Xantia spheres

[hattershaun]

Simon, thank you for this brilliant dissertation on Xantia suspension behaviour. It explains exactly what we're experiencing. I think this ought to be part of the suspension Wiki.

A word of warning on spheres: I am comparing on-line prices for a complete set from AEP and GSF. Quoting the reg no to GSF produces a total of 8 different spheres with inadequate descriptions. There are two different 'Accumulator' spheres - if you look at 'More Information' the only difference is 70bar v. 62bar. I happen to have a 'sphere table' from long ago showing the old Amtex part numbers and specs of all Xantia spheres; that says ALL Xantias use the same 62bar accumulator. Heaven help the less knowledgeable!

GSF must think your car has hydractive suspension, which has 8 spheres.
Front central 'rigidity sphere' is 70 bar and it's the same as an accumulator sphere, I.e. No damper valve.
Rear central sphere is 50 bar.

[Old-Guy]

I'll have a go at the Wiki. First I need to update the table with IHFS part nos (what AEP sell), then I need to convert the table. The Wiki software is a bit primitive when it comes to table so I might have to use something else to create a chunk of HTML code to embed

[Old-Guy]

Job done - all 6 spheres changed, LHM drained, tank and filters cleaned, brakes lines bled until bright green LHM flowed. Almost finished Monday afternoon, but overnight remembered that the front brake hoses needed replacing (MoT advisory for the last [cough] years). Ordered from GSF first thing, delivered by 11:30. Job completed by 3:00.

6 spheres and seal from AEP, can of LHM from local factors. AEP were significantly cheaper than GSF, e.g. Accumulator sphere: AEP (IHFS) £20.09, GSF (Amtex) £34.33. Ordered late Friday afternoon, delivered 10:30 Monday morning. Hoses were exactly the same price from AEP and GSF, but the latter will deliver same day.

Took pictures for LHM and Front Brake Hose Wikis.

Front end 'float' gone, the ride is noticeably softer - less crashing from potholes and much less bump-thump from lesser imperfections in the road not that it had got bad compared with conventionally sprung cars. My personal test is a local traffic-calming table, at a gentle 15-20mph the Green Lady once again takes it serenely in her stride, unlike the violent reactions of lesser cars.

[Zelandeth]

Sounds like a result. Gabriel's rear spheres are getting very obviously tired now, especially noticeable when I have four/five people on board. Fronts are secondhand of relatively unknown condition too (should really get them on a tester).

Full set of comfort spheres are soon on the cards I think.