What's up with the '69 Citroën DS's Suspension Balls? CAR WIZARD cuts to the answer!

The new suspension spheres have been installed and the 1969 Citroën DS is getting closer to being road worthy again. The CAR WIZARD 🧙‍♂️ has to find out what went wrong with them, so he breaks one open to investigate.
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[@CarWizard]

Correction on the ball pressures. Its 300psi. Not 3000. Much smaller ball pressure than originally thought.

[@Bdub1952]

Ahh, so closer to Hoovie territory.

[@charlygriffin2828]

even so, those balls look mighty strong

[@hardlyworgen71]

At 3000PSI would they be completely blue balls?

[@macmanipowermacbookprair4110]

The spheres you bought are original spheres. You can screw them open, thats why the schape is different. The damper units can also be swapped out. The sphere you cut open is a welded sphere(more modern Citroëns have those too, they are a lot cheaper, cost only like $50). The original spheres you put on are probably rebuild units cause you can’t get them new, they are also even more comfortable then the welded spheres that were on the car when you bought it. PS: The accumulator sphere in that IFHS box doesn’t have a damper unit in it because that doesn’t need damping. (You can see it missing on the bottom) If you would put that on one of the suspension cilinders you would have no damping

[@pclathrop]

“It’s a male Citroen “ …. “How can you tell?” …. “By it’s suspension balls”

[@SuperDirk1965]

Citroën actually called the balls "spheres". Just to make it sound a bit more interesting I think 😉

[@samholdsworth420]

Like GM calling ball joints hemispherical joints

[@aminebouharaoui4358]

Balls are spheres, but Spheres aren't just balls

[@Sonny_McMacsson]

Why not "magic levitation orbs"?

[@Grunt49]

Le sheres,orbs,balls or testicles.

[@gstevens6948]

@@aminebouharaoui4358 😂😂😂

[@treinenzo2685]

The spheres on the table are 'modern' welded spheres and cannot be rebuild The spheres that are now installed on the car are old style spheres and they can be rebuild, in fact, these are probably rebuild ones because they haven't been produced for a long time

[@trespire]

More likely than not, rebuilt in Holland. Check out Andre Citroen.

[@jwenting]

@@trespire did you know Citroen was founded by a Dutch person? He couldn't get funding in the Netherlands but the French government was willing to subsidise him a factory so he moved there.

[@theclearsounds3911]

@@trespire That's Citroen Andre, who's real name is Andre Pol. He's still around? I bought a DS from him ages ago!

[@trespire]

@@theclearsounds3911 His web site is still alive and well, so I would hope he is to.

[@trespire]

@@jwenting I knew he wasn't French.

[@Dakiraun]

I held it together until Mrs. Wizard joined in with the ball-themed commentary. XD Think that's the most times I've heard "balls" in any automotive video. Hilarious stuff - and SO awesome to see the DS get ever closer to being put right again.

[@blaqkpanda]

the "hot load" comment got me 🤣

[@twentyrothmans7308]

Car Wizard's just the warm-up act sometimes.

[@royblankenship5185]

Yes, I was surprised to hear her participate in the innuendo, she usually crushes that kind of chatter.

[@Steve-rv1ql]

This channel just gets better and better, wizard is so relaxed in front of the camera now, really very informative. Great that Mrs wizard is there with you, proper husband and wife team which works brilliantly. Thanks for taking the time to make the vids, for years I wondered what was inside those balls, now I know….!

[@humanbraininrobotbod]

It would be cool to switch it to the euro headlights. They look nice and they swivel with the steering wheel so you can see around corners.

[@Eis_Bear]

and fit the euro indicators, instead of those ugly blanking plates.

[@MrSparklespring]

Only on the more expensive DS models (This is an ID). They were fixed in Europe too but with a nice glass who covered the headlights. Rear lights were also different.

[@markchip1]

Aww! I was waiting for the Wizard to point those out and give us all a demo! Shucks!!

[@georgebettiol8338]

@MrSparklespring: The Wizard's Citroen is a US spec DS and not an ID. The US spec DS has the 'Federally mandated' twin headlights as the 'rotating' euro headlights were deemed illegal.

[@lffit]

yes the covered ones look better imo, but the US regulations called for a change.

[@jugostran]

That ball that you cut open was done for. Once the diaphragm ruptures, it's not fixable. They can be refilled with nitrogen only if the diaphragm is still good. So you didn't waste a good ball. Either way, it's interesting to get a look inside of one of these balls. They are quite interesting.

[@qwertyuiop32935]

Wow. How do the diaphragms usually hold up over time?

[@ScreamingSicilian70]

I remember when I was a kid, Charlie Brown went to France and that's what they drove around in. The engineering that went into those spheres was way ahead before its time. I couldn't believe how thick the walls were. But they handle that kind of pressure all the time they had to be. Thank you for showing us all of this in-depth workings of this very unusual vehicle.

[@Leonard-Sons]

Hello CarWizzard, im from Holland and i have had many DS cars. I have never hear the hd pump so fast go’s on. But if you have don al the susp. parts and it go on yet to many times in a minute, check the steering house by turn it left (or right) to the max. If its stops the steering house inner seals are bad. And most times they are! Best wishes by this nice car/project!! Arjan

[@kwilliams1958]

Wizard...definitely "Ballin'" today! And Mrs. Wizard with the comeback as well!

[@jimcabezola3051]

Thank you for sacrificing one of your balls for our further edification! Very generous!

[@SharpblueCreative]

Gotta love the innuendo’s in this one.

[@trespire]

Bleeding the whole system is really easy. 1st step: On the central pressure regulator that's next to the hydraulic pump, open the pressure relief screw/bolt, just about half a turn, no more. If I recall it's an odd size spanner, maybe a 9mm or 11mm. Set the suspention hight selector to the minimum hight. Start up the engine, slowly close the pressure relief screw/bolt on the central regulator. No need to over tighten. If the main accumilator (ball) is properly charged with nitrogen, the central presuure regulator should click in and out about every 30 to 35 seconds or so. If it's quicker than that, there is not enough nitrogen pressure in the central accumilator (ball) Step 2 : exersise the suspention cirquit by selecting normal ride hight, then max./wheel change hight, then back down to normal, then to minimum/depressurized position. Repeat 2 or 3 times. Step 3 : Turn the steering wheel lock to lock a few times. (I prefer to do this with the car creeping along at a slow speed to prevent scuffing the tire treads) Last step 4 : On each brake caliper, crack open the bleed nipple while applying the brakes (just touching the brake "foot button" is enough. Top up the HLM in the tank if needed. Check for oil leaks / weaping around any component replaced. Your done.

[@uwekall6281]

Question: in my DS, I have a newly rebuilt steering rack that should be rebuilt to a high standard. But when I turn the steering wheel (which used to be easy), it is now very hard to do so. As I did not have the whole system open (only replaced the steering rack), I did not bleed the system. This does affect the brakes a little but the ride height selection works - as far as I know, the steering should be able to bleed itself nonetheless. Am I correct?

[@srenhansen1542]

Yep! That is the procedure! The reason why you should not screw the bolt out is, that behind the bolt is a small steel ball that seal the system. Screw out the bolt completely and the small steel ball will fall out and get lost. Hydraulic suspension is brilliant and it's shame that Citroën has scraped it. I loved my BX, CX' s and my XM. More or less same system as on the D-models

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Translation from the French Service Manual? 🤷‍♂️😏

[@srenhansen1542]

​@@uwekall6281 turning the steeringwheel should absolutely not be hard. I would bleed the system.

[@trespire]

@@uwekall6281 From what I remember when working on a friends 1972 DS21 ( I own 2 CX ), the way the hydraulic circuit is laid out, the bleeding sequence needs to be sorted out in the following sequence for your case. Step 1 : Bleed the central regulator + accumilator as described. As mentioned above, do not open the bleed screw/bolt too much, about 1/4 to 1/2 turn max is more than enough. Do this with the system preassurized/running, and suspention preselected to the low/depresssurized position. You don't want the car to drop on you leg ! Just get all the air/nitrogen out. When done, tighten the said bleeding screw/bolt, but NOT too tight. You're tightening against a steel ball, pressing against a small precision surface. Overtightening will damage the body of the central regulator, so be sensitive about it. The main central regulator should click in and out about every 30 to 35 second. If it's less, say 15 seconds, you can still use the car, but might need to replace / recharge the main accumilator. If it's about 40 to 45 seconds it shouldn't be a problem. After you've sorted that out, then for your case, turning the steering several times lock to lock shound bleed out the circuit too the power steering. Be sure not to run too low on the LHM in the tank at any stage, otherwise the pump could be sucking in air. Keep it topped up, or close to the recomended level.

[@williamlloyd3769]

Amazing the tech that went into this car so many years ago! Can’t wait to seeing Mr and Mrs Car Wizard on the road.

[@mysteryman447]

11:16 lol i didnt realize the footage sped up, for a second there i thought you had the fastest drill on the planet lmao

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

I had a '74 DS Pallas. I got it after the previous owner had a nut and blot restoration by a DS specialist in the UK. In brand new condition it was nothing but trouble. I worked on it more than all my other cars combined. I really miss that car. 😁

[@TheQwazzy]

Citroën DS's Suspension was so smooth they were used to film live horse racing in the UK for years!

[@titanus49]

There was even a longer version of the Safari ( wagon ) used as an ambulance.

[@gregorygant4242]

That hydropneumatic suspension was used even by ROLLS-ROYCE because that ride was good !

[@ecyfoto]

Thank you for keeping this survivor roadworthy, Wizard. The tech in the DS is almost 70 yo!! Sharing your curiosity and admiration for the car is wonderful to witness. Now about that “hot load”………..

[@felixbaum48]

Thanks Wizard! I've learned more about balls, pressurized balls, screwed balls, ball fluids blasting, shafts going in and out, rods and diaphragms here than ANYWHERE!

[@yambo59]

Yep its all very professional

[@GuyChapman]

The clever bit is that same sphere provides both lift and brake assistance, so the more weight you put in the car, the more boost the brakes get.

[@TheZieglerm]

Mrs. Wizard saying "That is quite a hot load there" has made my year 😂

[@robertinfante5222]

Glad to see you and Mrs Wizard having fun with it! Im sure you laughed your butts off while describing being blasted in the face with ball fluid and the definitely hot load. 😂

[@colterlane2570]

Lol she ruined every one of his lame ball jokes with one "hot load" to his video

[@e140403]

I also look forward to see this DS on the road and the impression of Mrs Wizard and you. I am pretty sure you will be positively impressed ! The reason this car’s low front air intake is that Citroen was planning to use an air cooled flat 6 but they ran out of money and instead went to the old engine used in the Traction, a car designed in the mid thirties. Love these videos !

[@trespire]

A added benifit of the air intake to the radiator being under the front bumper, is the improoved aerodynamic flow under the car. At speeds of 90Kph and above, there is reduced preassure under the the car, like an upside down wing of a plane. This causing the car to stick like glew to the tarmac/blacktop. If you have propper French tires on a DS, either Michelen-X or even Kleber tires would be good, you can take long fast curves at 20 to 30 Kph faster than any modern car ! If you have the courage ! I've done done this with my 1975 CX2000 on Kleber tires, and with a friends DS21. On long fast corners these Citroëns are outragiously good.

[@georgebettiol8338]

@trespire: I adhore the Citroen DS, especially its ride - truly wonderful. However, you are being disingenuous when you state that its able to take long fast curves at 20-30 km/h faster than any modern car. It's handling performance, whilst very good in 1955, is not in the realms of a modern (say post 2000) base model motor vehicle - such as ones produced by: Ford/Peugeot/BMW/Audi/Mercedes or Alfa Romeo. That it does not do.

[@trespire]

@@georgebettiol8338 I might have overstated the stability in long fast corners of the my friends DS21, as I didn't realy push it to the limit. I only took it to 120kph on a highway, the stability and grip are phenominal. But not so my 1975 CX2000 on Kleber tires, or my CX25 GTI on the (unobtainable) metric rim Michelen TRX tires. While the DS didn't feel that much different from a CX, the CX is in a legue of it's own. I drove my 1975 CX2000 around twisted mountain corners, in dry conditions, at 80 to 90 kph in really sharp bends. ALL modern cars took these corners at 40 to 50 kph tops. I was thrown to the side in my seat, but the car gripped on to the road like velcro in an uncanny way. I'm no test driver, but the CX's grip left me stunned. I was too scared to push it further. To be honest, I didn't push my friends DS21 to such limits, as it was not my car, but its grip and handling didn't fall much short of my CX's. I think that's a phenominal design for a 1955 set up. PS. I once pushed my CX2000 on a long fast corner at 140kph, where modern cars take it at 90. The 4 speed engine was screeming but the CX was stable like a rock. I only did it once as it was way over the speed limit.

[@georgebettiol8338]

@trespire: If you wish to experience 'supercar dynamics/handling' in a modern saloon car, then recommend you drive an Alfa Romeo Gulia QV or BMW M3 F32. You will experience handling that is truly amazing - with my preference being the AR Gulia. The Citroen CX2000 whilst very good in period does not compare with the aforementioned cars released in the mid 2010s. In fact it's quite 'cruel' to compare the wonderful CX2000 with the aformentioned BMW and AR Gulia.

[@glennredwine289]

how about slanting the block, like the slant six?

[@SuperDirk1965]

Put a vice grip on the little protrusion at the top and it can be unscrewed. That way any nitrogen pressure is released safely.

[@craigkeller1966]

But only if it's off the car. Regassing a sphere requires a special rig, nitrogen gas and lots of care.

[@SuperDirk1965]

@@craigkeller1966 I've never understood how they did that. I used to bring them to this shop who tested them and if necessary they sold me new ones. If you unscrew it and LHM comes out, those spheres are gone and need to be repalaced.

[@craigkeller1966]

@@SuperDirk1965 it's a special rig. The Citroën Car Club I belong to has a couple of these rigs and I used to regas and test spheres myself using these rigs.

[@johnburns4017]

@@SuperDirk1965 LHM ?

[@SuperDirk1965]

@@johnburns4017 Liquide Hydraulique Minerale. In English Mineral Hydraulic Liquid. In French, many acronyms are inverse from English. Nato is called Otan in French.

[@anajay78]

“That is quite the hot load” wow

[@floppyseizure8615]

I was dying

[@latitude9.5north54]

No one has mentioned the suspension "dampers." Called shock absorbers in the 'states, the fluid movement in and out of the sphere is controlled by orifices and thin metal wafers located in the end that screws into the cylinder. They could be changed to make the "dampers" firmer or softer.

[@grahamfurlong]

I worked at Citroen Cars Ltd in Slough UK. I worked at age 15yrs there from 1960-1967 till they downsized and made me redundant. The ID19 was assembled there the dashboard was wooden specifically for UK and dependent countries. The seats were not velour but leather. The French cars had plastic dashboards. I remember the old guy making the wooden dashboards. They are not balls but called SPHERES my father had to disassemble them. They unscrew he had special tool to do this. Sometimes they had to be heated to unscrew them. The ID19 was produced to compete against Jaguar. I remember when I was a kid in 1954 riding my bicycle around the industrial estate and seeing these futuristic cars parked outside the factory not being produced yet by Slough factory in coating of wax. I was blown away at that time no other car looked like them. I remember on assembly like a bigger guy like you fitting rear fender try to marry body and fender with 4x4. Many good times there. Great show hope you enjoyed this

[@michaelscully4983]

I love these vids on the Citroen. As a youth, I hung out at Dan Moran's Citroen dealership in Gladstone New Jersey. Dan was of French descendance and remained in France after WWII where he helped set up some of the dealerships to come in the USA. One little correction....those 'balls' are actually called suspension spheres.

[@alro2434]

Hello, met Dan & Hortense(sp), went with them to the NY autoshow when the SM was introduced, 71 or 2. Don't know how he did anything in that packed dirt floor shop! Also, isn't it Peapack/Gladstone for some reason?

[@Baldufle]

The constant click happens when the pressure sphere of the accumulator fails (it cannot store pressure anymore and so keep refilling), not the suspension spheres. When the suspension feels fail you just have no suspension. Though, even after replacing the accumulator, it may keep clicking at a frequent rate (less than 30 sec appart) in case one of the hydraulic organs (most cases the power steering) has internal pressure leaking, generating demand through it's losses

[@trespire]

If memory servs, the DS has only the 5 spheres, the 5th functioning as the central accumilator, and also as the emergency reservouire for breaking and steering power in case of a total system failure. Later Citroëns, some CX's and later XM, Xantia, have 6 spheres or even more.

[@Baldufle]

@@trespire That is partly correct, the ID models like the wizard's, which had the standard, non compensating brakes with the regular brake pedal had indeed only 5 spheres. Same on other non compensating models with this brake system, i.e. BX, GS, Xantia. The more advanced DS, which had the mushroom compensating brakes, had one extra brake accumulator dedicated to it, same on all compensating models like the SM, the CX, and some XMs. The XM introduced the electronically controlled suspension and that took it to 8 spheres, so yeah later models got into a whole other level of insane

[@samuelmacculi5851]

​@@Baldufle XM has 6 spheres not 8. Only The Xantia Activa and the C5 II Hydractive+ have 7 spheres

[@Baldufle]

@@samuelmacculi5851 Nope, XM V6 hydractive has 4 wheel spheres, 2 adjustment spheres, one accumulator, and one Diravi sphere. The base model though, could have 5

[@TEEDUBS]

Hoovie and Wizard had some good ol preventative maintenance

[@jamesgibson5606]

I do recall seeing these cars back in the 1960s when I was still at school. Strangely enough whilst many of my friends were looking at Ford Cortina's or Vauxhall Victor's or Viva's I was looking at the Citroen DS. Fantastic series of videos.

[@janvalasekcz]

There are two types of spheres (not balls, but spheres). The one that you took from the car cannot be rebuild and have to be replaced with a brand new one. The ones that you have put into the car can be refurbished as they have two halves screwed together.

[@eddieredmann3]

This Citroën has been an amusing journey! Wizard cutting the juice loose was probably my favorite part!

[@patricerigaud3970]

Hi Wizard ! You should also have a look to another surprising CITROEN : la 2 CV, called la deuch in France dealing with its mechanical design dealing with extreme simplicity. Patrice from FRANCE.

[@patricerigaud3970]

@@mmm365 That's it !

[@danjoe22]

I like all of your videos but the citroen ones are my favorites. The car is quirky but so well designed and engineered with features no other car had at the time. I love that the suspension (when it is fully functional) provides a smooth luxurious ride in conjunction with the comfy seats most models had. I look forward to the next one and all of your videos.

[@DSP1968]

Thank you for showing us the progress on this project, Car Wizard! This has been very interesting and I look forward to seeing the project completed and the test drive.

[@laurieharper1526]

The underside of that car looks amazing for a 1969 vehicle. Has it lived somewhere dry, or has the bodywork been restored? The DS does tend to have rust issues. Great to see it being put back on the road.

[@trespire]

Constantly leaking LHM oil everywhere tends to preserve many Citroëns from rusting away !

[@HeavensProtocol]

My family only drove Peugeot 505's for most of my life. I had a 1987 Peugeot 505 Turbo Wagon. Now with a 1974 Curved Windshield VW Super Beetle. Thanks to your advice Mr. Car Wizard, we're getting a modern supplement car in the form of newer Corolla S Manual Transmission. Thank you for your Amazon Affiliate Relay "switch" Test Set. We LOVE your style and work!

[@jaygee6606]

😂you sacrificed one of your balls for the channel….now that’s commitment. No. No…that took balls….balls of steel my man, balls of steel!

[@B1970T]

And to get FIVE new balls. What a guy! And then when Ms Wizard said “ that quite a hot load there.” I fell off my seat. 😂😂😂

[@Big.Al.3]

I find your films every educational. BBC used to use the estate versus with a cameraman on to to televise horses racing. Have you done any more work on your bus.

[@terencehawkes3933]

Just seeing the video of the front inner fenders. That car is in GREAT shape. Citroens rust badly. You are so lucky tp have such a great example of that car.

[@ruinert]

Yeah! A good ID/DS to work further on with.. much less rust than normal. In Norway these cars rusted like no others, but some are still going strong because people are dedicated. I will recommend Mr.Wizzard to change the 4speed for a 5speed, the overdrive will calm down the rpms, the small inline4 can be quite harsh at cruise. These cars do not need much power to stay in cruise

[@terencehawkes3933]

@@ruinert Yes, I have heard about the difference a 5-speed makes. That long-stroke engine can certainly pull it. Might be something very hard to source in North America.

[@ruinert]

..the acceleration is quite poor , no pace at all.. . but it does,nt matter.. Once at high cruise, nothing is near these cars. Its like flying! And the milage is very good too! Im looking forward to see Mr.Mrs getting a newer prestige black DS 23 Pallas with braun leather seats..

[@ruinert]

I have had 2 c5s with hydraulics in taxitrafic in Oslo. To descripe comfort ..I must add.. its like riding a comfortable motorbike..the side movements are almost redused to none..

[@gregfanning9234]

Perhaps the boldest, ballsiest car video yet! Your deadpan, monotone delivery cracked me up!

[@xironmansdaddyx3653]

Two words I never expected to hear from Mrs. Wizard.... "Hot load". I LMAO'd!!😂🤣 12:53

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

Nice to see that you done your home work right. You´re gonna be a happy DS owner. About the spheres, the ones you took off isn´t restorable but your new ones are. And by "restorable" I mean that your new ones can be taken apart for swapping a bad diaphragm. All green "balls" can be fillled however. But they don´t like to get to low on nitrogen pressure. So in a number of years you want to refill the nitrogen which I guess that your new best friend Rob can do. When they were new, it was a part of a normal service to pressure test the spheres and fill them with nitrogen if needed. To bleed the system just start the engine and raise it to max height and then lower it. Repeat 2-3 times and your done. Usually the DS pump are very good at sucking up oil, but if you don´t get any pressure at all (if you had taken the reservoir out and got air in the suction hose for example) then you may need to bleed the regulator. It´s a 12mm bolt on the regulators side. Don´t unscrew it completely, just undo it a half a turn. Looking forward to see your reaction on how it drives. :)

[@alro2434]

Wish I knew which one he cut open, the one next to the exhaust or a rear??? The diaphragm was shit and heat & LHM made them into shit even faster!

[@michaelheimbrand5424]

@@alro2434 I saw him cut the right rear. Funny you should mention the front ones. In 30 years I haven´t needed to change a single one of them. I have only replaced the rear ones.

[@Mr.Schitzengigglez]

The Grand National door incident just became funnier. Thanks for reminding me. Weezard!

[@FakeItalianoII]

Very good seeing the DS being brought back to running condition !!

[@roberttrench465]

You should change the main accumulator sphere at the regulator when you are replacing all the others .

[@vro1899]

I could watch the wizard demystify things that make other mechanics shake in their boots for ages. I cant wait to see what he and tyler think of the finished product and if it is indeed the most comfortable car ever.

[@Adam-ox6zy]

Just love the engineering on this car. So out of the square thinking. And they made it work and with real longevity in mind!

[@gryfandjane]

Thank you! I’ve been fascinated by Citroens for years, and this is the first time I’d seen a suspension sphere opened up. It works pretty much as I suspected, but it was really interesting to actually see one.

[@stephenmoxley3004]

There are so many innuendos in this video that it should be titled "ball talk with the Car Wizard." Funny stuff. I am also a member of the "life changing operation" club. I know all about sitting on a bag of frozen peas! Keep up the great work.

[@garthlundquist3623]

Give peas a chance!

[@johnbrentford5513]

I didn't t anticipate so much ball action on the channel today.

[@paulfowler2502]

Hello. I'm new to the channel and I really appreciate your content. About the Citroen, my older brother had a 1961 DS and my father bought 2 over the years. We had a 1970 and a 1971 station wagon. We loved those cars. They were amazing! Brake lights high so that anyone can see them. An incredible suspension/braking system. Didn't they test how safe the cars were by running them over a 10 meter cliff? After crashing at the bottom of the cliff they would start up the cars and drive them away most of the time. Lastly, this car finish Dakar rally stock from the factory! Thank you for featuring this awesome car!!!

[@DenUitvreter]

Don't know about that but it's designed to have the engine slide underneath the passenger compartment in case of a collision, and it has a collapsable steering column. The one spoke of the steering wheel is also off to the side to not pierce the driver.

[@trespire]

And let's not forget the 1 2 3 finish of Citroën in the Monte Carlo 24 hour. Never knew the Paris-Dakar DS were as stock from the factory ! Chassis, suspention and brakes are unrivaled, even by most modern cars.

[@briandawkins984]

Yes, it’s true the DS was run off a cliff to demonstrate its safety. The advert is here on KZbin.

[@alro2434]

@@DenUitvreter Sorry, solid steering column.

[@DenUitvreter]

@@alro2434 Glad I never crashed one. I'm probably confused with another early safety feature then. There was another one.

[@bumstead1383]

Best thing I learned watching this is that you and Hoovie can’t infect my world more than you already have.

[@frankn4skeen]

Somehow, although it required special tools to be maintained (diaphragm repair : seach "Remise en état sphères de suspensions DS / SM"), it was a fairly simple and very efficient suspension system.

[@lo0nyt0onz]

This episode was Nuts

[@raychat2816]

Can’t wait to see Wizard get the wheel covers as well for the 69 DS, I’m sure they should be available, in the Levant we lived with those cars, and some of us still do however with similar numbers as 70 Chargers and 73 Mustangs. The real million Km cars are the Peugeot 504, there are still several first gen 1970 station wagon ones, in very rough shape, but still working 😊, one with a carpenter friend and even now, not him nor his grown up kids would sell it, he still uses it 😊 and laughs at the 394.000 miles of my 92 S10, which we all admit is lucky 😂, I sold that thing regrettably, but now it’s still around and running on that same 4.3 L block and passed the 400.000 miles, new owner had a lot of things changed very recently, and since the block seemed in very good shape, it was worthy of fixing 😊 Seeing a DS without it’s wheel covers was kinda like seeing something incomplete, and needed to be done 😂 …

[@trespire]

Where abouts are you from in the Levant ? Some of those imortal Peugeot 504's can be seen on the road here in Israel and the Palestinian Teritory / West Bank. Always driven by some old Arab farmer with muddy vegetables fresh from the ground. Always in the classic light blue body paint.

[@georgebettiol8338]

The long lived diesel powered Peugeot 504. Now usually with lots of black smoke emenating from the exhaust pipe. Nevertheless a comfortable and very reliable car.

[@cme2cau]

The Egyptian Taxi! Many 504s and 505s were bought for spare parts and shipped back to Egypt. Even from here in Australia!

[@trespire]

@@cme2cau True. Can see them in older Egyptian films and comedys.

[@raychat2816]

@@trespire in Lebanon, we do have some very much alive, also to note that it appears to be the favorite cars for convents of many orders as many 504 and 505 are still driven by friars and nuns 😊, other than that, yes some are in agriculture, even one in that pale blue 😅.

[@mattbrown5511]

As I have said, I love the engineering of these cars. I just have never developed a taste for the aesthetics. Thank you for sacrificing one of the spheres to show us the internal workings. It will be a good day when she is rolling properly again.

[@DenUitvreter]

I don't think it's particularly pretty, but I'm always glad to see one. She's got presence, charisma and stance and lights up any street it's parked in.

[@user-ic6ln4lm2x]

Ride height is adjusted by pumping more hydraulic fluid into the fluid side of the system. So raising and lowering still works. The gas spring on the other side of the diaphragm was far gone - so no "springs". At that point the car was running on a solid ,unsprung hydraulic suspension.

[@Ralph2]

Getting there! Those balls were seriously thick-walled, wow.

[@misterfeedback202]

Wizard, I would love to see an update on your rental van. Love your channel. Thanks for the great content.

[@Duraputer]

Cutting that ball open made me realize Hoovie and the Citroen have something in common

[@chrisadams6595]

As a previous owner of a Citroen with this suspension system, I can't wait for you to drive this car . The system is so good , literally 60 years ahead of it's time , a fantastic thing to drive with brilliant ride and road holding . Such a shame they don't make these individual cars Today.

[@wesleysnipes9167]

I love that you’re wearing LSC merch!! both of y’all’s channels are woefully overdue for 1 million subscribers!!

[@shawndickmann8215]

This suspension system works very similar to water pressure tanks when you have a water pump.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

These DS'es are the most amazing driving machines.

[@trespire]

Agreed. Most modern cars in 2023 are still technologically behind the original DS19 from 1955.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

@@trespire There are still a lot of racing parts made for these cars. Maybe a nice upgrade for this model.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

I bet a new Maserati V6 would fit in this DS.

[@trespire]

@@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur Accept for the engine, there is not much to improve on a DS. A well known rally driver, I think he was Finnish, once stated he could change gears faster on a C-matic than on a race car. The one thing I didn't really like was the exessive front corner diving under hard braking and some steering input. On my CX's this doesn't happen.

[@FransvandenBergeMuziekschuur]

@@trespire I bet there is a solution for that too. Well I can imagine that the junkyard is full of some older Maserati's. If he stores the original motor he could have a lot of fun with a newer Maserati engine. If he so chooses.

[@dailyreader506]

They work on exactly the same principle as a pressure tank on a well for your house. Actually a very reliable simple technique.

[@Scruffy32]

I saw one of these in Portage Michigan today and would’ve not known what it was prior to these videos

[@MrSparklespring]

Hey Wizzard, my dad had a Citroen ID19 (same model) between ''68 en '71 here in Belgium. I remember too that the front wheels were 15 inch and the rear wheels 14 inch. Another weird feature. Don't know if they left that in the American specs. The 'turning headlights' were only available on the higher trimmed DS models. Hope you find the original shiny wheel covers, gives the car more class!

[@baronvonzach6109]

I'm pretty sure the differently sized wheels would have been completely legal in the USA, however, this was not the case in Germany, where DSes were sold with equally sized wheels and tyres at all four corners until that regulation was scrapped.

[@alro2434]

Someone F'd with your dad!

[@MrSparklespring]

@al ro Obviously or I wouldn't be here! Lol.

[@grntchstrmdws]

Another ahead-of-its-time feature on this car were headlights that tracked in the direction you steered. But they were not allowed in the American market. You wonder what the reason for that decision was.

[@danielulz1640]

Hide bound stupidity.

[@JohnSmith-yv6eq]

It was another lever used by the USA motor manufacturers' lobby group to try to stem the flood of well engineered cars into the USA...i.e. market protectionism. See "Chicken tax"...as another example.

[@dth2brny121]

Same thing with those matrix headlights that Audi came up with. Pretty much a matter of what's called "NOT INVENTED HERE". Totally backwards and draconian measures, if you ask me 🤦

[@alanpickering4497]

Enjoyed this Wizard - Liquide Hydraulic minerale LHM- some folks drill out the hole bigger on the spheres to increase damping effect. Also the accumulator valve itself might need replacing if it still clicks after re=sphering. I miss my Citroens especially with the roads the way they are now in Britain. Its like tdriving through the sea of tranquillity as pot holes dont seem to get filled the way they used to. Another reason why we need oil - for road bitumen as well as lubrication and LHM!

[@danijelcar5184]

Nice to see that You repair that old Citroen DS it's a interesting suspention system.I work as Technitian here in Citroen Dealership here in Croatia(Europe) it's fun to repair those wierd French cars😂 they have still use that hidro suspention system still to 2017 nowdays new Citroens only have a small valves that are regulates flow in normal suspentions and ECU that controls that 😎.Greetings from Croatia!

[@mentalhealthnetwork]

I love the Citroen videos. Unique and unusual. Such a cool car.

[@roberth7894]

This is a great project car. I remember seeing a few of these on the road many years ago and always wondered what the story behind them was. Thx Wizard for another great video, despite all of the cheesy references to balls, ha ha!

[@johnw3379]

That is an amazing car! Such great features. Love the suspension system

[@christopherkraft1327]

Hey Wizard & Mrs Wizard, this is such a unique car, I really enjoy your videos!!! 👍👍🙂

[@pops55650]

Watching Wizard cut into that ball and wondering if that’s how Hoovie’s surgery went

[@yambo59]

yea, makes ya wonder why hoovie didnt just save the medical bills and just let wizard do his ball work......

[@simoncavill]

I’ve seen a couple of electric conversions of DS’s. Makes up for the rather weedy engine and turns them into something of the perfect classic for today.

[@martinogold]

It's a shame it never got the engine it deserved. An electric motor definitely makes a lot of sense in one of these, it makes the car even more futuristic 🚀

[@misorodzinak8829]

@@martinogold Agreed, the original engine isn't the main star of this car's show anyway.

[@jean-charlesweyland129]

@@misorodzinak8829 It was designed in 1934 by Maurice Sainturat to power the traction and André Lefevre the engineer behind the conception of the car (FWD, independent torsion bar suspension on all 4 corners, hydraulic brakes, unibody construction, automatic gearbox...) is know to have said that it was bearly fit to power a rotisserie XD That engine lasted in production for more than 55 years powering the traction, HY van, ID, DS and CX !

[@remb9614]

This car just needs to be red like the movie car. I love these cars for what they are and I also love that movie

[@MrSparklespring]

The last ones DS23 with electronic injection were reasonable powerful combined with the half automatic gearbox.

[@Peripheral-Visionary]

Mrs. Wizard "That is quite a hot load there." 🤣

[@billnasburg1361]

Very interesting. I learned alot. Thanks for sharing this info

[@jynxclover2996]

love love love this car. poor hoovie with his blue balls

[@russelljacob7955]

Hope you take Hoovie for the maiden cruise. He could use some fun :-)

[@davida877]

Thank you nice work Wizard - are those Michelin Tires too ?

[@bernardkealey6449]

Even if they aren’t they should be! Citroen was owned by Michelin between the 30’s and 70’s…

[@SuperDirk1965]

If the engine doesn't run and you want to put it on a tow truck bed, jack the car up, remove the balls, put a broomstick cut to size in the cylinder and then screw the spheres back on.

[@MarzNet256]

The Fox coil over hydraulic shock on my mtb has a nitrogen charged floating piston to compensate for changing volume as shock cycles and heats up and also helps prevent cavitation. I think the charge is 300psi.

[@ExAnimoPortugal]

I love that car. You should retrofit the European swivel headlights.

[@ianmontgomery7534]

@@mmm365 with what we see on TV in auto shows I am surprised that anything is forbidden on a second hand car (of course new ones have rules)

[@NenadTrajkovic]

I know it's funny for you to call them balls, but they're called spheres... Thanks for the update on citroen, I couldn't wait...

[@andypullin4702]

Hoovie is going to have to go some to top the number of double entendres in this video :) Really enjoying this series, my dad had a Citroen GS which used very similar suspension (balls and all), think in 100k miles only ever had to replace the front ones as they'd gone hard like yours.

[@hardwaylearner]

One of the best wasy to learn abot this suspension is watching this video. Kudos

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

The cooling fan looks like the fan blades on a jet engine and that is one monster air cleaner!

[@titanus49]

The air cleaner is an oil bath mesh type cleaner, not a paper cartridge type. Very easy to clean as long as you do not overfill the pan with new oil.

[@obsoleteprofessor2034]

@@titanus49 oil bath on my dad's International and Studebaker

[@alro2434]

@@titanus49 NOT a bath!! I'd say coated or impregnated.

[@Charger389]

There are companies that can rebuild the "balls" and they charge you less money for rebuild ones if you sent them the old ones. There's a simple check you can do if you want to buy a citroen with this type of suspension: Leave it running for 1 Minute and listen for the sound of the levelling valve - You should only here it a couple of times (2-3 times i think) in that minute. If you here it more often you have a suspension problem for sure..

[@alancharie9608]

Hey wizard ,I saw many years ago the BBC in UK needed a vehicle on which to mount a TV camera , for the transmission of live horseracing the vehicle had to be able to drive over rough grass track along side the race course , every vehicle they tried there was just to much vibration so the tv picture was blurred and shaky unwatchable , till they tried using a Citroen which gave them a perfect picture as suspension absorbed all the bumps and ruts

[@cebudave]

Great to see what's inside a DS sphere. My Jaguar XJS has one sphere on the brake system; I believe they call it a Teves system.

[@trespire]

The front pads can be replaced from the top, with a bit of acrobatics. Never tried to do it from under the car, as I never had access to a pit or a lift when working on it. The front brake pads are also used for the mechanically operated hand brake, if I'm not mistaken. So to replace them, the hand brake mechanism needs to be backed of, and readjusted to the new pad thickness at the completion of the job. The over engineering on tthe DS brakes is unreal, the car will stop like you've dropped 4 anchors. Passengers have been know to hit the windscreen hard, so be carefull.

[@titanus49]

Adjusting the handbrake is very difficult ,because the access to the adjustment bolt is not good. It can be done, as long as you can bend your arm and hand like an octopus

[@trespire]

@@titanus49 Definitely need cephalopod abilities to work on some of these cars ! If I recall, I needed a 17mm 12 point ring wrench that was slightly offset and angled.

[@alro2434]

Yes, the hand brake was the same pad & part of the single side duel piston sliding caliper only on the early ones, up to about 66 or so, with the single luge 400mm wheels.

[@michaelmahoney8887]

More ball jokes. 🤣

[@gregculverwell]

The accumulators can't be rebuilt, but you can often rejuvenate them. Back in my youth I had a Citroën and got involved in doing that. Cut a screwdriver slot in the filler plug and loosen, then clamp a bell over the filler plug and pressurise. After allowing preassure to equalise, screw the plug back in using a screwdriver sealed by an O ring @ the top of the bell. It was successful about 70%of the time. If the diaphragm is cracked you are SOL.

[@johnburns4017]

What nitrogen charge pressure?

[@gregculverwell]

@@johnburns4017 Don't remember anymore - many decades ago.

[@scott8919]

I'm so glad Wizard gave us the opportunity to see his balls and what comes out of them.

[@julesmarwell8023]

good to see BRAVE MEN are still alive.. and you are one of them. mister wizard

[@michaelmondich1966]

Wizard you should send the two halves of cut ball to Tyler He can use them as “the cushion”😂😂

[@VVT4ME]

This is one of the funniest and clever vids yet. Kudos sir.

[@k9man163]

Cool balls Wizard! Love watching you mess with them.