Complete suspension overhaul

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 09 May 2009, 12:27

I have a brother who is studying in france
i ask him to buy me sphere so that i can completely overhaul the suspension system

i heard theres a seal or something additional i need to get before move on my diy

so, can anyone tell me how heavy one can get? i want to get it shipped to malaysia from his place

which one to change?

My rear suspension is all ruin
my front, i also dont know because theres something with front axle i need to do it later

accumulator, hydractive
what to look for, how can i tell these sphere is due to change

thanks all experience citroneer

Post by **myglaren** » 09 May 2009, 13:19

Welcome AbangCorp.

The best thing to do is to read through the threads concerning suspension in this forum. There is a lot of information on the evaluation of faults and the best methods of repairing them.

This one in particular covers a lot of the areas that you seem to be interested in.

The standard test for the accumulator sphere is just to listen to how rapidly the regulator clicks. More often than every 15 seconds is usually indicative of a dead sphere.

Flat corner spheres are recognised by the suspension being hard and bouncy.

Something that often requires attention are the two height correctors, one on each axle. They become dirty and corroded and stick - it is actually the carriages that foul up rather than the correctors themselves. Also a short plastic connector the pops out of it's socket.

Whatever you do, don't go messing around under the car unless it is properly supported with axle stands. It can drop very suddenly and without warning, especially if you are working on suspension parts, and it will kill or seriously injure you if you happen to be under there when it happens.

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 10 May 2009, 05:35

the guide is quite concise - i dont think there will be a problem for me for that diy - only i am short of axle stand before i can start on anything and the part

thank myglaren

could anyone who have a spare or knowledge of how a sphere could weight around each

you see, my brother is coming to malaysia soon, i ask him to check additional luggage cost per kg. but at the same time i dont know how heavy this item is, i want to make up a proper calculation just to ensure i did not cross my budget, whether through postage or flight luggage

if using postage, i can be charged duty import and sales tax
thanks by the way, you guys really a french car lover

vince · Post by **vince** » 10 May 2009, 07:52

Hi, A sphere weighs around 2 kgs from memory.

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 10 May 2009, 08:53

thanks vince, im waiting for that

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 10 May 2009, 10:20

what would the airline company say if they know you are carrying SPHERE's on a flight, i would either check or be very carefull, as they are a gas filled canister

regards malcolm

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 10 May 2009, 10:59

i also have that worrying thoughts, i understand i need to goggle for it
thanks by the way for reminding

Post by **CitroJim** » 10 May 2009, 12:07

citronut wrote:what would the airline company say if they know you are carrying SPHERE's on a flight, i would either check or be very carefull, as they are a gas filled canister

Indeed.

They will be classified as hazardous material or "HAZMAT" for the purposes of air cargo.

This Wikipedia Article may help.

Basically, the sphere will have to be carefully packed and labelled in accordance with IATA regulations and even then they may not be very content in carrying them or may charge a lot of money. Sea freight is the better option. The captain of the flight has the final say if he is prepared to accept a hazardous consignment and if he says no, that's it, game over.

Just imagine the havoc an exploding sphere would cause on an aircraft...

I have huge problems professionally in sending fire extinguisher canisters by air freight.

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 10 May 2009, 13:29

ya, i understand that

you scared me, then it maybe a no go
in my place, sphere cost 380 malaysian ringgit
in france it is just around 150 ringgit, 30 euro approx

well well, cheap stuff is not cheap basically
malaysia is not a popular place for citroen because of this

very expensive parts, but i must say it is comparable
affordable compared to other marque

so, now i shall need a forwarder
a reliable one

thanks jim

Post by **myglaren** » 10 May 2009, 14:02

GSF Car Parts export to most countries.
You could inquire with them what the cost of delivery to Malaysia might be.

You would also have to enquire locally what the import duty and any other tarriffs might be before comitting to buy.

There could also be a similar arrangement from French suppliers - or even a manufacturer although they don't usually sell direct.

Another alternative is to check with a Malaysian importer/exporter as they know all the regulations and loopholes. They can also hold down the cost by combining with other shipments. The fees they levy are often offset by the savings you make on doing it yourelf.

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 10 May 2009, 15:07

actually, i know

i work in oil n gas industry
at the same time i am a quality auditor in three pointed star assembly plant

sales tax and duty import is somewhere 42% (30% duty 10% sales tax)

freight is around 150 euro
item is around 30*8 = 240 euro
duty import maybe 100 euro

my my

our supply chain guy also driving a zx
he always dreaming about powerfull engine for his ride

by the way myglaren, i did emailed them
yet to received maybe

he is also excited when he heard about my brother
well well

Post by **myglaren** » 10 May 2009, 15:34

At least you are aware of the ins and outs of bringing the stuff into your country.

by the way myglaren, i did emailed them
yet to received maybe

It can take a while - when did you email them? If it was Friday you'll be lucky to get an answer before Tuesday.

at the same time i am a quality auditor in three pointed star assembly plant

Wow. Had no idea that they made stars in Malaysia.

AbangCorp · Post by **AbangCorp** » 12 May 2009, 14:18

do anyone know gsf sphere are supplied with seal or not

my pump tick every 3.7 second. does that mean dead accumulator?
how about dead hydractive sphere, or antisink sphere