Help! Sphere Dramas.

[mixster]

Hi all,

New member and recent purchaser of an XM 2.1 TD Auto Estate. When I bought it I thought the ride wasn't all it should be, so I decided to change the spheres, like you do. Unfortunately the rear spheres are causing me a massive headache, as they are not budging.

The car is a 94 model, and it looks like the spheres have been on it for ever. I attempted to remove the old ones, but the N/S/R is turning the mounting as well - so much so that acouple of hydraulic pipes have become dislodged. Nightmare! The clip that locks the mounting in place has broken. I do, however, have another identical car for spares so my question is this: How is the sphere mounting removed so it can be replaced?

[jorgy9]

I've never removed spheres myself but I know a common mistake is trying remove the rear corner spheres with the system depressurised, then it leads to what happened to you, ie the whole assembly moves and breaks. Did you do it like that? Correct procedure is, before depressurizing, try getting the sphere to move slightly, pressure holds the assembly in place, then depressurize and unscrew sphere.
Sorry if that was the case, even Haynes describes it wrong!
George

[mixster]

Hi George,

Yep! That's what we did, and with catastrophic results. I found out from the net afterwards the correct procedure, while searching for help. That's how I came across this forum, too - so at least something good may have come of it! Other than the sphere problem, the car drove beautifully - but it's not going anywhere now until I can sort it out. I have changed spheres on BX's and Xantias before, and never encountered problems like this. I can't see how the large pipe that the sphere is mounted on comes off - and my Haynes is on order and hasn't arrived yet (typical). having done the job on other Citroens I was confident on the procedure, but it has created difficulties I've never encountered before. All help appreciated

[rg]

Try Pleiades at Sawtry. Martin there is a guru, and might be able to help with pipes and suggestions.

Also, I'd recommend the peter Russek "Pocket mechanic" manual.

r

[Craigdp]

Dont worrie all you need is some pipe grips to hold where the sphere mounts and useing the proper tool remove the sphere then once the sphere is off remove the unit and replace the broken pin easy as that refit and its all better

[mixster]

Cheers for yor help guys! I've managed to sort it out (well, almost anyway - still waiting for the pipe I broke to arrive at Citroen Birmingham...a snip at £50 )

Will press on and try your suggestion Craig as soon as I have all the parts to finish the job.

Wish me luck!

[rg]

The Pleiades tool is superb.

Here is a picture:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/point_and_click/131414778/

r

[jorgy9]

How much do they sell it?
George

[Craigdp]

I think I paid €60 +vat

[rg]

Around GBP25.00

A picture of it in action on a wheel sphere is here:-

http://www.flickr.com/photos/point_and_click/170704075