Best replacement Spheres

[Tinkley]

Now that GSF no longer stock 1.6 (1.4 and presumably 1.9 petrol) front spheres, which are the best replacements? I note the AEP Direct ones are pretty cheap. Any experience? TBH the last but one set of Amteks from GSF were excellent but the last set are probably shot at about 2/3 rds the mileage. Mind you the Surrey Hants potholes have to be experienced to be believed. Even with good spheres at 20-25 mph the car was fully bottomed and still does on some of them. Ther have been an awful lot of broken coils springs and shot rims especially low profile alloys....

I could probably get away with regassing but as there is no place within 100 miles it seems, replacement seems a better option. At £24 a sphere its also reasonable. Any recent experience with different spheres? I will be doing the accumulator too, but have 2 hopefully decent rear regassed ones cheap from fleabay so that takes care of a couple. Theres lots of older advice but things change so any say past 12-18 month experience would be much appreciated.

[cacaolat]

I got mine from AEP over 5 years ago, they where from a belgian (I think) company starting with I. At the time I was told that they are much better than the ones from GSF. Just look at older posts here and you will find out the brand name.
Now they are still as smooth as 5 years ago.

sorry just now I read your last sentence, of course my experience is a bit too old

[Thread Bear]

When I bought my spheres from GSF about a month ago they seemed to imply they could get stock of any sphere. Maybe Swindon does not sell many. Is it a 'computer says' issue, which gets called bluff when an actual demand is placed. Many stock systems seem to be doing this now. Bit like the old Unipart ad. If you want it, we have got it......eer, well no we cannot get one actually. Fresh out. Illchester Sir?

[Tinkley]

GSF still list Spheres for Diesel BX just not petrols!. Not enough of 'em left sir!! At least that's what I was told at the Badshot Lea branch last Saturday. So whilst your branch will claim they can get the spheres remember to ask for 'other' models. They are different bar and valves although some do transfer. The data chart is on another thread Mat inputted it.

TBH it might well be worth giving those AEP ones a go, even if they don't last too long they are cheaper than the £30 per sphere GSF want. 4 years ago those Amteks were 18.65 each and then began and continues the great inflation to clear our national debt.....

[MULLEY]

Try Westroen, they do mail order.

[Dollywobbler]

I got the ones for my former TZD only a few months ago from AEP. Very pleased with them.

[citsncycles]

Not bought spheres from AEP, but I've been happy with other parts I've bought from them.

[mat_fenwick]

I enquired about softer spheres from Westroen a month or so back with specific requests for a sphere type (500 cc/55 bar/1.8 mm front and 500/40/1.3 rear).


NB the TD estate rear spheres are 500/40/1 so not listed on this table. Hatchbacks are types 3 and 12.

To their credit they got back to me quickly but told me they only supplied spheres of one of two damper ratings, 2.5 or 1.6 at rear and 0.7 and 0.6 at the front. They couldn't tell me how that figure corresponded to the actual damper orifice size, so couldn't be certain of the spheres I'd be getting. I've asked AEP to confirm that (as I think) their part numbers of SSBX55FC and SSBX40RB correspond to the spheres I want.

[mat_fenwick]

After talking to AEP and looking in the IFHS catalogue it would seem to be the comfort spheres I want for ultimate ride comfort (funny that...) but AEP don't stock them On the plus side they managed to email IFHS and add some to their next order, which is leaving today otherwise it would be 12-15 weeks!



I'll report back on how they feel; they ones on at the moment are only a year old so it should be a reasonable comparison between types of sphere rather than comparing with old spheres which would be down on pressure anyway.

[minimad5]

I can 100% suggest Westroen.
Lovely guy and answered all of my (many) questions.

[BX Bandit]

Or Plieadedeiieeeaes. They regas spheres.

Your comfort spheres will be interesting Matt. I enquired a few years ago with AEP and managed to get the spec of the comf spheres from IFHS themselves. They were 400cc spheres for a start, so chose to give them a miss. Keep us posted

[rutter123]

My local feltham branch of GSF only stock diesel spheres more suitable for a tzd turbo with a slightly firmer ride than say, tgd spheres. i have also used AEP in G lasgow who carry a fair stock and very helpful and free post on £50+ orders. ECP can also supply.

[citronut]

i have just received a pair of BX estate rear spheres from Malcolm Lockwood,

branded Suplex Germany

web addres
http://www.suplex.de" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

has anyone used/seen this brand before

regards malcolm

[Tinkley]

Took the plunge and fitted a pair of the IFHS ones from Aep. We now have suspension. V disapointed with the Amteks from GSF they must have been near solid for quite a while. Of course the bad winters and fearsome potholes have taken their toll. Compared to their predecessors they were not long lasting.

Will fit Acummulator tomorrow or Sun and probably do the rears too, with the regassed fleabay ones.
Thanks for all the input, it is nice to be on the road again.