Sphere has shelf life ?
Moderator: RichardW
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 711
- Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 07:02
- Location: Israel
- My Cars: Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD - x 8
Sphere has shelf life ?
Hi
I have a MK II Xantia. I replaced today the rear central sphere part number 529303. I had an old I.F.S.H part number is XA 50 RU. I installed a new I.F.S.H XA 50 RA. But now the rear suspension is much stiffer in compare to the stiffness of the replaced sphere. Does sphere have self life after which it is not usable. Is there another thing that can cause the stiffness, or special replacing procedure ?
The garage lifted the car ( engine is off ) and just changed the old sphere with the new sphere. Is there anything wrong with the changing procedure ?
I kept the sphere I replaced and intend to go back to the garage to install it and see if the ride quality is back to normal
Thanks
Zohar
I have a MK II Xantia. I replaced today the rear central sphere part number 529303. I had an old I.F.S.H part number is XA 50 RU. I installed a new I.F.S.H XA 50 RA. But now the rear suspension is much stiffer in compare to the stiffness of the replaced sphere. Does sphere have self life after which it is not usable. Is there another thing that can cause the stiffness, or special replacing procedure ?
The garage lifted the car ( engine is off ) and just changed the old sphere with the new sphere. Is there anything wrong with the changing procedure ?
I kept the sphere I replaced and intend to go back to the garage to install it and see if the ride quality is back to normal
Thanks
Zohar
Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
- xantia_v6
- Forum Admin Team
- Posts: 9053
- Joined: 09 Nov 2005, 22:03
- Location: France or NewZealand
- Lexia Available: Yes
- My Cars: -
1997 Citroen Xantia V6 (France)
1999 Citroen XM V6 ES9 (France)
2011 Peugeot 308 CC THP 155 (NZ)
1975 Jaguar XJ-S pre-HE (NZ) - x 825
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Can you confirm that this car is not fitted with hydractive suspension? as the correct sphere type depends on the suspension specification.
If the car is non-hydaractive, the sphere that you call the centre sphere is the (mis-named) "anti sink" sphere, but it should have been impossible to fit a XA 50 RA in that position, as the anti-sink sphere has an internal thread for the pipe fitting, which the XA 50 RA would not have.
If the car is non-hydaractive, the sphere that you call the centre sphere is the (mis-named) "anti sink" sphere, but it should have been impossible to fit a XA 50 RA in that position, as the anti-sink sphere has an internal thread for the pipe fitting, which the XA 50 RA would not have.
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 711
- Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 07:02
- Location: Israel
- My Cars: Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD - x 8
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Hi
The car is none-hydaractive according to I.F.S.H specification the XA 50 RU is the correct "anti sink" sphere for the none-hydaractive and the old sphere ( the one I replaced ) was also XA 50 RU.
Thanks
Zohar
The car is none-hydaractive according to I.F.S.H specification the XA 50 RU is the correct "anti sink" sphere for the none-hydaractive and the old sphere ( the one I replaced ) was also XA 50 RU.
Thanks
Zohar
Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
- xantia_v6
- Forum Admin Team
- Posts: 9053
- Joined: 09 Nov 2005, 22:03
- Location: France or NewZealand
- Lexia Available: Yes
- My Cars: -
1997 Citroen Xantia V6 (France)
1999 Citroen XM V6 ES9 (France)
2011 Peugeot 308 CC THP 155 (NZ)
1975 Jaguar XJ-S pre-HE (NZ) - x 825
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
OK, You gave a different sphere number in your first post.
The anti-sink sphere should not influence the behaviour of the suspension, maybe something else got disturbed. Is the suspension height still correct?
The anti-sink sphere should not influence the behaviour of the suspension, maybe something else got disturbed. Is the suspension height still correct?
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 346
- Joined: 28 Apr 2020, 02:18
- Location: Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Lexia Available: Yes
- My Cars: 605 V6 SII
406 D9 SV
Xantia SX wagon SII
Xantia Activa TCT (unregistered) - x 217
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Would it be a good idea to bleed the rear brakes after the sphere replacement?
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13727
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- Location: Reading
- My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
- x 2993
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Yes, as the hydropneumatics manage the brakes, suspension and steering. However, I would bleed all of the brakes.
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
- white exec
- Moderating Team
- Posts: 7445
- Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
- Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
- My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S - x 1752
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
All four brakes must be bled after any opening up of the hydraulic system, including sphere replacement.
First do a few 'Citrobics' - engine running, suspension set to High - Low - High - Low (allowing car to fully rise and sink as you go.)
Bleed in this order, with suspension on high and engine running, wheels/hubs hanging (car supported), brake pedal lightly pressed (or wedged down):
RR, RL, FR, FL.
Expect to draw off about 1L at RR, much less at the others, before fluid runs clear.
Throw in an extra 1L of fluid into the reservoir before starting the process, and check it afterwards.
First do a few 'Citrobics' - engine running, suspension set to High - Low - High - Low (allowing car to fully rise and sink as you go.)
Bleed in this order, with suspension on high and engine running, wheels/hubs hanging (car supported), brake pedal lightly pressed (or wedged down):
RR, RL, FR, FL.
Expect to draw off about 1L at RR, much less at the others, before fluid runs clear.
Throw in an extra 1L of fluid into the reservoir before starting the process, and check it afterwards.
Chris
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 711
- Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 07:02
- Location: Israel
- My Cars: Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD - x 8
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
I do not know if it is important but the garage didn't depressurized the system before changing the rear anti-sink sphere. None bled brakes can cause this ?
Thanks
Zohar
Thanks
Zohar
Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 346
- Joined: 28 Apr 2020, 02:18
- Location: Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Lexia Available: Yes
- My Cars: 605 V6 SII
406 D9 SV
Xantia SX wagon SII
Xantia Activa TCT (unregistered) - x 217
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
You would expect that a good deal of LHM would have squirted out during the change then! Can we ask why you decided to change the anti-sink sphere and no others? It is usually the last to be changed (if not doing all at once).
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 711
- Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 07:02
- Location: Israel
- My Cars: Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD - x 8
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Hi
I changed all spheres but the rear anti sink, so I decided to change it as well. Assuming the new rear anti sink sphere I installed is defective why it stiffens the rear suspension ?
Thanks
Zohar
I changed all spheres but the rear anti sink, so I decided to change it as well. Assuming the new rear anti sink sphere I installed is defective why it stiffens the rear suspension ?
Thanks
Zohar
Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 2625
- Joined: 24 May 2007, 10:11
- Location: poole dorset uk
- Lexia Available: Yes
- My Cars: C5 X7 2009 2.0 HDI VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]
C4 2010 2.0 HDi Exclusive VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff] - x 378
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
I would make sure a proper bleed of the brakes are done, the rears are known to cause issues with the rear suspension if air is left trapped in the system and as you have had the rear "anti sink" sphere changed then i think that is the first thing to do
Colin
Colin
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 346
- Joined: 28 Apr 2020, 02:18
- Location: Armidale, NSW, Australia
- Lexia Available: Yes
- My Cars: 605 V6 SII
406 D9 SV
Xantia SX wagon SII
Xantia Activa TCT (unregistered) - x 217
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
OK, that makes sense. Anti-sink spheres are often neglected, as they do not affect the suspension or braking under normal operation.
Here is the puzzle - air in the system usually makes the suspension more bouncy - not stiffer. I remember the first time I had new tyres fitted to my Xantia, I forgot to make sure the car was set to high before it went on the hoist. Apparently the weight of the wheels hanging down was sufficient to suck air into the system - certainly the car was very bouncy and soft for a while after that!
So my wild theory is that, assuming that when the 5 other spheres were changed the brakes were not bled then either, you have got used to having air in the system. Given that the anti-sink sphere was changed without depressurising the system, perhaps more air was blasted out than got in, resulting in a firmer, but more normal, suspension feel. You need someone who knows what is 'normal' for a Xantia to check it out for you.
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 711
- Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 07:02
- Location: Israel
- My Cars: Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD - x 8
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Hi
I installed today the old anti sink sphere and bled the brakes but the rear suspension is still stiff. I am going to change the rear spheres hoping this will sort the stiff rear suspension
Thanks
Zohar
I installed today the old anti sink sphere and bled the brakes but the rear suspension is still stiff. I am going to change the rear spheres hoping this will sort the stiff rear suspension
Thanks
Zohar
Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
- Stickyfinger
- (Donor 2016)
- Posts: 10411
- Joined: 28 Mar 2013, 21:05
- Location: Somset my lovleee
- My Cars: Xantia V6 ACTIVA 3ltr 24v Manual p1
Xm 2.1TD Ph2 Exclusive
AX, little Daffodil
SAXO White Mk1. Sally - x 1280
- Contact:
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Basic question.
Does the car lower and raise (front & rear) into each of the height settings ?
Does the car lower and raise (front & rear) into each of the height settings ?
Alasdair
Activa, the Moose Rider
3x C5x7 Steering racks and counting
Activa, the Moose Rider
3x C5x7 Steering racks and counting
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 711
- Joined: 30 Nov 2010, 07:02
- Location: Israel
- My Cars: Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD - x 8
Re: Sphere has shelf life ?
Yes it does
Xantia 2.0 16V Automatic make year 2000 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD
Citroen C4 THP Automatic make year 2009 LHD
Citroen C4 VTS 2.0 16V make year 2006 LHD