Replacing rear shocks - extra washers??

[Guest]

As above, I will be replacing the OEMs with Bilstein TCs. I have already
purchased the matching shock mounts.

I have read about using extra washers - they say the single thick washer
supplied by Bilstein is "not enough". What would be the purpose of the
extra washers? How many would I need and where do I place them - above
or below the shock mount? What kind of grade should I get? Thanks.

 

[John]

You don't say what model/year you have but! I replaced the rear shocks on my
96 850 T with bilsteins and had to put a 3/8" flat washer about 3/32" - 1/8"
thick under the upper nut. This was the only way the shock shaft would
tighten in the Volvo mount. I would not worry about grade as its only a thin
spacer. Hope this helps

John

 

[Michael Chiu]

I have a 1998 S70 T5 with Bilsteins, and for the longest time I thought my
spare tire was loose and was clunking around. When I finally took the time
to look and do research, I found out that I could access the top of the
shocks from my trunk. When I bounced the rear, I could see them moving
around and making the sound. I had them add a few washers. It was
definitely more than 1/8" as the previous guy mentioned, and it might have
been excessive, but at least the sound is gone and I can drive hard again.

I am glad that I bought rear shock mounts too. When I took the old ones
out, they looked brand new. However, from clunking around so much, the
bolt hole had been widened into oblong holes. That just added to things.

The washers get installed right under the tightening nut. The Bilsteins
came with a thick washer, and I would put the other washer(s) between that
thick one and the nut.

mike