Can spheres be re-gassed in situe?

SethY · Post by **SethY** » 28 Apr 2005, 14:02

When I came to replace the rear spheres on my Xantia last night, I noticed that the spheres appear to have a valve on them. there is a plastic cover under which lies a hexagonal screw which looks very much like a valve. The shperes that I bought from GSF to replace them don't have this 'Valve'. What is this valve for and can they be re-gassed in situe?

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 28 Apr 2005, 14:40

The "genuine" Citroen reconditioned spheres I've had in the past had a plug with a couple of flats and a screw thread cut into the top of it, under a yellow plastic cap but there was no valve in them.
You can get valves (Technosir do them I believe) that allow you to regass your spheres in situ, assuming you have access to a bottle of compressed gas and a regulator.

SethY · Post by **SethY** » 28 Apr 2005, 14:59

Ah, I see. I’ll be needing the sphere removal tool after all then! Thanks for your help.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 28 Apr 2005, 22:46

The refill valve would look a bit like an oversize tyre valve which by some means have been screwed in - i.e. a hexagon bolt like.
If it is present, the sphere can be checked/regassed in-situ.
Interestingly the cap can be replaced with a valve in-situ.
http://www.westroen-spheres.co.uk/ is one reputed company that does it.
Meaning just a refill - and no more tools the rest of the car's life.

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 28 Apr 2005, 23:25

After I'd had my BX for 2.5 years, I took it to an indi Citroen garage to let themn look at the spheres. They fitted valves, regassed and charged me about fifteen pounds a corner. After a couple of years, they checked the pressures and regassed and charged me a fiver for the four. They made the same charge again three years later. But then when I went a third time, they regassed and charged me 15quid for each. That's when I started getting new spheres from GSF. I've continued with the Xantia.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 29 Apr 2005, 01:51

hi sethy yes they as johnd said it was about £5 squid per corner to have them toped up but the quarter inch nylon blader inside do clap out with age and can no longer hold nitrogen you are beter of replacing them with brand new from G/S/F at the price they charge smooth motering malcolm