Jittery Volvo

Shock absorbers. The bounce test is nothing - I've had shocks which I knew were absolutely shot pass the MOT.

The dampers or shockers would be the first port of call - what's the mileage and are they the original dampers?

Cheers for the responses. The car's seven years old and has done

Carl Bowman ( snipped-for-privacy@gmx.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Why would the rears be any less fooked than the fronts?

Fair comment. It's probably more to do with legendary Yorkshire thriftness TBH, but they need doing and they're a safety item so I'll smile as I pay the nice garage bloke. Mushn't grrumble really as it's the first big spend on the car in the two years since I bought it.

Chances are then that they're either the originals or the first replacement...

Gas shockers are reputed to be "better," although I can't vouch for the Volvo or if this means they have better longevity or provide a smoother ride. Like for like at least... does it have gas shockers now, do you know?

On some cars, one end has a _reputation_ for being kinder to the shockers than t'other.

That written, I'd get all four done - it'll transform the car rather than make you wish you'd had the rears done too. :)

Have a look at them. If any have collected road grime adhering to leaked fluid, then replace that (as a pair) without hesitation.

I would.

John

John Henderson ( snipped-for-privacy@talk21.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Leaking is not the only failure mode of dampers.

Absolutely, but it's a symptom of a problem that shouldn't be ignored.

John

Not sure whether the current set are gas or not. Just phoned the local Volvo independent who's going to have a look at it on Monday - I'll report back once I know how good/bad my bank balance is going to be.

John Henderson ( snipped-for-privacy@talk21.com) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

Given that all four are quite obviously fooked and long overdue for the bin, it doesn't matter if they're leaking or not.

In fact, it would have been better for the OP (or - at least - for the car's ride and handling, if not the OP's wallet) if they had started leaking when they were first knackered, as they'd have been replaced years ago due to the resultant MOT fail.

... And the answer was ...

The tyres, apparently. Phase 1 S40s have a reputation for a slightly harsh ride on poor road surfaces (of which there are many in West Yorkshire) and being a Volvo, components tend not to wear out very quickly. Although there is some wear in the suspension it's serviceable and the cost of replacing it wouldn't bring great improvements to the handling, said the garage (which was fair enough as they could have easily sold me the set of shock absorbers I originally asked for, but advised me against it). Had a couple of other non-suspension bits done at the same time which have indirectly improved the general handling of the car.

It's got Yokohamas on the front with about 4mm on, which will go on the rear, and the budget tyres on the rear will be replaced with something fairly decent which can cope with the s**te-for-roads round here - probably Falkens or Goodyears.

Carl Bowman ( snipped-for-privacy@gmx.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :

INCOMING!