Is Citroen Air Suspension Reliable?

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Sat 2 Jun 2007 16:18
Is Citroen Air Suspension Reliable? - Chris White
A question regarding Citroen's hydro-pneumatic suspension,

It seemed to be that with the old BXs, that when the mileage got high, the car got a little old and the suspension gave problems it would mean big bills.

Is it still the same with the modern Citroens (like the C5), or is the system now more reliable at high mileage?

Chris
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Sat 2 Jun 2007 16:41
Is Citroen Air Suspension Reliable? - spikeyhead {p}
it needs maintenance. So long as you have someone who know's how to diagnose it then it'll run forever.
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I read often, only post occasionally
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Sat 2 Jun 2007 17:14
Is Citroen Air Suspension Reliable? - Xileno {P}
BX suspension only would give trouble when the car fell into maybe its third or fourth owner. Maintenance would be skipped as the car was well into banger territory by then. If the LHM was replaced according to schedule and the spheres replaced (there are actually five - one on each wheel and a compensator), then few problems were experienced.

The C5 system is more complex, mainly due to electronics. I see no reason why it shouldn't give good service if looked after.
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Sat 2 Jun 2007 17:13
Is Citroen Air Suspension Reliable? - Quinny100
On older Citroens a single high pressure pump driven off a belt powered the steering, suspension and brakes. The suspension spheres, which essentially act as both spring and damper were pressurised by nitrogen behind a membrane which, over time allowed the nitrogen to leak through and the spheres needed replacing or recharging. The suspension height was regulated by mechanical valves which sometimes gave trouble.

The C5 is completely different - they have conventional power steering and servo brakes. Suspension is now powered by an electric pump and the sphere design has been changed so that they should last the life of the car. Suspension height is controlled by electronic sensors and a computer which alters the height depending on road conditions.

Both systems are fundamentally reliable and aren't difficult to diagnose and fix if you understand how they work.
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Sat 2 Jun 2007 17:36
Is Citroen Air Suspension Reliable? - Chris White
Thanks for your replies, I never really understood how it all worked.

I guess the key is finding a good independent specialist if you want to stay outside of the dealer network.

Cheers, Chris.
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