8mm or 9mm? That is the question! (Xantia sphere seal).

rmunns · Unread post by **rmunns** » 25 Aug 2010, 05:43

How weird is this?

I live in France and I am about to change all three rear spheres on my Hdi Xantia. So, heeding advice from this forum, I set off yesterday to buy a new seal for the flared pipe that is fitted to the centre sphere.

I remembered that within the article there was discussion about the size of the flare nut and the importance of using the correct-sized spanner.

Anyway, I went into the Citroen main dealer in Bergerac and asked, in my faltering French, for the seal. Pedantic, the French, he insisted on knowing the chassis #. I retorted and said 'but this piece is always the same for all models'. He mentioned about Activa and Hydractive, but I didn't comprenez-vous.

Non, monsieur, came the reply. Is it 8mm or 9mm nut? In French this does not exactly roll off the tongue, but I did get message and, having been thrown into confusion, asked for one of each size.

So there you have it!

Part numbers are 96085784 (€1.36) and 96085785 (€1.47). I suppose the smaller piece is the cheaper one, my receipt doesn't say.

So, could one of you please confirm size fits which models?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 25 Aug 2010, 06:40

It can be either on the anti sink sphere

9mm with a 4.5mm seal is usual but 8mm and 3.5 is possible. I've seen both although not often.

How and why I'm not sure but I have a feeling the 8mm is as a result of replacement of the pipe if someone in the past has tried to remove the anti sink sphere in the wrong way and wrecked the pipe in doing so.

Get one of each and you'll be safe!

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 25 Aug 2010, 08:47

if you give me the last 8 digits of yoour chassis/VIN No. i will get you the corect part No./size to fit your car

regards malcolm