The wanderer returns - very hard rear suspension!

[ekjdm14]

If you were to have a look through the posts by CitroJim you will (eventually) find a sphere tester that he built using (amongst others) parts from a Citroen.

Indeed that is the inspiration & an old Xantia break in a local yard is the intended donor for the bits I need. Looks a more satisfactory solution than others I've seen using a rear ram or bottle jack etc, more work to build but easier to use I feel.

[GiveMeABreak]

Did you happen upon this topic - we had a good old discussion on the sphere types and membranes used by the various suppliers. i think we concluded that the genuine ones are the best for long life and quality:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=55077&hilit=membrane#p488816

[white exec]

I remember Jim's sphere tester design well, and some of the others too.
The only reason for the reminder about the C720 tool was that, if you are going to go in for regassing, you will find that the regassing tool does testing too. If you're just going to test, but then buy new/acquire used, then a sphere tester is quite sufficient.
Must confess, with the Tecnosir tool, you do miss out on all the fun of building something yourself!

[Rhothgar]

Realised I had forgotten to update you all.

I managed to get a cheap genuine sphere off Ebay for £19.99 delivered and then bought an Amtec one (I think) from GSF for £28 I think they let me have it for.

It was quote funny changing them. Well it wasn't at the time. I went up to my mate's garage and got it over the pit. He jacked the back end up for some reason whilst I depressurised the system. Some of you will know what's coming!

Screwed one sphere off. Fine! Started screwing the other side (obviously still a good sphere) and it shot out of my hand like a rocket spinning through the air spewing green blood everywhere.

Anyway, once we'd got the new ones on it was tickety-boo! Lovely ride quality restored and no more driver's seat squeaking from acting as the suspension.

Thanks all. Again for the valuable advice. I really couldn't believe how much they had increased in cost.

[Rhothgar]

I remember Jim's sphere tester design well, and some of the others too.
The only reason for the reminder about the C720 tool was that, if you are going to go in for regassing, you will find that the regassing tool does testing too. If you're just going to test, but then buy new/acquire used, then a sphere tester is quite sufficient.
Must confess, with the Tecnosir tool, you do miss out on all the fun of building something yourself!

I'd love to build my own if I ever find the time but Jimbob has produced any plans AFAIK?

I like Jim. Everything's so simple! Well, to an engineer's mind maybe!!! I recall he was very matter-of-fact about the design of his pressure tester.