Changing Spheres

Given sensible caution, is its very easy to change any of the spheres on your BX without enlisting the help of a garage.

But two very important things

1) System pressure is around 2000psi, and unscrewing a sphere without depressurising the system could result in serious injury or death!

2) A car suddenly depressurising could drop immediately and kill you, the car MUST be supported!

Ok, theres the warnings out of the way. We're now going to show you how to change spheres without injuring yourself and in a short time whilst saving yourself £'s.

The Front Suspension Spheres
What they're for
The front spheres act as shock absorbers do on a "normal" car. The difference is that the sphere is a metal ball, inside the top half is filled with Nitrogen gas, then there is a plastic membrane. The bottom of the sphere contains LHM mineral fluid. When the car crosses a bump, the front arm is pushed up, this in turn pushes upwards the piston in the front strut which forces LHM into the sphere. This moves the sphere membrane up against the nitogen to produce the Damping effect.

Where do I find them?

Under the bonnet, either side of the inner wings!.

Changing the front Spheres.

Good News! This is a nice easy one. Theres no need for a jack and the front spheres come off easily. With the car in the High position, and the engine off, loosen both front spheres no more than 1/4 turn using the sphere tool, or a chain wrench. Place the height lever in the Low position, and allow 5 minutes for pressure to release. Remove both spheres using hand pressure anti clockwise. Use rags to mop up any LHM that will spill onto the inner wings. Remove the old sphere seals from the top strut mounts.

Fit new sphere seals into top strut mounts flush, then screw on both new front spheres just over hand pressure. Start the car and place lever into High position and check LHM level, top up if required. Move the height lever slowly from High to Low with interval of a minute in between to bleed the system 4 or 5 times

Job Done!