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.
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