Is IFHS sphere shop open at the moment?

[sonoramicommando]

I have used AEP Direct in the past, and they supplied IFHS spheres. I have just checked, and the AEP Direct website is up and running;

http://www.aepdirect.com/

Thanks - but as I bought mine off www.sphere-shop.co.uk I'm trying to resolve the issue through them first. (I thought IFHS and sphere-shop are one and the same.)

[xantia_v6]

They are domiciled in France, the french version of their web site http://www.sphere-shop.fr/qui-sommes-nous-24-w.asp includes a (mobile) phone number.

[sonoramicommando]

They are domiciled in France, the french version of their web site http://www.sphere-shop.fr/qui-sommes-nous-24-w.asp includes a (mobile) phone number.

Thanks - I'll try the number. although all it does is to confirm whether they are open or not.
They were pretty quick to email back for any questions before the purchase.
EDIT: On the second thought - it might not work very well, as I don't speak French and the websites says "Speak French please" next to the phone number...

[white exec]

There's also Mister Auto, who offer Bolk, Monroe and Febi Bilstein branded spheres.
Bolk is their own-label (who makes these?).

[CitroJim]

I believe, demand, on the continent certainly, will ensue spheres (and LHM) will remain freely available for the foreseeable future...

[elma]

I do hope so, I need 8 of the little buggers.

[white exec]

Demand for LH-emmy things in UK is certainly less than in France. You'll recall that Total UK removed Hydraurincage from their stock listing about three years ago, which led many UK outfits to say it was no longer available. We spoke with Total UK, and got them to re-instate it on the UK system, on a supply-as-needed basis, which they helpfully did.

Manufacture and availability of H'rincage in France was never an issue. In Spain, I discovered, they had never heard of it, but got me some anyway: even raised a product code for it!

[CitroJim]

Sounds like Total are well on the ball Chris Good on them! LHM should be well safe in their hands...

Two Activa-specific spheres have been unavailable for years but we have workarounds and we will for any others that go NFP...

I only wish later spheres were like early DS ones which could be disassembled (unscrewed and halved) for easy diaphragm renewal...

Those are infinitely reusable...

[sonoramicommando]

It appears they are shut until 28-JUL, presumably for Summer holiday - it'd be more than a month long holiday, how lucky they are...
So I will update the thread in three weeks time.

[EDC5]

Glad I found this thread, I've been considering purchasing front and rear regulator spheres from sphere-shop.co.uk

Thinking of giving it a while before going ahead, it’s a bit concerning to hear that some have arrived damaged.

Are there any other alternatives or is it best to go for Citroen originals?

[sonoramicommando]

I'm going to post some photos so people are aware what kind of defects I'm talking about and make up their own mind whether I'm being too picky.

This one, I'm definitely not happy with.


Four out of seven have this - some had 2-3. I think they are no big deal but shouldn't have that.


Four out of seven have seals pinched and deformed like this.

[white exec]

It's annoying to see that sort of damage to brand new spheres.

The hydraulic seal is all done by the square-section O-ring, sitting in its support groove and on the sphere's machined shoulder, so if that is in good condition, and the thread not damaged, all should be well. Fortunately, like Citroen's pipe seals, the effectiveness of the seal increases with the pressure.

I've even had a couple of genuine Citroen spheres with excess welding seam on the shoulder, which prevented the spheres being fully screwed in. Needed filing off.

[sonoramicommando]

It's annoying to see that sort of damage to brand new spheres.

The hydraulic seal is all done by the square-section O-ring, sitting in its support groove and on the sphere's machined shoulder, so if that is in good condition, and the thread not damaged, all should be well. Fortunately, like Citroen's pipe seals, the effectiveness of the seal increases with the pressure.

I've even had a couple of genuine Citroen spheres with excess welding seam on the shoulder, which prevented the spheres being fully screwed in. Needed filing off.

No leak yet and the car seems to be riding well so that's good (touch wood).
I've inspected the threads with magnifying glass and they looked ok (although a bit dirty with specks of paint here and there)
I probably should have the sphere with the deformed lip pressure tested but too late now.
What's your take on the seal - would the seal have flattened out when torqued up and sealed fine? (I understand the torque is hand tight only?)

[elma]

In my opinion all of those would be destined for the bin.
Even if they do seal I would be concerned that they would fail prematurely.
I'd also worry that by fitting them I was accepting them and would lose my right to return/refund.
Sphere shop need to learn to send out new spheres in good condition, those are seconds and should either be binned or sold half price.
I've had no joy at all when attempting to reuse seals that looked better than that one, wouldn't be putting that on my car.
Paint on threads wouldn't bother me, I consider that as normal.

[white exec]

I think I can see a dent in the seal in your photo.
Agree with elma's post above.....Probably will be ok, but not what you should accept.
If it's not convenient to send the spheres back to sphereshop, you could at least e-mail them your two photos, and ask for their comments, and what they might do for you. A credit note could be an option, along with at least a pack of brand new v.g.c. seals.

Sealing rings cheap enough from Citroen, likely packs of 5 or 10.