Hi guys,
I'm new to this site and Xantias but you seem to know what you're talking about.......here's my problem:
The front suspension on my 95 Xantia 1.9TD VSX is constantly dropping and rising. As soon as you start the engine the ride height drops, takes about 5 seconds. As soon as it stops sinking it pumps back up to normal ride height but then it happens all over again straight away.
Might it have something to do with the fact that one of my hydraulic fluid pipes burst and was peplaces or would it be spheres or ride height adjusters. I don't have a clue and can't seem to find anyone who's had the same problem.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Cheers
Kevin
Edited by Webmaster on 28/11/2007 at 12:30
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Kevin,
It could be lots of things - complicated by the fact that your car has the hydractive computer controlled suspension. Where was the fluid leak from? Was proper LHM used to refill the system? Is there lots of clicking from the front of the engine? Will it go up to max height and stay there?
I would pull the hydractive fuse first and see what that does.
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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Actually thinking about it, it could just be air in in - try going from low to high suspension and back a few times to see if that helps - sometimes does. The Citroen equivalent of switching it off and back on.....
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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Thanks Richard, Yes there is constant clicking from under the bonnet. It was LHM fluid used to refill the system, it does go to full height and stay there and I'm not entirely sure what the pipe that burst was serving.
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The garage were clueless, what a shock. Looks like another Xantia will end up on the scrap heap.
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Kevin,
Whereabouts are you? Could you get it to a local Citroen Indie that might understand it? I suspect that first off it needs a new accumulator (hence all the clicking), then it possibly needs either a front strut or a new height corrector. It's possibly not a cheap fix, but all else on the car is OK, it might be worth 'investing' a few pounds.
You could post at the "Displaced French Car Forum Users" section at www.bxclub.co.uk/forum where we might be able to shed some more light.
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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I reckon a new accumulator sphere is well worth trying here before anything else, and is reasonably cheap and easy to change. Citroen hydropneumatic/hydractive suspension systems will give all sorts of weird & wonderful symptoms with a "flat" accumulator. Constant ticking is often the clue.
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I'd certainly try changing the accumulator sphere(behind the radiator) it's purpose is to keep the car at height even overnight,so if the car has to keep raising itself up with the pump the height corrector will be clicking as correct height is acheived.Change or have re gassed the spheres its not that expensive and when its done you will have a car with the smoothest ride it's possible to get
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Sorry, but that is mostly tripe....
" it's purpose is to keep the car at height even overnight,"
No, the accumulator provides a reserve of pressure to ensure that you have some brakes if the pump fails (and for various reasons associated with the type of pump).
"so if the car has to keep raising itself up with the pump the height corrector will be clicking as correct height is acheived"
The height corrector doesn't click - it's just a mechanical valve. The regulator (which the accumulator is screwed onto) clicks as it directs the output from the pump into the accumulator sphere - if the accumulator is flat this happens very often, hence the rapid clicking.
"Change or have re gassed the spheres its not that expensive and when its done you will have a car with the smoothest ride it's possible to get"
Maybe - but this particular one is a hydractive, so even with new spheres it may ride hard if the hydractive is not working properly (quite likely on a 12 year old car).
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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RichardW At last i've found someone who knows more about citroens than me,and my knowledge has only been gained by listening to specialists over the last few years since became an owner. I am amazed to discover that I have more knowledge than most parts/sales people and my knowledge is pretty minimal.Ive just aquired a VSX with hydractive and would love a few questions answered
{edit to correct typo in author's name being mentioned}
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 10/12/2007 at 00:23
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When it comes back up in the new year FrenchCarForum is the place to ask the questions!
In the meantime download and read the excellent Technical guide from:
www.tramontana.co.hu/citroen/guide/guide.php
These guys REALLY know what they are talking about! My knowledge is just from virtually non-stop Citroen experience for the last 30 or so years (since I was just about old enough to talk....!).
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RichardW
Is it illogical? It must be Citroen....
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