How to change GS Spheres?

adamskibx · Post by **adamskibx** » 23 Dec 2004, 01:31

Hello I was wondering if anyone on here would be able to help me understand how to change Citroen GS spheres. Having changed BX rear spheres in the past i found that GS ones are not so simple. I have heard from a local specialist that you have to remove the whole rear strut/cylinder and place it in a special vice to get the sphere off. However I can not even get to this stage as i cant release the pressure from the system. Unlike the BX there is no minimum height selection and when i undo the bleed screw on the pressure reg. it just hisses violently for a few seconds and the suspention stays in the drive height. I know the struts are not seized as it sank to the ground over two weeks when it was left unstarted. If it is possible to do my plan is to undo the spheres fractionally when its under pressure, release the pressure then remove them completely in the way that I did my BX ones. Basically what i dont know is whether it is safe to remove them with the strut in place as you would on a bx and also whether its possible to release the pressure from the suspention (ie drop the car to the ground quickly) using the bleed screw or something else. If it should drop down on turning the bleed screw have I got a problem somewhere? Any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers, Adam

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 23 Dec 2004, 02:43

Much the same procedure as on the BX.
But the GS does not have a lo-sink position on the manual height control, which then calls for a bit special procedure depressurising the system.
Haynes calls out 2 different methods according to safety valve fitted or not. But one method will always work :
Have engine idle, then raise the car to highest height, then support the car with axle stands.
Stop engine, open the release screw on the PR as usual, and then set the manual height to normal.
The weight of the wheels will now hold down the HC's in back flow position thus releasing the suspension pressure.
Now - if your GS has a bleed screw for the front suspension - then things get really special. But you dont have this bleed screw - do you [8D]
BTW : The Haynes GS manual is no 290, and is from the era where these manuals were really useful.

adamskibx · Post by **adamskibx** » 26 Dec 2004, 04:58

Thanks Anders i did think about doing what you said with letting the wheels reverse the pressure but I didnt trust myself on that but now youve said it can be done like that ill attempt it asap! thanks for the response on that. Adam

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 26 Dec 2004, 14:16

Adam, I wouldnt bother trying to get a manual for your GS from Haynes . I bought the very last GS manual that haynes had and they wont be printing any more. There are lots of the manuals on Ebay though.
Paul.

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 26 Dec 2004, 21:50

Adam, Have lost your address and not yet posted manuals, for which I apologise. (Time of year, etc>) Please post at tomattomshepdotcodotuk.

adamskibx · Post by **adamskibx** » 28 Dec 2004, 18:09

Thats OK Tom thanks for letting me know. It would probably be easier if I collected it as I am going to return to portsmouth around the 2nd or 3rd of January anyway, and theres a lot I can do to the car before then that doesnt require the manual (ie door skins and bodywork etc) The internet here wont let me use Hotmail as there is some sort of problem with the machine but ill e mail you when I return to Pompey. Kind Regards, Adam

tomsheppard · Post by **tomsheppard** » 28 Dec 2004, 22:14

OK. I'm in So'ton from 31st until evening of the third but I'll leave you an address to collect them from if you can't make it.