BX Suspension Spheres - Citroen's full spec

[white exec]

Lots of discussion about where to buy replacement spheres, and what the full and correct spec for each sphere, on each model, is.

This is Citroen's 1992 listing for all the BX models, and includes the full sphere spec:
eg 500/55/1.8 — meaning 500cc/55bar/1.8mm damping
.
? Click to enlarge

The top of the table indicates which sphere is fitted to the Front and the Rear, and gives it a number.
The lower part lists the sphere spec for each number.

For all cars, the Accumulator sphere spec is 400/62/-- (-- = no damping)

Note:
1. The 95.... and 96.... numbers in some cases still correspond to available Citroen sphere part numbers.
2. Some of these 95.... and 96.... are now NFP or obsolete.
3. Current part numbers for Citroen spheres can be found on ServiceBox (Citroen Parts).
4. Some rationalisation has occurred over the years, eg some 400cc front spheres have been replaced (by Citroen) by 500cc ones. Aftermarket suppliers may/may not have followed suit.

The purpose of reproducing this page is to list the FULL SPEC of each sphere position, for each car.
It should help check the listings by aftermarket suppliers.

Source: 1992 Citroen Private Cars mechanic's booklet 050920, AX BX XM (page 203)

[Pcheaven]

Very interesting. Many thanks. Have printed this out, for future reference.

[Kitch]

Shame it only covers the 1992 models. Worth point out that those with an early mk1 need 400cc front spheres (ideally, though 500 will work) as they don't have the room for the larger type.

[Jaba]

Shame it only covers the 1992 models. Worth point out that those with an early mk1 need 400cc front spheres (ideally, though 500 will work) as they don't have the room for the larger type.

The table does not mention early BX 16s and 19s but if it did it would show that they use nos.1 and 7 the BX14 spheres. That is what the info that I have shows (Andyspares 1997).
I don't get too exercised about this because the difference between them is not massive, they degrade anyway as pressure decreases also I think probably larger and softer spheres are better for todays potholed and speed bumped road conditions. So I have 500s on my GTi for preference on the front.
All of this decision making over the correct sphere to use can prove to be wishful when online suppliers only list two sphere types available for all models one for saloon the other for estate.

I always go to Westroen in Manchester every few years and he can supply whatever you want from his comprehensive stocks.

[white exec]

I think this could be that old listing, which does contain the early BX 16 & 19 400cc spheres.
Pretty much a unique aftermarket list, in having all the then available spec included! Was this the Andyspares one?
.

[white exec]

OK...pukka info...
Managed to find Citroen data page from
1985 Citroen Private Cars mechanic's booklet 050850, A LNA Visa Axel BX CX (page 185)
.

There is the earlier listing of the 400cc spheres.

[Kitch]

Shame it only covers the 1992 models. Worth point out that those with an early mk1 need 400cc front spheres (ideally, though 500 will work) as they don't have the room for the larger type.

The table does not mention early BX 16s and 19s but if it did it would show that they use nos.1 and 7 the BX14 spheres. That is what the info that I have shows (Andyspares 1997).
I don't get too exercised about this because the difference between them is not massive,

Sorry John, I missed this reply.

The difference isn't massive, no, but on a mk1 the 500cc spheres will foul the inner wing. They're physically too big. They'll work, but they'll be in constant contact with the bodyshell, which will probably damage something, long term.

Mine uses 400cc as used on some 14 models, and some GS. Most cars cars have a cut-out in the strut tower reinforcement panels to allow the 500cc spheres a bit of room (I would imagine ALL mk2 models do).

[Jaba]

Hi Richard, Actually I missed that you missed my reply.
Obviously size matters and that was not what I meant when I said I don't think it too critical. Its the pressure and damping hole size that only perfectionists worry about. Some even fit softer 'comfort' spheres.
I seem to recall that towards the end of Andypares they only carried one type of rear sphere to simplify their stocking requirements.

I didn't realises that more space had to be engineered for 500cc spheres. I still think they are amazing things for what they do in providing both spring and shock absorber in one assembly the size of a large fist.

Shame it only covers the 1992 models. Worth point out that those with an early mk1 need 400cc front spheres (ideally, though 500 will work) as they don't have the room for the larger type.

The table does not mention early BX 16s and 19s but if it did it would show that they use nos.1 and 7 the BX14 spheres. That is what the info that I have shows (Andyspares 1997).
I don't get too exercised about this because the difference between them is not massive,

Sorry John, I missed this reply.

The difference isn't massive, no, but on a mk1 the 500cc spheres will foul the inner wing. They're physically too big. They'll work, but they'll be in constant contact with the bodyshell, which will probably damage something, long term.

Mine uses 400cc as used on some 14 models, and some GS. Most cars cars have a cut-out in the strut tower reinforcement panels to allow the 500cc spheres a bit of room (I would imagine ALL mk2 models do).