Because of the recent inclement weather I have entrusted the XM to the local indie for a few jobs (including front subframe welding) and hopefully an mot.

I asked him to change the rear centre sphere because the rear suspension is firmish. "it doesn't affect the suspension it's the anti-sink" he said. To which I replied it was Hydractive 2 and the anti-sink sphere lived in the subframe corner and the centre sphere lived over the exhaust. He looked a bit shocked at my knowledge and mumbled he'd change it anyway! I mentioned it to his mechanic and thankfully he agreed with me. I didn't want to upset him too much in case he hiked the price up! I also mentioned the binding f/o/s brake. He said he'd come across this before and found the flexi pipe swelled internally causing a restriction to the returning fluid. I haven't heard that one before.

His mechanic rang me today to say there would be a delay for a day or two cos Paul the boss had gone home with the sickness bug. It will be nice not to have to use the Cinquecento as cute as it is!

I have become totally confused about spheres.

As you will see I also have a 2.5 td. The rear suspension is just too firm and I was looking to change the 2 spheres.

I was of the understanding that the centre sphere was purely anti sink and had no effect on the ride. How many spheres are there and what are they?

The centre sphere has no damping i.e a large hole, and therefore allows a lot of fluid to flow in and out when the electrovalve is open, giving you soft suspension. The outer spheres have very small holes givin a restricted fluid movement and a firm ride when the hydractive is operational i.e. when cornering or braking. The antisink sphere does exactly what it says on the tin.

Peter.N.

Dave

If your mechanic has the same bug I am just getting over, you wont see him for a week! Lost 1/2 stone in five days - good outcome but not method.

Peter.N.

Oh dear, glad you're over it now Peter. Luckily I missed it but most of the family have been down with it.

Now as far as I am aware there are four spheres at the back of a 2.5. Two wheel spheres, one antisink and one centre sphere.

At the front (I think! ) Two wheel spheres, one centre sphere, one accumulator. Yes? I make that eight but I'm sure I've read somewhere there are nine. Is there another one?

I changed the front centre last year and immediately found some movement. It's not right but better than it was. So probably do the front wheel spheres soon. The back is still quite firm, not solid but firm, if the indie does the centre sphere I'm hoping for an improvement. The accumulator was also done last year.