fitted monroe comfort spheres...

[Peter.N.]

The centre hydractive spheres on the XM were almost as free flowing as the accumulator sphere so I don't think you could change them much, they certainly made a difference to the ride when you fitted new ones though.

Peter

[darbuck]

How long is the average lifespan on the grey spheres because mine are the original ones touching 14 years now.

[Peter.N.]

The spheres on my first hydractive C5 had done around 150k and were still excellent, my 2.0. non hydro had done about the same mileage and were clapped out. That doesn't really help does it.

Peter

[EDC5]

I've been tempted to bleed the rear suspension of my C5 and then replace the LDS with fresh at the front. Not for any particular reason but the thought of the LDS moving back and forth by about an inch doesn't give much opportunity for oil replacement through normal use.

Yes X7s are Hydractive 3+, but Elis has a a 2.0 Lt.
If not using Diagbox, manual method is:
Disconnect the battery.
Raise the vehicle and support on axle stands, wheels free.
Put a hose on the pressure release screw (2)
Gradually unscrew the pressure release screw
Wait for the pressure in the circuit to fall fully

X7 Rear Manual Depressurisation.PNG

Thanks Marc, I'll give this a go next time I get the C5 in the garage

Incidentally, I recently transported an incredibly heavy printer (around 60KG) in the boot and the ride was much smoother, especially over potholes. Very odd! I think perhaps the pressure is a bit too high in the stock C5 spheres for maximum comfort.

[elma]

Incidentally, I recently transported an incredibly heavy printer (around 60KG) in the boot and the ride was much smoother, especially over potholes. Very odd! I think perhaps the pressure is a bit too high in the stock C5 spheres for maximum comfort.

Thats just a Citroen thing, they all (hydropneumatic ones anyway) ride better when weighted.
Good if you are like me and carry round just about everything most of the time.

[lexi]

Incidentally, I recently transported an incredibly heavy printer (around 60KG) in the boot and the ride was much smoother, especially over potholes. Very odd! I think perhaps the pressure is a bit too high in the stock C5 spheres for maximum comfort.

Thats just a Citroen thing, they all (hydropneumatic ones anyway) ride better when weighted.
Good if you are like me and carry round just about everything most of the time.

There is enough in mine to survive being thrown out of the house. . I carry 2 x56lb weights, an outboard motor, chainsaw, axes, and 4 spare car batteries, plus all the fishing gear permanent. Also 4 gallon of unleaded and food, whisky and beer hidden everywhere. It is like a bounty hunters vehicle! It then pushes and pulls boats in and out the water. Proper donkey it is.

[Stickyfinger]

Incidentally, I recently transported an incredibly heavy printer (around 60KG) in the boot and the ride was much smoother, especially over potholes. Very odd! I think perhaps the pressure is a bit too high in the stock C5 spheres for maximum comfort.

Thats just a Citroen thing, they all (hydropneumatic ones anyway) ride better when weighted.
Good if you are like me and carry round just about everything most of the time.

There is enough in mine to survive being thrown out of the house. . I carry 2 x56lb weights, an outboard motor, chainsaw, axes, and 4 spare car batteries, plus all the fishing gear permanent. Also 4 gallon of unleaded and food, whisky and beer hidden everywhere. It is like a bounty hunters vehicle! It then pushes and pulls boats in and out the water. Proper donkey it is.

WIMPS.....600kg of Cast Iron always makes for a "floaty ride"

[EDC5]

Thats just a Citroen thing, they all (hydropneumatic ones anyway) ride better when weighted.
Good if you are like me and carry round just about everything most of the time.

There is enough in mine to survive being thrown out of the house. . I carry 2 x56lb weights, an outboard motor, chainsaw, axes, and 4 spare car batteries, plus all the fishing gear permanent. Also 4 gallon of unleaded and food, whisky and beer hidden everywhere. It is like a bounty hunters vehicle! It then pushes and pulls boats in and out the water. Proper donkey it is.

WIMPS.....600kg of Cast Iron always makes for a "floaty ride"

....... and a busted sphere

[Stickyfinger]

Never had one on any C5 or Xantia estates I have run.....the Mk1 had 1.3 ton in it once (but not far)

Has anybody EVER had a "blown sphere" from high loading ? (or any part of the system)

[EDC5]

Never had one on any C5 or Xantia estates I have run.....the Mk1 had 1.3 ton in it once (but not far)

Has anybody EVER had a "blown sphere" from high loading ? (or any part of the system)

Hmm, hydraulic systems are extremely strong usually (speaking from experience with farm machinery) I'm guessing the mountings would fail before the sphere or strut did?

[lexi]

You got to laugh though when people say to you" Ah, the only thing with them Citroens is the suspension" and you reply " Yes it's flipping brilliant isn't it!!

[Stickyfinger]

You got to laugh though when people say to you" Ah, the only thing with them Citroens is the suspension" and you reply " Yes it's flipping brilliant isn't it!!

There are plumbers all over the Uk who have been stunned with what come out of the back of a car that arrives all level and normal looking

[lexi]

You got to laugh though when people say to you" Ah, the only thing with them Citroens is the suspension" and you reply " Yes it's flipping brilliant isn't it!!

There are plumbers all over the Uk who have been stunned with what come out of the back of a car that arrives all level and normal looking

This is it. And I have 2 rear spheres that look like they came up from the Mary Rose in 82!

[Peter.N.]

Never tried that in the C5 but the estate XMs were marvelous for weight, I once came back from Newcastle with a 2.1 diesel engine and box plus a few other things and stopped off in Derby and picked up a Ford diesel engine for my son's truck, it drove pretty well as it usually does although it was a bit slower up hills!

Peter

[darbuck]

Mine carries 400kg of fuel every 2 weeks from autumn to spring and i agree the heavier the better the ride quality and yes peter you managed to confuse me even more not that would be hard