Xantia 2l HDi Steering problem- Help!

redman · Post by **redman** » 09 Oct 2008, 11:11

Hi

My Xantia (x reg)has developed a strange steering problem. The pas steering stiffens as the wheel is turned and then becomes easier once pushed through the stiffness. Ive tried swapping the hydraulic pump with a known working pump and have replaced the pinion valve to no avail. The LHM has been replaced (has some somehydroflush in) and the filters cleaned. There was a small leak in the pipe taking lhm from the tank to the pump but that also has been sorted. Each time I find a problem it seems to get better but then returns to the same old problem.

Any advice would be welcome as this is driving both myself and my mechanic mate nuts.

Cheers
redman

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 09 Oct 2008, 11:24

I've had this very same issue with a VSX 2.0i Xantia. It turned out the
universal joint; the swivel at the base of the steering column that runs
through the bulkhead onto the rack, has dried out causing the 'flat spots'
which you can feel where the actual swivel tightens before moving through
into it's smoother action.

You can try freeing up the swivel on the universal joint by spraying chain
lubricant onto it whilst running the steering from lock to lock, made easier
by having the front wheels supported off the floor. That should do it though
alternatively a new one may be needed depending on how stiff/dry and
worn the universal is.

Andrew

marsalek · Post by **marsalek** » 09 Oct 2008, 12:54

That is it. The joint is usally the cause of that behaviour. Before lubricating it with a chain lubricant, spray it with brake cleaning spray, to remove the rests of the old lubricant. Then spray it with some thin oil like WD40 whilst running the steering from lock to lock. When the stiffness disappears, spray it finally with the chain grease. Then every half a year, use the chain grease shower again

The joint is available only from Citroen and costs here about €95. Part Nr. 2.

Here the lubricated joint in the middle of the page:

Karel

simoncanfer · Post by **simoncanfer** » 10 Oct 2008, 12:49

Do you think this is a job that should be done regularly? Maybe at the same time as height correctors?!

marsalek · Post by **marsalek** » 10 Oct 2008, 13:08

Depends on how often you grease the height correctors

Since the first occurrence of the stiffness one should grease the joint on the regular basis (approx. twice a year), as the seals in the joint are not tight anymore and the lubricant gets rinsed out with rainwater. Or fit a new joint, that should stay intact for the next 8+ years

That should do.

Karel

redman · Post by **redman** » 15 Oct 2008, 16:49

just to let you know it was the UJ. I greased it up and now it is much better. Still not perfect, I suspect it may need a replacement, but definitely much better than before.

Thanks for the help

Redman

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 20 Oct 2008, 13:00

Interesting!

I had a car in with this problem... (L reg S1, TD SX, WITH anti sink) it stiffened over night.. HOWEVER, I decided to give it a Hydraflush and het presto! Back to constant smoothness!! Customer quite pleased! She needs to come back now and get back to LHM...

Rgds
Paul