Accumulator Sphere - where is it?

Hugo · Post by **Hugo** » 05 Oct 2003, 02:23

Hi
I'm new to the forum and have been scouring all the threads here but cannot quite confirm the location of the accumulator sphere.
I know its attached to the regulator or acc block as some people call it, but where is this?
Is it attached onto the lower front of the engine block? My car is a 1993 VSX 2.0l 16v.
I'm about to try and change this tomorrow, but I don't want to be removing the wrong sphere!
In addition, where is the famous 12mm screw I have to undo do 'drain the sphere. If I'm right it looks like the only screw that doesn't have any other purpose facing the radiator about 2 to 3 inches to the right of where the sphere screws in.
This is the problem when someone tells you want to do without showing you.
Thanks in advance
Hugo

Nikolaymk · Post by **Nikolaymk** » 05 Oct 2003, 02:40

it is at the bottom of the engine bay in the middle towards the radiator.

BonceChops · Post by **BonceChops** » 05 Oct 2003, 02:41

On the diesel ( think it is the same ) it is on the front of the engine low down. The 12mm bleed screw is a few inches to the right of the sphere as you look from the front - so you sound like you have found it. Mine did nothing when I unscrewed it a turn or 2 because the accumulator was totally flat.
Neil

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 05 Oct 2003, 03:15

- and it should be the only 12mm headbolt found in this area. It's a release valve - don't wind it out - just loosen it 1/2 turn.

Hugo · Post by **Hugo** » 05 Oct 2003, 03:21

Thanks guys for that quick response.
So I did have the right sphere. I found another one just underneath the radiator. What is that for just out of interest?
Hugo

BonceChops · Post by **BonceChops** » 05 Oct 2003, 03:26

Make sure you set the car to lowest height setting before you release the bleed screw.
Being an animal [}:)] I found the easiest way to loosen the sphere was with a long cold chiesel. A couple of taps and it moved, reposition the chiesel and 2 more and it was loose. Unscrew it, make sure the old seal is removed. Fit the new seal onto the mounting not the sphere and screw in the new sphere. Mine is the TD model so there are air pipes for the intercooler in the way, I removed the air cleaner to give me some room.
For interest after re-pressurising the system I set it to minimum and released the bleed again, this time I heard the oil whoosh out of the sphere back to tank - this proved to me the old sphere was totally flat.
Why are you changing it?
Neil

blueboy2001 · Post by **blueboy2001** » 05 Oct 2003, 03:28

The sphere under the radiator will be whats knows as the Hydractive Centre Sphere. These are only found on VSX/Exclusive models with the Hydractive system. Less models don't have hydractive suspension.
If you haven't a clue what hydractive suspension system is, download the Citroen Technical Guide from http://www.tramontana.co.hu/citroen/guide.html

Hugo · Post by **Hugo** » 05 Oct 2003, 05:15

[8)][:p][:)]Thanks for all the responses guys.
I'm changing it for two reasons.
Firstly, it was pointed out at my last MOT at a Cit specialist that a change was on the cards and the clicking intervals have got much shorter of recent. It was stated that this was the only issue with the system.
Secondly, the car is for sale and I would like the next owner to be as happy with it as we were, hopefully any improvement in the ride will help to sell it quicker.
Sounds like the cold chisel method is good for me [;)]
I love these little symbols! [:)][:D][}:)][;)][:0][8)][?][V][:(!][B)]
Hugo
BTW I think this site is the BEST!!!
I only posted this question an hour and ahalf ago and look at all the responses - so not everyone was watching Fame Academy then!!

BonceChops · Post by **BonceChops** » 05 Oct 2003, 15:06

Whats Fame Academy??? [:)]

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 05 Oct 2003, 16:26

I changed one for somebody yesterday, it proved to much for my vice grip chain wrench, just not enough leverage on that so I knocked up the tool that was born of a user on this site, can't remember who it was but thanks anyway, the bugger gave in soon enough when he'd got that monster strapped to him[:D]
A word of warning for the chisel brigade, if the sphere still has apprechiable pressure within it and you puncture the steel enclosure, you could have high pressure nitrogen licking you about the face, not nice, safe enough though if the sphere is totaly flat.
Dave

Hugo · Post by **Hugo** » 08 Oct 2003, 00:36

Thanks to all those that took the trouble to advise me.
I successfully replaced the accumulator sphere last Sunday, did the Citaerobics (that was fun!) and it runs smoothly.
So smoothly in fact that today I successfully sold it!
Thanks again, you've all been brilliant!
Hugo