FRONT SPHERES ON C5

[kayjas]

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).

Was that an expensive job to have radius arm bearings done ?

[Hell Razor5543]

I got it done by a garage, and the cost was around £450 (including the cost of the parts). They should be good for another 70/100 thousand miles.

[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.

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.

Rear bearings are a possible. Peter N had a similar problem after changing spheres on C5. The bearings were holding it back. Also an electro valve/regulator or a centre sphere at the rear could be faulty. With 3+ suspension you may have to change all spheres and not just the outers.

[kayjas]

Would a good spay of WD40 around the bearings/bushes do anything for a short term fix ?

[Stickyfinger]

No, if anything it will wash them out more or carry more crud in there. If they are going it is a job that should be done before they start disintegrating/damage the mounts. The sooner the easier and fewer problems.

[kayjas]

No, if anything it will wash them out more or carry more crud in there. If they are going it is a job that should be done before they start disintegrating/damage the mounts. The sooner the easier and fewer problems.

Can you just tell me one thing....when the car is pushed down by hand on the rear should the car retun up with a bit of bounce like the front or should it come up and stop ?

[Sloppysod]

Hi Kayjas, is this your first Citroen?
It sounds as if it is doing what it is supposed to, the engine provides pressure to a hydraulic system, the fluid in the hydraulic system pushes against a diaphragm in each sphere, the other side of the sphere is Nitrogen, and it is the Nitrogen that gives you the soft ride - yes you could say you are riding on air (well Nitrogen actually). Now when you push the car down you are compressing the nitrogen, so the system adds more pressure to lift the car back up to its normal ride height, and when you let go, the pressure in the system the car will try to lift, but as it lifts the car pressure drops, normalises, and tries to find the pre-set ride height. this happens so quick that you see very or no rebound - perfect.
If you still have an suspicion that things are not right, take the car on a rough road surface at a decent speed, and enjoy the comfort, yes there will noises, but the ride should be fairly smooth and level, or follow a normal car down the road and watch how much it bounces after hitting a bump or joining strip.

Both of these may help explain it more.

http://www.citroenet.org.uk/miscellaneo ... ics-1.html

[Stickyfinger]

Yes, the rear should be in soft mode like the front. Spheres or bearings, to check the rear bearings the car needs to be on a ramp as you cannot see movement when the arms are loaded (car weight) on the ground.

[kayjas]

Thanks guys, I have learnt a lot hear.

[waynedance]

Changed all 6 of mine on my Mk1 last year. Drop car to lowest setting ( had mine on 4 post ramp) unscrew old ones and fit new ones.

No diagnostic equipment needed?topped up tank and all good. Job tool 20 minutes tops.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

[kayjas]

Changed all 6 of mine on my Mk1 last year. Drop car to lowest setting ( had mine on 4 post ramp) unscrew old ones and fit new ones.

No diagnostic equipment needed?topped up tank and all good. Job tool 20 minutes tops.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

With your new spheres do you get bounce when you push the car down in the corners, my front bounces a bit but the rear is firm when it comes up.

[waynedance]

Front bounces the rear is firm after pushing downs comes straight back up.

Noticed a difference when hitting pot holes or speed bumps it is much smoother.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

[kayjas]

Front bounces the rear is firm after pushing downs comes straight back up.

Noticed a difference when hitting pot holes or speed bumps it is much smoother.

Sent from my LG-H815 using Tapatalk

Great, thanks. Seems like mine is doing the same. No more swaying side ti side after turning sharp left or right

[jgra1]

my newer X7 H3+ does bounce 2 or 3 times after the first suspension rebound. and I think stickyfingers did also.cant remember if just front or both ends... my car does feel bad to drive though..so there may be something else wrong.. not had a chance to look into it further.. a lot of side swaying etc

I suspect the damping rates change with road speed and other conditions, so maybe there should be more damping with speed and less at standstill... one day I will see if there are any live parameters that could help explain my issues..

[Stickyfinger]

All my C5's have been soft at the back when parked....except the Mk1 when it had buggered radius arms.

Rebound 2/3 times.