Can you replace Nivomat shocks with regular shocks?

Can you replace Nivomat shocks with regular shocks?

Even though the conventional shocks may fit, It is not recommended that you replace your Nivomats with traditional shock absorbers. If conventional shocks are installed the vehicle may permanently sag about 2 inches or so and the vehicle’s ride quality will suffer.

How do I know if my Volvo has Nivomat shocks?

If your car is parked for extended periods (more than a day or two), the car may settle a little, which is normal. However, the difference from driver side rear to passenger side rear should be less than 9/16′. The large rubber accordion boot is the simplest way to identify a Nivomat shock.

How do I know if my Nivomat shocks are bad?

Five Signs a Nivomat is Bad Sagging: If you load the trunk of a vehicle with Nivomats, the rear end will go down. After driving the rear end should return to the correct ride height. If the suspension does not return to the correct ride height, the Nivomat units likely need to be replaced.

What is Nivomat shock?

The Nivomat Shock Absorber is a self-leveling monotube shock absorber developed by Sachs. Nivomat is a contraction of two French words, niveau and automatique. When translated to English, it would be level automatic or automatic level.

How do I know if I have self leveling suspension?

You can look under the car from the rear, if you see large plastic ribbed plastic on the shocks, you likely have Nivomat’s. You can also measure the car before you drive, drive at least a mile and measure again. If you raise at least 1 inch, you likely have them.

What are load leveling shocks?

Monroe Load-leveler shocks are designed to help sagging rear suspensions when towing or hauling. They feature a variable rate spring, and aluminum collars for added strength. These shocks can help provide up to 1,100 lbs.

How do I know if my shocks are self-leveling?

What is self-leveling shock?

KYB self-leveling shocks are direct OE replacements that automatically adjust suspension balance and height to keep your vehicle level in all driving conditions. Self-leveling shocks from KYB include the pump, sensor, regulator, and reservoir inside of the sealed unit.

How long do Nivomats last?

Volvo has used Nivomats for years on their independent rear suspension wagons. They last about 130,000 miles on these applications, but the shocks DO wear out eventually. As was mentioned, you can’t put regular shocks on a Nivomat vehicle since they are designed-in and supplement the regular springs.

How do I know if I have Nivomat rear suspension?

If you are wondering if you have Nivomats, check your manual, or try to get a look at them. They will only be in the rear. Nivomats have a thinner end toward the eyelet (although Monroe Nivomats and some others have a built-in accordion boot cover).

How do I know if my shocks are self leveling?

What is rear load leveling suspension?

Load-leveler suspensions maintain an optimum ride height when heavy cargo is loaded into the rear of a vehicle or when towing and hauling a trailer. One is a hydro-pneumatic system that automatically pumps more fluid into the rear shock absorbers to maintain the right ride height, while still absorbing bumps.

Where are The Nivomat shocks on a Volvo?

The Nivomat shock system on Volvos is unique in that it is a self-leveling monotube installed on the rear of a Volvo only. What allows them to give your Volvo its smooth ride is the way they automatically adjust to any amount of weight you place on your Volvo.

What kind of shocks do I need for my Volvo?

This kit consists of a new pair of shocks along with a new pair of springs at the proper spring rate so your Volvo won’t sag. Our Nivomat replacement kit is cheaper than the cost of original replacements and improves ride quality, when compared to the mushy ride the Nivomats alone provide.

What are the advantages of a Nivomat shock absorber?

This maintains the ride quality whether the vehicle is operated with a driver only or to compensate for passengers and luggage. The big advantage to the Nivomat is the shock absorber requires no plumbing, compressor and height sensing device to level the vehicle.

What kind of shock absorber is used for rear suspension?

The normal application for this shock absorber is for the rear suspension of a passenger car or SUV. What gives the shock its leveling capability is a pump mechanism and oil reservoir that can increase the accumulator pressure, which increases the shocks lifting capability.