C5X7 front suspension sphere failed.

[aerodynamica]

Hi all, I noticed a strange activity in that occasionally the driver side front suspension was seemingly solid. It seemed to be only when it switched to stiff mode. These 2x front corner spheres are the ones I had regassed 3x years ago and the center sphere was a new one. Removed the sphere - lots of foamy LDS - and put it on the sphere tester and sure enough it reads at zero pressure. I tested the other side sphere and it still shows about 47bar (out of 50) so we have a deceased sphere.

I wonder now where people get suspension spheres. I used to get them from AEP direct but they seem to be out of business now.

[myglaren]

I thought that GSF may have had them but it appears not.

https://www.eurorepar.com/WR-en/p/4895/ ... on-spheres
have them and others here have mentioned buying from there.

You might aslo try https://www.chevronics.co.uk/ or http://www.blautos.co.uk/

[aerodynamica]

Thanks, hadn't thought of Chevronics

[wurlycorner]

AEP's ebay store is still active?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/405232550618

[xantia_v6]

You could try Autodoc, I got some Xantia and XM spheres from them within living memory.

[MattBLancs]

You could try Autodoc, I got some Xantia and XM spheres from them within living memory.

Yes, they list these:

SUPLEX Suspension accumulator https://m.autodoc.co.uk/suplex/10190649
£66.67.

There's others listed: TRW, Cevam and Monroe branded but all are showing as out of stock

[Kees]

This one is not the correct one, 45 bar is for the backside of the car, if this one is for a C5 X7.
Also better to look for IFHS brand.

[Kees]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167244588627

[MattBLancs]

This one is not the correct one, 45 bar is for the backside of the car, if this one is for a C5 X7.
Also better to look for IFHS brand.

Good spot on the pressure - it's listed as "front" but as you say is lower pressure.

[aerodynamica]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/167244588627

In the end I ordered these ones. This is the same supplier I had some problems with 3 years ago but we got over it.

It's interesting how well the car still rides with one sphere at zero pressure. Only when the centre spheres is switched out of circuit does it bump through quite hard. Still a fair bit of insulation likely helped by the large dense foam mountings.

[Kees]

Good job!!

[aerodynamica]

Fitted the new spheres and it has been lovely. New problem though! Keeps stalling.. see other post

[MGmike]

I tested the other side sphere and it still shows about 47bar (out of 50) so we have a deceased sphere.

You have a sphere tester in Glasgow
Can I borrow it for a day or two to test a few spheres I have? Happy to leave a few beer tokens in exchange and leave a deposit.

[aerodynamica]

Hi Mike, yes although it's quite a ramshackle contraption - not very portable. Would be better if you were able to swing by my gaff one evening with your box of spheres. I'm in Darnley . PM me if you want to arrange.

[MattBLancs]

although it's quite a ramshackle contraption - not very portable.

Is that not what's called "Steam Punk" nowadays?