Suspension - New Nivomat Shock Absorber (Inverted)

SECTION
7

GROUP
76

NO.
902

DATE
Jun. 1996

RE:
New NIVOMAT shock absorber (inverted)

960 1995-

REFERENCE: TP 6501201, SECTION 6 (65) MULTI-LINK REAR SUSPENSION MKII; 960 1995-

New NIVOMAT shock absorber (inverted)

A new type of "NIVOMAT" shock absorber is replacing the earlier version in production from chassis numbers:

964: 96391
965: 35481

The new type of "NIVOMAT" shock absorber is optional equipment for U.S./CDN, and has replacement part numbers:

964: P/N 272208-0
965: P/N 272209-8

Only the new type of shock absorber will be stocked as a replacement part.

The new type of shock absorber must be installed using the rubber boot turned up and a marking showing the side which must be facing out when installing.

Cars with factory-fitted Nivomat shock absorbers also have a new design of bracket round the upper shock absorber mounting.

If the older type of Nivomat shock absorber is to be replaced with the new type, the clearance between the shock absorber and the bracket must be checked.

Replacement of NIVOMAT shock absorber, method

Raise the car

Locate the rear arms of the lift so they are not in the way of the support arm.

Position a mobile jack lightly against the link.

Remove the upper and lower bolts from the shock absorber.





Knock off the shock absorber from the support arm. Move the support piston boot out of the way to get access to the anti-roll bar bolt (arrowed).

Undo the bolt and move the anti-roll bar as far as possible out of the working area so the shock absorber can be removed (and the new unit installed).

Install new shock absorber





Note that the rubber boot must be turned upward and the correct side facing outward. On the upper mounting side there is an arrow and the marking "OUTSIDE". The upper mounting is also slightly angled outward.

Install the shock absorber using the upper bolt and tighten to 100 Nm (74 ft.lbs). Use new bolts.

Raise the rear suspension into a normal ride position.

For information on use of the compression tool, refer to Service Manual Section 6 (65) "Multi-link Rear suspension MKII 960 1995 page 11.

Alternatively, use a drive-on lift.

Install and tighten the lower bolt to 80 +/- 20 Nm (59 +/- 15 ft.lbs)

Install and tighten the anti-roll bar bolt.

Reinstall the dirt guard on the support arm back into place.

Check clearance between the shock absorber and bracket between rear axle member/body.

When replacing an early type of NIVOMAT shock absorber with the new type the clearance between the shock absorber in normal ride height position, and the bracket between rear axle member/body must be at least 7 mm (9/32").

Checking clearance:

- Remove wheel.





- Insert 7 mm (9/32") diameter drill bit round the shock absorber at the bracket. The bit should go round between the shock absorber and the bracket easily.





If the clearance between the shock absorber and bracket is too little and requires adjustment:

Bend out the bracket's plate using heavy-duty adjustable (water pump) pliers and a distance piece.

Reinstall the wheel according to the method in Service Manual Section 6 (65) "Multi-link Rear suspension MKII 960 1995- page 3.

WARRANTY STATEMENT: Claims may be submitted under the New Car Limited Warranty when a manufacturing defect is present using claim type: 01

Operation No. Labor description Time allowance

76104-2 Shock absorber rear replace 1 side 0.2 hr
76124-2 Shock absorber rear replace 2 sides 0.3 hr
76902-3 Clearance Rear axle member/body Check/adjust 0.2 hr