Two months ago I had a local Portland, OR Volvo shop install new KYB gas KG5553 shocks and IPD overload springs in my 1988 245.

When I am at highway speeds and go over even a slight bump there is a medium to high frequency vibration that sounds like solid metal on solid metal coming from the rear. Started with the driver's side, now on both sides. When I go over a speed bump or hit a pothole at slow speeds, same thing.

I almost had them pull the springs as the ride was so much harsher than with stock springs. I've gotten used to the ride, though it would be nice to have it a bit less harsh, but can't get used to the noises.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

-Craig

Did you do the trailing arm bushings too? You could have bad bushings and that might throw your new parts off.
--
'89 245 B230F M47

Did not do the trailing arm bushings.

If those are shot, it could bring extra pressure on the springs and shocks. Thats not an easy task. As i found out. Its inexpensive if you can make your own tool but you need metal working tools. Like a grinder and metal saw. Its possible you can find someone on the BB that would lend you a tool. Its a 2 man job, and I recommend 2 floor jacks. If your car has a ton of rust, you may never get them off. Not sure, but Ive heard its pretty expensive for a shop to do it.. Its a task for sure, and Im not trying to scare you off, but that could be your problem...
--
'89 245 B230F M47

Hi Craig,
I also installed the overload springs along with new Bilstein touring shocks. I spent hours and hours trying to find that annoying twang sound and guess what it is? The overload coils themselves... The top two coils touch and at just the right bump they twang and drive you nuts.
If you take the tire off and just hit the coil with the palm of your hand you can reproduce the noise.
I ended up cutting up an old small diameter coolant hose wrapping as much as I could around the top coil, worked perfect. I also sent an email to IPD telling them my coils made this noise and they told me "you have an old car, lots of things make noise" I responded and told them what the fix was and they never responded. Personally I'm just about ready to take mine out and either go back to normal springs or Kaplhenke coilovers.
anyone need a set of 6 month old ipd heavy duty coils?

Gord
--
1990 245, 1971 P1800e, 2007 C30 T5

Hey Gordon,

Did you keep the overload springs? Did your fix continue to work? Do you have any pics of your fix?

I'm sad to say that the sound, while still an issue, bugs me less and less. That's what IPD is counting on I suppose. But I'd still like it gone. We're you able to wrap the cut up hose around the top coil while the springs were still installed?

Thanks.

Craig

Thank you for the input.

Coils hitting coils seems likely. I'll have the KYB's replaced with something more docile and try your cooling hose solution to stop the horrible noises.

Are the overload springs made for the lighter 242/244s?

I had these installed to raise my 245's sagging rear end. Purely cosmetic. Looks like it's turning out to be an expensive fail.

The overload springs will fit the sedans, but not normally necessary...

Forgot... the other fix is to add 100lbs of weight to the car, rides nicer and coils are loaded, no noise,
--
1990 245, 1971 P1800e, 2007 C30 T5

The stiff ride is probably the Shocks. When I put Overloads on my car I used same Shocks and the ride was not and is not harsh at all.
The noise: I wonder if they rotated the springs to the springs until they sat in the upper coil seats properly.


--
'75 Jeep CJ5 345Hp ChevyPwrd, two motorcycles, '85 Pickup: The '89 Volvo is the newest vehicle I own. it wasn't Volvos safety , it was Longevity that sold me http://home.lyse.net/brox/TonyPage4.html http://cleanflametrap.com/tony/

Just a guess, but see if the exhaust is contacting something somewhere under there.

That was my first thought, too. No exhaust components hitting anything as far as I can tell.