Xantia bouncy suspension

ohms · Post by **ohms** » 14 Feb 2006, 11:19

Hi All,

My 95 xantia TD is pogoing down the road like a kangaroo and is to the point now where it's a liability to drive. I'm assuming new spheres are the order of the day as they've covered over 80k since last being replaced.

The reast of the hydraulic system is in good order with no leaks or unwanted noises. My question is, how many spheres are there to be replaced? 2 front suspension, 2 rear, accumulator and i've noticed one at the centre at the back. What does this do, will it effect suspension and are there anymore?

Thanks

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 14 Feb 2006, 12:17

The sphere in the middle of the back is the height corrector.
It controls the height of the back.
It doesn't affect the ride, providing that the rear height is normal.
Looks like only the 4 suspension spheres will need replacing.
There is also the 10-sphere Xantia, but you would have seen them if you had them.
To check the suspension spheres, push on the corners of the car, like to test shock absorbers.
The extent of springiness indicates the state of the spheres.
The back should be softer than the front.
The rear spheres go flat quicker than the front ones.

Post by **RichardW** » 14 Feb 2006, 12:32

>The sphere in the middle of the back is the height corrector.

Nah the height corrector corrects the height. Middle sphere is probably the anti-sink sphere - on hydractive cars the rear centre sphere is tucked away by the spare wheel.

Xantias can have 5,6,8 or 10 spheres, depending on age and suspension fitted. There may even be some with 7, but not sure about that!

mezuk04 · Post by **mezuk04** » 14 Feb 2006, 12:39

In agreement, the rear middle sphere will most probably be the anti-sink.

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 14 Feb 2006, 13:04

Sorry for the mistake.

Yes, it's called the anti-sink sphere.
Got it mixed up with the height corrector, which is a hydraulic component.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 14 Feb 2006, 15:08

They won't necessarily all fail together - however the accumulator is vital to the safe functioning of the brakes and ABS.

ohms · Post by **ohms** » 14 Feb 2006, 15:50

Thanks chaps, yep looks like the anti-sink sphere.

The ride height is proving to be a real problem. The front goes up and down as it should, but the back is a little temperamental. Basically when set to full height the front and back both rise as they should do. When set to lowest height both front and rear go down as they're supposed to, but when set to normal driving height, the front levels out correctly, but the rear goes to lowest and won't come up to the correct ride height.

Any ideas?

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 15 Feb 2006, 15:33

Now comes the height corrector's turn.

The mechanism that operates the height settings is often binding at the back.
The area may need a good clean/lubricate, particularly a plastic link that operates the height corrector, when it doesn't fall off.
I've never fiddled in that area, but there are very many topics dealing with this problem.
Can't find any now,

and hope that you're better at the 'search' than I am.