Newbie with sphere query

gordyb · Unread post by **gordyb** » 22 Oct 2003, 08:26

Hi all
Just bought a 1994 Xantia 2.0 SX which seems to be fully loaded (electric everything - even sunroof) and is in excellent condition with only 2 owners until me, and 101k miles. It's my first ever Citroen and I can tell from the descriptions of "bumpy ride" that I need to look at replacing some of the spheres. A little testing today shows that the rear is stiff as hell but the front appears fine. Going over bumps that only effect 1 corner is fine, but when both rear wheels hit a bump of dip together the rear bounces and is really hard. Looking through the mountain of receipts and old MOT's that came with it shows 2 spheres were replaced by a dealer 5 years ago, but I don't know which 2. I also don't know which need replacing on the car now or should they all be done?
A search of the older posts has given me a few things - I need a haynes manual to check the ride height, and I need to do whatever checks shows which spheres need relpacing. Couldn't find specifics on either test on old posts. Also, I see tyres mentioned in a few posts - this one has 4 Goodyear Ventura's on with approx 6/7 mm tread left - are these OK?

gordyb · Unread post by **gordyb** » 22 Oct 2003, 08:33

Forgot to add, can anyone recommend a specialist to do the work if I decide not to try it myself once reading the Haynes manual? As close as poss to Reading, Berks.
Thanks

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 22 Oct 2003, 16:50

Most definately the rear spheres are flat.
Considering this would be a first timer spheres off for you - I'd take the garage route.
There are specialists around who refills the spheres in-situ - but this route is only valid if the spheres has a minimum gas pressure left - otherwise the sphere's membrane has pierced and will not hold pressure again.
Try find an independent garage with Citroen knowledge.
The spheres would be approx UK£30 ea. at a garage, 1 hour labour for both.
If you decide for DIY the spheres are approx UK£20 ea. at GSF.
GSF may also help with a sphere removal tool.
Have a peep on this thread :
http://www.andyspares.com/discussionfor ... IC_ID=4472

Unread post by **RichardW** » 22 Oct 2003, 18:02

Cleaver Cars, about 500 yds from where Andyspares used to be in Reading - Jon will tell you the name of the road, and probably the phone number!
Richard

Unread post by **Jon** » 22 Oct 2003, 18:03

Cleaver Cars, Citroen Specialists, Loverock Road, Reading
0118 9576405
PTS Developments Citroen Specialists, Wokingham 01344 771778

Mark W · Unread post by **Mark W** » 22 Oct 2003, 18:23

Cannot comment on the suspension query, but can confirm Goodyear Ventura's are an exellent wet weather tyre at sensible money. Highly recommended by other forums including the MX5 forum and had 4 of these myself on a MX5 which is lightweight and rear wheel drive and fairly lively so should be remain well planted on an Xantia.
Just my opinion
Mark W

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 22 Oct 2003, 20:04

MX5 lightweight? - about the same as a BX 19 at 990 kg. Lotus Elise 675 Kg
Jeremy

gordyb · Unread post by **gordyb** » 23 Oct 2003, 00:41

Thanks for the info.
I know where Anydspares used to be - used them for my old Pug Gti. I'll give Cleaver a call.
Funny how MX-5's have been mentioned - that's one of my other cars, and yes they range from 940Kg (earliest models) to 1100Kg's for the latest ones - not light.