FRONT SPHERES ON C5

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kayjas
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FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by kayjas »

How easy is it to fit front suspension spheres on a C5 ?

Any tips will be appreciated.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Sloppysod »

Very,
De-pressurise System,
Unscrew, you will need a sphere removal tool or a decent strap wrench
Clean joint
Fit new seal
Fit new sphere.
Pressurise system.

I am sure that is it, I am sure if I have missed anything someone else will chip in.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Stickyfinger »

Check and top up LDS
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by kayjas »

CHEERS GUYS, HOW DO I De-pressurise System ?
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Stickyfinger »

Do you have a Hydro Active 3+ equipped car ? or standard suspension with HA3 ?

Hydractive 3+ (H3+) you have a sport button & 6 spheres.
Hydractive 3 (H3) you have only 4 spheres & no sport button.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by kayjas »

I have the Hydractive 3.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Stickyfinger »

Then you need either a Lexia to fully de-pressurise the car or ramps to be able to release the pressure in the +3 system manually. I do not know if you have to release that aspect to do the front spheres.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by dnsey »

As long as the car's down on the bump stops, I can't see that it's necessary to depressurise the system further.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Stickyfinger »

Because HydroActive 3+ is different and retains pressure ?.............but as said I do not know if that only requires the Lexia/manual bleed off when changing those spheres used in the +3 part of the system.

http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=16641
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by dnsey »

Yes, it retains 'internal' pressure, but surely if the ram is at the top of its stroke, it's not going any further when the sphere is removed, and the only fluid you'll lose is what was in the sphere, as usual.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Sloppysod »

Hope this Helps. (sticky?)

ESSENTIAL : If raising the vehicle on a lift, wheels hanging, remove the cap of the LDS fluid reservoir. Refit the cap of the LDS fluid reservoir, once you have lowered the vehicle (according to equipment).
1. Recommended tools
[1] With Diagnostic tool.
2. Depressurizing the system ; Using the diagnostic equipment
Start the engine.
Set the height control to the "LOW" position.
Wait for the vehicle height to be in the required position.
Stop the engine.
Connect the tool [1] to the vehicle’s diagnostic socket.
Switch on the ignition.
Carry out an global test.
Go into the menu :
Suspension
Depressurizing the system
Follow the instructions displayed on the screen.
Wait for the vehicle’s suspension to sink completely.
N.B. : This takes around 3 minutes.
Switch off the ignition.
Disconnect the battery.

[b]3. Depressurizing the system ; Without the diagnostic tool[/b]
ESSENTIAL : Any LDS fluid recovered must not be re-used.
N.B. : The suspension can be depressurized on each axle individually Collect the LDS fluid so as to keep the working area clean. Respect the environment.
Disconnect the battery.
Raise the vehicle and support on axle stands, wheels free.
3.1. Depressurising the front axle

Image

Place a hose on the pressure release screw (1).
Gradually unscrew the pressure release screw (1).
Wait for the pressure in the hydraulic circuit to fall fully.
3.2. Depressurising the rear axle


Image


Place a hose on the pressure release screw (2).
Gradually unscrew the pressure release screw (2).
Wait for the pressure in the hydraulic circuit to fall fully.
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"Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go"Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)

Major interventions
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4 discs & Pads @ 63,585 mi
2 (AM6) oil exchanges @ 58,876 & 72,378 mi
kayjas
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My Cars: Citroen C5 estate

Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by kayjas »

Hi
I have just had brand new spheres fitted to my C5 estate. The car raises and loweres perfectly but I am not sure if the damping is working. Basically with the engining running and the car in normal level mode if you push the car down on the front wing it bounces up and down, I thought it would have just come up solid like the rear.
What do you think ? firm or springy ?
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by lexi »

That is how it should be. You should have 4 to 6 inches of movement when pushing down. Your rear end being solid may mean the spheres are shot.
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

The rear of my C5 estate was a bit stiff, until I have the radius arm bearings done. Now she behaves as a Citroen should (comfort wise, that is).
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kayjas
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Re: FRONT SPHERES ON C5

Post by kayjas »

lexi wrote:That is how it should be. You should have 4 to 6 inches of movement when pushing down. Your rear end being solid may mean the spheres are shot.
I have 4 to 6 inches movement when pushing down but when I let go should it come back up a stop dead or should it bounce a bit ? I have new spheres on the back and it feels stiff (no bounce at all) which now I'm thinking the radius arm bearings need changing.
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