Posted by jdemaris on December 07, 2009 at 18:27:07 from (67.142.130.16):
I just learned something totally new, when it comes to auto mechanics.
Crawled under my 1998 Dodge Grand Caravan AWD. Been making knocking noises in back on rough roads. Found out the knocking if from the rubber mounts on the top of the "shock absorbers." No big deal, right? I figured I'd buy good new shocks for $15 or $20 each. Saw a warning decal on them about danger of removal. Thought that was a bit odd.
Well, looked them and they cost anywere from $375 to $500 each! I almost had a stroke. Got reading into it and found out these all-wheel-drive vans have what's called a Nivomat rear suspension. Each unit that looks like a shock is actually weight carrying and load-sensing. Self adjusts to road conditions and weight loads. Each has a built in pump, sensors, piston, etc.
So, here I am wondering how to approach. For the price of two, I could buy almost buy another vehicle. I see conversion kits for sale to change it over to some sort of spring supported shock, which I might to. Can't just put regular shocks in, since the leaf springs can't be left to bear all the weight. They are intentionally built weak to let the "Nivomat" do the work.
Shame of the whole things is - the ones in there are fine. It's just the rubber bushings that wore out. With a $15 shock, I wouldn't care and just replace.
So, I learned two things. #1 what a Nivomat Suspension is. #2 Odd-ball limited production vehicles can be real expensive to fix.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today. [ About Us ]
Today's Featured Article - An AC Model M Crawler - by Anthony West. Neil Atkins is a man in his late thirties, a mild and patient character who talks fondly of his farming heritage. He farms around a hundred and fifty acres of arable land, in a village called Southam, located just outside Leamington Spa in Warwickshire. The soil is a rich dark brown and is well looked after. unlike some areas in the midlands it is also fairly flat, broken only by hedgerows and the occasional valley and brook. A copse of wildbreaking silver birch and oak trees surround the top si
... [Read Article]
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy
TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
