C5 Spheres - When should they be renewed?

[hamster99]

Just wondered when should the suspension spheres be renewed, or do they last forever?

My C5 is now on 250k, the last 85k with me and the service info says nothing about spheres.

Thanks

Rob

[Homer]

I guess the answer would be - when it needs them.

[Clogzz]

Not quite forever, but mine are still good after 12 years.
The rear ones can be tested for springiness by pushing down on the boot.
The front ones should give the same damping as the rear ones when going over bumps.

[dnsey]

Apparently, wnen the pressure gets too low, an internal spike punctures the diaphragm, so they're either OK or shot.

[Stickyfinger]

Just go to one of the specialists and have them checked/re-gassed...unless you know someone who can , no reason to get new if you can re-gas.

Taking them off is the only real way of checking (unless flat and spiked)

[katanassn]

When they fail what problems do they cause?

[hamster99]

Thanks all, I'm asking mainly because I think the ride is a bit harsher than it used to be.
Good news if I don't have to replace them and I didn't know you could get them re gassed either.
Rob

[Homer]

When they fail what problems do they cause?

The effect is the opposite to shot dampers on a conventional suspension, the ride will go rock hard with no bounce at all.

[Gibbo2286]

When they fail what problems do they cause?

The effect is the opposite to shot dampers on a conventional suspension, the ride will go rock hard with no bounce at all.

Like a VW Golf.

[Clogzz]

an internal spike punctures the diaphragm

There have been spheres exploding from excessive loads ... but the spike will now prevent that.

[Zelandeth]

Basically the ride will get progressively bouncier (more like a conventional car with knackered shocks) before then going rock solid when the sphere is completely flat.

When the front ones on my Xantia were shot (but still had some gas in) bouncing either corner resulted in five or six bounces before the car would settle. New spheres resulted in it settling on the first bounce again.

[wurlycorner]

Apparently, wnen the pressure gets too low, an internal spike punctures the diaphragm, so they're either OK or shot.

Really?

[SwissSPEC]

I've seen the inside of a c5 sphere, from memory i think there are 4 spikes, not quite sure why they made them like that??

[Stickyfinger]

Avoids insurance claims by not permitting re-gassing of (what they call) failed spheres