Replacing Spheres - How to ?

[SimonA]

I know this will be in here somewhere but I can't find it, all my searches bring up other posts that keep distracting me.

So ... how difficult is it to replace the spheres (all 5), what do I need tool wise and of course how do I do it ?

Now the beloved one is no longer incontinent the ride is ummm noticeable and no sphere changes in 5 years is probably why.

Cheers
Simon

[ed_straker]

It's easy!

Especially front ones are an (almost) 5 minute job
->
http://bxclub.co.uk/diy/

[SimonA]

That all sounds simply ... I forgot to look on the BX club site !

Next question ... where do I get a sphere tool (I'm not allowed to play with sharp implements) as the cold chisel sounds extreme ?

[Jezziebx16v]

There are always loads on ebay, pretty costly though I think

[docchevron1472]

Get friendly with the local independant Cit specialist and ask if you can borrow one for half an hour. Thats what I do!

[cossie]

I just use a chain wrench for the front 3,never done the rears.

[Simran]

i use the same, or one of those cloth strap oil filter removal tools, basically a strap version of the chain one.

[Anonymous]

Vise Grip (sic), do an indestructable fancy chain wrench version of their superior self-locking pliers. All the Citroen garages I have worked for use these. They have so many other uses that their purchase price of around £30 is easily justified. They are so well built that mine have lasted through continuous abuse for the past twelve years.

By the way, rear spheres are best removed by slackening the first few degrees with the suspension in the full height position. The car must obviously be securely supported on axle stands, then depressurised for the actual removal. A good way to ensure that there is no residual pressure behind the speres is to see if the sphere will 'rock' on its threads, before you fullly remove it. This method reduces the chance of pipe damage caused by twisting the suspension unit. Finally the genuine Citroen sphere seals are greatly superior to the O rings often supplied. You can officially reuse all hydraulic seals in the BX if they are in undamaged condition (source: Citroen UK) and they very often are.