Using the BX now....

Post by **Tim Leech** » Wed May 06, 2009 11:13 pm

No worries mate, may see you at wetherby?

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Thu May 07, 2009 4:34 pm

Yeah I hope so.

A couple more updates, the tank appears to be weaping from the vent pipe on the nearside, not good...the engine knocking is getting worse and my spheres dont work! So ordered a proper pair brand new for tomorrow but I have no idea what im going to do about the other stuff. Stick some 20w 50 to quieten the engine down I suppose but the tank is going to be a problem.

At least I have a cd player now though!

Post by **Tim Leech** » Fri May 08, 2009 9:03 am

Alex if its front spheres they are a doddle to change.

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Fri May 08, 2009 9:57 am

nope its rears, tried some eBay ones and they were almost as bad as the ones it came with, ie shagged so Ive just ordered some brand new ones from my local parts guy instead. It is bloody easy though I was expecting a pig of a job and it literally took 10 mins, and most of that was finding tools!

Post by **Tim Leech** » Fri May 08, 2009 11:33 am

Never changed rear ones myself so I know how to call if I need a hand!

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Fri May 08, 2009 12:21 pm

It is bloody easy though I was expecting a pig of a job and it literally took 10 mins, and most of that was finding tools!

probably because you got the sphere removal tool (metal band type?) - one of the most important things for rear sphere changes is to be tooled-up properly.

nope its rears, tried some eBay ones and they were almost as bad as the ones it came with, ie shagged so Ive just ordered some brand new ones from my local parts guy instead.

Eurocarparts & German and Swedish spheres are normally reasonably-priced and reliable. Just a thought - are the rear arms moving freely ? Are there any noises from the rear when getting into the car?

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Fri May 08, 2009 12:34 pm

yeah the rear is creak free and smooth up and down on the suspension and getting in and out. I believe my spheres are coming from GSF thats who he normally uses anyway.

I will be doing this LHM lube on the struts this afternoon too, they are a bit creaky right at the top of travel so it cant hurt to give them some juice.

I did buy the metal band type tool from eBay and it makes it such a simple job. I used to have a BMW 528i which had an accumulator sphere for power brakes and steering and replacing that when it failed was an absolute pig, if only I had known about this tool then!

So im tooled up and ready to help out if needed now!

mike st gilles · Post by **mike st gilles** » Fri May 08, 2009 12:55 pm

I've just done my fronts with a chain type oil filter wrench and it took me just the half hour.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Fri May 08, 2009 12:58 pm

could you not go direct to GSF as they have quite a few branches around the country, going through a parts guy might cost you more,

were abouts are you

regards malcolm

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Fri May 08, 2009 2:29 pm

I have often used the GSF at fort dunlop as thats the nearest one to me but for a few reasons I havent bothered this time. I would have to battle through M6 roadworks, it would cost me money in petrol and I would only save about £4 on the spheres. Also I use this guy for almost everything I buy for cars so its a question of loyalty in these tough times because he gives me trade price or better on everything.

As an edit to the above, turns out the spheres were much cheaper, pair for £22.50. And my god....the ride over speedbumps is incredible, so much so that I now have to do the front to make it match, and previously I thought the front end was in good shape!

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Fri May 08, 2009 6:14 pm

mike st gilles wrote:I've just done my fronts with a chain type oil filter wrench and it took me just the half hour.

I didn't have any luck with the halfords chain wrenches. They won't break Sir - but two of them did in quick succession!

I bought a heavy duty strap wrench which now with a 2 ft breaker bar undoes them a treat.

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Fri May 08, 2009 7:42 pm

Glad to hear a decent set of spheres did the job.

On the subject of chain wrenches, the very trustworthy Ex-Citroen mechanic who runs his own all-make garage a few miles away swears by a very heavy-duty Facom chain wrench for sphere changes. It's a bit more substantial than most...

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Fri May 08, 2009 8:47 pm

Alex, what make were those spheres?

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Sat May 09, 2009 11:38 am

Unfortunately just the cheapy Amtex ones, but I specifically checked the dates on them and they were gassed up this month so pretty new.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Sat May 09, 2009 2:50 pm

AMTEX sphere's are actually brand new not re/coned and perfectly good quality,

and i think im right in saying GSF own AMTEX

regards malcolm