Rear of car sometimes seems hard

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 27 Jun 2009, 21:37

I have done the diode bit but it still does not seem right to me.

Should i go for the corner spheres next or do you think any other ones.

Any input would be gratefull for..

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 27 Jun 2009, 22:16

Xantic wrote:I have done the diode bit but it still does not seem right to me.

Before spending any further money can you hear the Hydractive blocks clicking then buzzing when you open a door then clicking off 30 seconds after the door is shut?

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 27 Jun 2009, 22:19

DickieG wrote:
Xantic wrote:I have done the diode bit but it still does not seem right to me.
Before spending any further money can you hear the Hydractive blocks clicking then buzzing when you open a door then clicking off 30 seconds after the door is shut?

Forgot about retrying that, will try it tomorrow..Don't tell me its going to be expensive or i will be buying a Shetland pony next, at least it wont have any electronics and spheres to contend with..

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 28 Jun 2009, 21:18

DickieG wrote:
Xantic wrote:I have done the diode bit but it still does not seem right to me.
Before spending any further money can you hear the Hydractive blocks clicking then buzzing when you open a door then clicking off 30 seconds after the door is shut?

Just tried this test..I heard a click but no buzzing, After fitting the diodes its no better, it just seems a little too hard on the back end, I am not happy with it something needs doing but i don't know what..What controls the softness of the ride ?.

Or will a new accumaltor give it more pressure as it does seem as if there is not enough pressure, you know it seems flat..It works as it should do if i sit in the boot it corrects itself but its just this slightly hard ride on the back end thats driving me mad..

Post by **xantia_v6** » 28 Jun 2009, 22:08

A slightly hard ride can be caused by friction in the suspension mechanism.

With the suspension in soft mode (engine running and door open), if you bounce up and down on the rear bumper, does it bounce easily, or is it firmly damped?

In the case of the Xantia rear, the only relevent components I know are the rear arm bearings, which I believe are a bit of a pain to replace.

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 28 Jun 2009, 22:14

Yes it bounces up and down easy . Its comical to watch actually..

Post by **CitroJim** » 29 Jun 2009, 19:32

Xantic,

On the electrovalves, it is very important that you hear a good click when they operate as you open a door and then 30s after you shut the door you hear another good click. Some electrovalves buzz very quietly and can be difficult to hear especially if there is ambient noise about. Every time I try to listen to mine a rattly old Transit seems to choose that time to come down the street

If the rear still seems a bit hard then the best course, if you've not already bee there is to check the right spheres are fitted and have them pressure tested.

Also, the condition of the accumulator is critical as the electrovales need hydraulic pressure behind them to operate and if main system pressure goes low for any reason, even though the valves are electrically switching, they may be failing to hydraulically switch.

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 29 Jun 2009, 19:55

I know i am being a pain with this problem but i am off on holiday a week Saturday and due to my work i really only have the weekend to sort things out..Rather than taking them off and getting them pressure tested perhaps i should buy new ones for the back and a new accumulator..

Would it be the 2 corner ones right at the back i should replace..After all i could probably get all 3 i need for £100..If its not right then well it will have to do until after holidays..

I did hear a click both times but as you say, ambient noise drowns out a faint buzz..

Post by **CitroJim** » 29 Jun 2009, 20:08

The rear centre Hydractive sphere is the one that does all the softness Xantic so I'd be looking to replace that one and the accumulator. The corner spheres are less of an issue in soft mode.

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 29 Jun 2009, 20:24

N45354 SPHERE-REAR CENTRE XANTIA HYDRACTIVE CENTRE

N45304 ACCUMULATOR SPHERE XANTIA ACCUMULATOR

Are these the right ones i need, I can't see an accumulator for the Hydractive system on GF parts so i asume these are the correct ones.

I can get these through the week and fingers crossed fit them on weekend and bug you no more with this problem..

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 30 Jun 2009, 00:03

You'll also need a proper sphere removal tool from pleides, and a lump hammer...

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 30 Jun 2009, 00:17

Do i need gaskets or sealing rings etc or do they come with the spheres..

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 30 Jun 2009, 00:28

Xantic wrote:Do i need gaskets or sealing rings etc or do they come with the spheres..

They come with new seals

Just moisten the seals with fresh lhm.
You might want to get a new rear anti sink sphere too. For that the pipe screws directly into the sphere so don't just unscrew the sphere or else you could twist and break the pipe.
The trick is to fit a 9mm flare spanner to the nut then unscrew the sphere. The pipes either side of the spanner will hold it in place and you'll screw the sphere out of it's socket and also off the nut. Refit is reversal, start the nut in the sphere, then with the spanner fitted, screw the sphere into it's socket, then nip up the nut when the sphere is secure. You don't need it, but I always use the seal on the A/S sphere as it stops it rusting in place.

Xantic · Post by **Xantic** » 30 Jun 2009, 00:34

Xac,,Your a genius, Thank you very much for the info..Now all i have to do is convince myself im not too old to get under the car..of course i know the safety issues with the Citroen so i will be careful..

Thanks again..
Russ..

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 30 Jun 2009, 07:34

Raise the car on high, set your axle stands to the first hole, jack the car up the little bit more that it needs and put the stands underneath on the subframe.
Should give you plenty of space.
Removing the spare wheel will help too.
Good luck!