Correct Spheres

[DerekW]

Following on from recent discussions about comfort spheres, I decided to look at the alternatives on offer. Before that I thought it best to confirm exactly which were the correct standard ones. This is what I found:

In all references the info is given as Volume(cm3)/pressure(bars)/damper(mm).

Source: Series 2 Workshop Manual. Presentation section,V6 ES9J4 engine.
Front legs: 450/40/0.7
Front hydractive: 450/70/1.25*
Rear: 400/30/0.6
Rear hydractive: 400/40/1.25*

Source: Series 2 Workshop Manual. Section 09, suspension.
Front legs: 400/50/0.6
Front hydractive: 500/70/1.25*
Rear: 400/30/0.5
Rear hydractive: 400/50/1.25*

Source: Series 2 Spares Manual.
Front legs: 450/40/no info given.
Front Hydractive: 450/70/no info given.
Rear: 400/30/no info given.
Rear hydractive: 400/50/no info given.

Source: GSF Spares Catalogue.
Front legs: 400/50/0.6
Front hydractive: 500/70/-
Rear: 400/30/0.5
Rear hydractive: 400/50/-

* I think these refer to the dampers in the valve block.

Confusing? I think, as I said previously, that when the time comes to change them I'll go for the largest volume and highest pressures in each category.

What do you think?

Regards,
Derek

[jorgy9]

It is confusing, although not a mistake, as Citroen has made some little tunning changes overtime on same models, e.g. my '94 V6 has 450/40 front corners while previously they had 400/45, and from '95 the spec changes again to something else. In such a case, I don't think Citroen changed anything else that affects suspension, they were just playing around with spring, damper and compliance trade offs, so it's up to me which spec I put on my car next time.

Re. your case, it is difficult to say which front corner will feel "softer", a 450/40/0.7 or a 400/50/0.6mm. The first is less damped, but it has a lower pressure, but also higher volume, which means it would is a harder sprung but less damped sphere initially, but because of the extra 50cc it gets harder at a slower rythm than the 400cc sphere, as it is compressed. Difficult to detect such fine diferences, that pertain to "hard" mode moments only, anyway.

What will sure make a difference in comfort is the 2 different suggested middle ones -u r right that 1.25mm is the 2 hydractive block's tablets' orifices- so the 500/70 will be a more compliant sphere than the 450/70, i.e. it'll definitely swallow better larger bumps.

regards
George

[jorgy9]

ps

Isn't it amazing though that, with a bit of research, we can play and totally transform the road-holding setup of our cars for a few tenners, at home, in 10mins (OK, 10mins for the front only) !!

G