Rear Spheres Queries - Xantia

[Saraphee]

I have a Xantia in Thailand, the rear spheres are very tired and we must replace them. It has a 2.0i engine, VIN - VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff], ORGA - 6852.
It also has 3 rear spheres and I may as well replace them all.
Can anyone help by telling me what the centre sphere is called and giving me parts number for use in hot climates please?

[white exec]

Hi Saraphee,

Your Xantia is non-Hydractive, and has 6 spheres in all:

Front wheels (corners): 450/50/1.5, pt.no. 5271 30
Rear wheels (corners): 400/30/1.2, pt.no. 5272 35
Accumulator (front centre, engine compartment): 400/62/--, pt.no. 5 451 376
Anti-sink/SC.MAC sphere (rear end): 400/50/-- special thread, pt.no. 5293 04

xxx/yy/zz = volume in cc / pressure in bars / damper valve diameter in mm*
* /-- = no damping (Accumulator and SC.MAC spheres)

For hot climates, go for the genuine Citroen spheres, which will be suited to hot climates where they are fitted to the engine compartment.

Hope helpful.

[Saraphee]

Thanks Chris, Most helpful.
They are expensive here, 4500 Thb, which comes out at over 100 quid, but worth it in the long run I suppose..............

[xantia_v6]

As they are not multi-layer, diaphragms, I don't see much point paying a big premium for genuine spheres.

[white exec]

From current Cit servicebox parts listing, it isn't possible to tell which spheres are multi-layer or not, or whether Urepan or Desmopan. The Private Car (handbook) pages list the diaphragm material (and the damping aperture), but most of the part numbers there have now been superseded. It"s only possible to guess exactly which diaphragm material is now in use. M was originally for many (hot) engine compartment spheres, and also got used for the 'new' saucer spheres when they were introduced. Would be good to know what current composition is.

[GiveMeABreak]

So my information from Citroen Service states for this car (2.0i (XU10J2C) build date RPO 06832 (24/07/1995) and without Hydractive):

Chris has listed the part numbers already - but this may clear up the membrane type.

Sphere	Suspension Unit ID	Volume (cc)	Pressure (bars)	Damper centre hole Ø (in mm)
Front Corner	96 178 589 (Desmopan)	400	55 (+5 ; -20)	1.5
Rear Corner	96 178 590 (Desmopan)	400	30 (+5; -10)	1.0
Main Pressure Accumulator	96 154 588 (Desmopan)	400	62 (+5 ; -32)	None
SC/MAC (Anti Sink)	96 145 672 (Desmopan)	400	50 (+5 ; -20)	None
or SC/MAC (Anti Sink)	96 198 613 (Urepan)	400	50 (+5 ; -20)	None

So these were Despopan by default that may of been replaced my the Multi layer from the date below - but sphere markings should indicate.

The above is for the 2.0 engine without Active Roll and without Hydractive and for models up to 1996.

There is a note that staes:

From July 1993 (RPO 6056) certain pneumatic units are equipped with multi-sheet diaphragms. These units can be identified by having 3 exterior markings on top.

[white exec]

The markings were 3 deep dimples, next to the filler plug.

I just listed the currently available genuine Citroen spheres for the car, with currently available part numbers.

Many of the old 96..... numbers (which the 2001 Xantia, XM, Evasion booklet lists) are now superseded by the new 6-digit and E-six-digit parts codes. The 2001-listed front corner spheres actually listed all three types: D, U & M (see p.262).

As Marc says, wouldn't surprise me if a certain amount of rationalisation of membrane types has happened, and demand for the round classic spheres had reduced.