Citroen Xantia - Suspension - soft bounce

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Mon 20 Jun 2011 13:46
Citroen Xantia - Suspension - soft bounce - adlogg

1995 Citroen Xantia 1.9TD SX. I don't think it is hydroactive but perhaps someone would know?

I have read the threads but no one seems to have experianced my problem. I know about hard suspension but mine does the usual thing when depressing the wings, goes down about 3 inches and returns with only one small overbounce but, on the road, is very bouncy but a soft bounce or perhaps call it a wallow. I have had a GSA, several BX's and a CX but none behaved like this. Any ideas?

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Mon 20 Jun 2011 13:56
Citroen Xantia - Suspension - soft bounce - Peter.N.

I would suspect it either has the wrong spheres fitted or 'comfort' spheres. If it is hydractive even in soft mode it shouldn't wallow.

I have comfort spheres on my XMs the estates are great but I did find the hatch a bit wallowy at the back. Could be that the height is not set correctly and its hitting the bump stops. Approximate settings are driveshafts parallel with the road and rear suspension arms likewise.

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Mon 20 Jun 2011 15:39
Citroen Xantia - Suspension - soft bounce - TeeCee

Hmm, I once had a newish Xantia as a "loaner" out of the fleet when I was between cars. It definately had hydropneumatic suspension and I think they all did. Giveaway here is the suspension height adjustment lever between the front seats.

The behaviour may be generic to the car. That one I had made me feel rather seasick and I was heartily pleased to see the back of it.....

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Mon 20 Jun 2011 15:54
Citroen Xantia - Suspension - soft bounce - Peter.N.

They all have a 'floaty' ride, that's what I like about them, I can't abide most modern cars which feel as though they have concrete blocks instead of springs. Each to his own.

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Mon 20 Jun 2011 21:53
Citroen Xantia - Suspension - soft bounce - SteveLee

If it's bouncy over bumps then the spheres need recharging or replacing, eventually your spring medium (nitrogen) leaks past the membrane and escapes into the atmosphere via the LHM tank. Replacement is very straight-forward, depresurise the system screw off old spheres with a strap wrench, screw new ones on, start the car - done - about 10 mins and £40 per corner although the rears are harder to get to but it's the fronts that are probably gone. Try replacing the springs and dampers on a conventional car so quickly and cheaply!

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