Xantia Hydractive locked in stiff mode: Using non-hydractive spheres?

[octinum]

I would ask about this crazy idea in one of my ongoing topics for my Xantia restoration project, but I thought this is something others might be asking. Hopefully the information in this thread helps someone else.

I am locked in stiff mode, and I am in the process of diagnosing things, also properly modifying the harness (taking photos and documenting the process, which I'll share once successful).

In the meantime, I want to enjoy the Xantia at least a bit! Currently driving the Audi of my better half. Not a bad car at all, but Xantia is a much better car for the route I take daily.

Anyway, I thought about simply fitting the non-hydractive spheres I have at hand on the corners. I'm crimping watertight AMP Superseal type connectors on the electrovalve supply lines from the Hydractive control unit. Until I fix the Hydractive and verify it's working correctly, I'll be unplugging those connectors for my daily drive to prevent Hydractive somehow "waking up" from its coma.

Now, I believe both the hydractive and non-hydractive Xantias have a line between two wheels of each axle. So, when the rear left wheel hits a bump, some LHM is transferred to the right side, and vice versa. With the Hydractive in stiff mode, not only the center sphere is blocked out of the circuit, but this connection is also blocked, leaving each corner sphere take its own wheel's movement.

By fitting non-hydractive spheres at the corners, I'm hoping I'll have some benefit of the non-hydractive car. The route is a slow-ish urban route, school and office runs daily. No high speed motorways, no "spirited mountain passses".

Crazy idea? Will it cause any critical issues? Will it be noticeable? How do you all think?

[xantia_v6]

It is OK to fit non-hydractictive spheres. As long as the valves stay in firm mode it will behave just like a non-hydractive car.
I think it is still better to revert to the original specification when you can get it working.