changing front spheres - xantia

laks · Unread post by **laks** » 15 Nov 2010, 17:56

Hi all,

Newbie so please bear with me!

Just about to change front spheres on 1998 citroen xantia 1.9TD SX. Ride is VERY bouncy - Have read most instructions on this site and got youtube video tutorial:

now im pretty sure ive got a NON hydractive model as pipes from spheres are very slim (bout 4mm), model number in engine bay behind sphere, and car sinks (only slightly though) when engine turned off.

My only question really is: in the haynes it says to depressurise by loosening the 'pressure regulator release screw situated at the main accumulator assembly mounted at the front of engine' ....Im following this and looking at the printed pic, but cannot seem to find it!....is it under the bonnet area or under car? is this strictly necessary?

any help, ideas, tips greatly appreciated

TIA

Laks

Ref · Unread post by **Ref** » 15 Nov 2010, 18:06

hi laks, there's a useful guide here
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=24595
have a look!

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 15 Nov 2010, 18:37

Its not normally necessary loosen the regulator screw as you can depressurise by putting the suspension in its lowest setting and leaving it for a minute or two.

Peter

VertVega · Unread post by **VertVega** » 15 Nov 2010, 20:44

laks wrote:...My only question really is: in the haynes it says to depressurise by loosening the 'pressure regulator release screw situated at the main accumulator assembly mounted at the front of engine' ....Im following this and looking at the printed pic, but cannot seem to find it!....is it under the bonnet area or under car?...

The sphere in the front middle is the accumulator and regulator is connected to it.
Location: Under bonnet, infront of engine, (between engine -- radiator).
If you can see the two screws side by side on the regulator then the one on the right is
the depressurizing screw. Don't remove it, just a half turn so that you hear the pressure release sound.

If you send us a pic, I can mark the 12mm screw for you.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 15 Nov 2010, 22:01

Peter.N. wrote:Its not normally necessary loosen the regulator screw as you can depressurise by putting the suspension in its lowest setting and leaving it for a minute or two.

Peter

Peter!

You still need to release the system pressure, otherwise it will spray out every where!!

Paul

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 15 Nov 2010, 22:51

I used to do it but found just letting the suspension settle at low for a few minutes completely depressurised the suspension system, I have probably changed 40 or 50 like that - unless its because all mine are so clapped out that all the pressure leaks away

This is on XMs of course, possibly Xantias are somehow different.

Peter

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 16 Nov 2010, 05:55

Peter.N. wrote:This is on XMs of course, possibly Xantias are somehow different.

Nope, Xantias are the same Peter

As said, down on low and no worries...

On the V6 it's such a pain to reach the bleed valve on the pressure regulator anyway...

I do depressurise at the regulator for swapping accumulators though.

If there is pressure, just unscrew the sphere with care and be ready for the spray

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 16 Nov 2010, 08:09

O M G!! Well... we learn something every day!! AMAZING!

That speeds me up a bit more then!

Paul

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 16 Nov 2010, 09:41

Don't worry about it Paul, I get egg on my face often enough

laks · Unread post by **laks** » 16 Nov 2010, 15:50

VertVega wrote:
laks wrote:...My only question really is: in the haynes it says to depressurise by loosening the 'pressure regulator release screw situated at the main accumulator assembly mounted at the front of engine' ....Im following this and looking at the printed pic, but cannot seem to find it!....is it under the bonnet area or under car?...
The sphere in the front middle is the accumulator and regulator is connected to it.
Location: Under bonnet, infront of engine, (between engine -- radiator).
If you can see the two screws side by side on the regulator then the one on the right is
the depressurizing screw. Don't remove it, just a half turn so that you hear the pressure release sound.

If you send us a pic, I can mark the 12mm screw for you.

Thanks all you guys!

Managed to locate the screw but a real bugger to get at so will use the 'down lo' method as suggested by peter & citro

Did try earlier but my strap wrench was useless (I know I know!! but thought front were easier to loosen off!) so will order the proper tool then try again.

Cheers fellas

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 16 Nov 2010, 16:26

"...my strap wrench useless..." For removing spheres, all strap wrenches are useless because the webbing has some 'give' in it.

Having snapped my strap wrench, in desperation on a Saturday afternoon, I bought a heavy duty chain wrench from machine mart. Did all 6 spheres (12 years-old!)easy-peesy - the rear corner ones were really tight and the accumulator was fairly tight too. But you do need a looong breaker bar (24").

Chris570 · Unread post by **Chris570** » 16 Nov 2010, 17:03

a trick martin at pleadies taught me is to tap the 'neck' of the spheres before removal. i did this on the xantia i'm stripping and the fronts came off a piece of p!ss

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 16 Nov 2010, 17:18

I have a strap wrench made from a section of motorbike chain with a socket to fit a 1/2" drive, I use a flexy bar with a 4' jack handle, never failed to shift one yet.

Peter

Unread post by **Old-Guy** » 18 Nov 2010, 16:18

Peter.N. wrote:I have a strap wrench made from a section of motorbike chain with a socket to fit a 1/2" drive.....
Peter

I reckon that makes it a chain wrench then Peter.

Guy

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Nov 2010, 18:56

errr yes

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changing front spheres - xantia

changing front spheres - xantia

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