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It turns out the 940’s dampers weren't exactly damping so it was time to get a new set fitted. But did it all go smoothly? Have a guess…
1997 VOLVO 940 ESTATE
This isn't the first time that I’ve been up close and personal with the Volvo's suspension.
I replaced the springs and bushes way back in autumn 2019 – before global pandemics and cost of living crises – to improve the big Swede’s tractor-esque ride height and boat-like handling. It was a huge improvement and I’ve toyed with the idea of replacing the whole shebang with coilovers ever since. Unsurprisingly, however, that is an expensive endeavour and so when my hand was forced after noticing an oil leak from the nearside front damper I decided to just replace all of the dampers with Bilstein B4s – a popular factory upgrade within Volvo circles.
Having previously removed the struts I knew that the process was within my capabilities and so I set aside a morning to crack on, beginning at the front. Liberating the was a simple process of removing the brake calipers, undoing the top mount nuts and then disconnecting the sway bar end links and tie rod ends to lower the suspension out of the car. It isn’t mandatory to disconnect the struts as long as you’re careful not to damage any paint, which makes the whole operation much quicker.
I then had to remove the top mounts, the springs and boots (which were toast) and loosen the gland nut using a large pipe wrench to free the damper from each assembly. With all mating surfaces cleaned up, the new Bilsteins went in without incident and the front suspension could then be buttoned back up with fresh top mounts, bushings and boots.
You may recall from a previous report that I had already carried out the ‘camber mod’ and so needed to re-drill the new top mount plates to retain my additional negative camber. With that complete, it was on to the rears. Well, not quite. You see righty-tighty became righty-loosey as I was re-torquing the nearside drop link – the whole thing had sheared in half. This meant that I had to order a new pair of drop links before I could get the car back on the road but I suppose a couple of cheap, consumable parts isn’t a bad price to pay for entirely rejuvenated suspension.
I continued with the rear of the car while I waited for those t
