a good choice if you can find them. Bilsteins from what I have read on this site from other people, provide a slightly harsher ride than stock shocks, but smoother, if that makes any sense.

      Bottom line--if you want a Cadillac ride, buy a Cadillac. If you want a BMW ride....; why Volvo engineers won't soften the ride considering how many people want a softer ride, I don't know.








      •   REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE    PRINT   SAVE 

        Shocks/Struts to improve ride. 850 1995

        posted by  cleeland on  Wed Apr 24 15:02 CST 2002
        Author: [PROFILE] [EVERY POST] [THREADS] [BEST POSTS] RSS Feed     [IGNORE ALL POSTS] [RELATED]


        why Volvo engineers won't soften the ride considering how many people want a softer ride, I don't know.


        Actually, they did. I have a '94 855T, and a '98 V70R AWD. The '98 is not only a more supple (notice I didn't necessarily say "softer") ride, but it's also better handling. They finally got that chassis right, then they had to go change it :-(







<< < > >>



©Jarrod Stenberg 1997-2022. All material except where indicated.


All participants agree to these terms.

Brickboard.com is not affiliated with nor sponsored by AB Volvo, Volvo Car Corporation, Volvo Cars of North America, Inc. or Ford Motor Company. Brickboard.com is a Volvo owner/enthusiast site, similar to a club, and does not intend to pose as an official Volvo site. The official Volvo site can be found here.