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What are good rear shocks replacement choices? 900

posted by  Vladimir on  Wed Apr 12 16:23 CST 2017
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last visit: Sun Oct 5 18:40 CST 2014
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Hello, all. My 1993 wagon (solid axle, not self-leveling) is in need of rear shocks. As far as I know the ones on it may be original (doubtful at 183K miles). I am not looking for performance, but rather decent handling, which the car definitely had before the shocks went south. Longevity is also an issue, but secondary. Price is important. I found Sachs at FCP for $44, Genuine Volvo at $65 (I believe the genuine Volvo are also Sachs, but not sure). I think I can save a few bucks on genuine Volvo ones at Tasca over FCP. Should I get Sachs, genuine Volvo or other?

TIA!

--
Vladimir
--
Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers








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    What are good rear shocks replacement choices? 900

    posted by  Vladimir on  Fri Apr 21 08:53 CST 2017
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    last visit: Sun Oct 5 18:40 CST 2014
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    Thank you for the replies. I ended up buying a pair of Sachs Advantage at FCP, which are gas charged and are slightly more expensive than regular Sachs. They are made in Mexico these days.

    I just did the job yesterday. The lower bolts were very difficult to remove. On the right side some persuasion with a 4lb hammer did the job along with plenty of penetrating oil and cussing. The left side was a bit more difficult. I had to employ some heat from my plumber's propane torch. I heated the bottom of the bottom ear on the old shock and then while it was hot I hammered on the bolt and it budged. I had to file the end of the bolt back to normal shape as I deformed the end with a hammer.

    On further inspection I noticed that the penetrating oil did not get in where it was supposed to go, so in hindsight it was probably not necessary. It feels like you are doing something with it, but in reality, when things are so stuck, the oil can not reach where it would help.

    Another minor issue I had was the upper mount of the new shocks was too wide to fit properly. I had to grind away a small amount from one side and then it fit fine. The amount I ground away was less than 1/32", so not a lot, but it would just not go in there without grinding. Just a heads up for others. Just a few strokes with a file took care of it.

    The car feels great on the road now. No more bouncing. Handling is great. I am always amazed at how well these cars handle. Especially for what they are, which are family wagons. Love them!

    --
    Vladimir. '98 S70 base, 5-speed manual - his, '93 945 - hers








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      What are good rear shocks replacement choices? 900

      posted by  spook on  Fri Apr 21 10:37 CST 2017
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      last visit: Fri Oct 24 08:06 CST 2014
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      Dear Vladimir,

      Hope you're well. You're the second to report that upper shock mounts need to be "shaved" to install smoothly. I suppose that's better than having an under-sized mounting, which could "rattle".

      As to penetrating oil, it could take several days for the oil to do its job. The oil weakens the corrosion bond as it percolates through through micro-channels in the corrosion. That takes time. Before trying to loosen a bolt in place for a decade or so, I saturate the bolt with PB Blaster (or Kroil, or similar) once daily for several days. When ambient temperatures are low (below, say, 70⁰F (15⁰C)) even more time might be needed.

      Hope this helps.

      Yours faithfully,

      Spook








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    What are good rear shocks replacement choices? 900

    posted by  spook on  Thu Apr 13 06:07 CST 2017
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    last visit: Fri Oct 24 08:06 CST 2014
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    Dear Vladimir,

    Hope you're well. I've relied on KYB Gas-adjust shocks, #KG5565. No problems in six-plus years since installation. These shocks are used with IPD anti-roll bars

    To ease the swap, saturate the lower shock nut with PB Blaster. Upper shock bolt torque spec is 63 pound/feet.

    Hope this helps.

    Yours faithfully,

    Spook









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    What are good rear shocks replacement choices? 900

    posted by  Mr. Weekend on  Wed Apr 12 20:36 CST 2017
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    Hi Vladimir. I put Gabriels on the back of my 960 wagon, and they work well.You have more choices on your wagon than I do on mine, I don't think you can go too wrong with Sachs or Volvo.







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