C5 LDS topping

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 14 Sep 2009, 06:32

I know, it is primitive question, but I did not find clear instruction for this.
From Hayness book I understand, that topping must to be provided in lower position. Do I understand correct? (in Xintia I did this in upper position).
Then, they recommend to use special tools to extract air from the system.
I have not it. Is Citrobix enough?
Thanks ahead
Mark

Post by **myglaren** » 14 Sep 2009, 06:38

From what I have read then yes, top-up should be with the suspension on low. Repressurisation occurs as the car is raised to the normal position.
The special tools (a Lexia) is needed to drain and bleed the system - Only a Lexia can open a hidden valve somewhere in the system to enable any trapped air to be removed.

Same with the brake fluid, Lexia needed to bleed the ABS.

Note that I have never actually done any of this, never been necessary. The LDS was topped up by an independent after a new rear gaiter was fitted where the old one had leaked a little.

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 14 Sep 2009, 13:09

Thank You, Steve!
BTW, are there any common reasons for leakage around electrical power steering pump?

Mark

Post by **myglaren** » 14 Sep 2009, 18:28

None that I am aware of, never heard that problem before.
On the other hand, my power steering pump is a belt-driven one, not electrical. Only the suspension pump is electric. Same applies though, have not heard of any problems in that area. Could it be spillage from less that precise topping up?

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 14 Sep 2009, 20:08

It not seems so. Tomorrow "autopsy".

citronel · Post by **citronel** » 15 Sep 2009, 11:08

According to Citroen service documentation to check the LDS level the hydraulic system has to be depressurised after you lower the car.
The LDS level has to be between A-B mark.

If you don't have access to LEXIA to do this properly be sure you do not have the level after the B mark in lower position.

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 16 Sep 2009, 07:57

O-o-o-ps!
Based on my experience with Xantia and Hynes's recommendation I opened the cap by moderate over effort. Pressed air sniffed out. Nothing more.
Did I create any problem or described procedure needs for cover 3 opening only? (citronel, thanks a lot!)
I have not any spesial tools. What is LEXIA?

Steve regarding to Your "...spillage from less that precise topping up?"-it not seems so-1-1.5 liter of LDS is lacking.
Because I own the car one week only-I don't know if LDS "gone" in few days or few month.
Not too much successfool start, eh?:oops:

Post by **myglaren** » 16 Sep 2009, 16:59

If you have bought it from a dealer take it back and have them attend to it. As the suspension and power steering have a shared reservoir then low fluid could affect the steering.
If it was a private sale I would take it back and at least complain to the seller, whether it will do any good or not is questionable.

A Lexia is a Citroen-specific diagnostic computer.

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 16 Sep 2009, 20:53

Steve, it was absolutely privet deal, so..
After "autopsy". The highest wet part was return pipe. I could slightly rotate it by hand without any effort.
Citroen's band was replaced by another, after 30 min of driving remains dry. I will follow after it another 2-3 days.
Interesting: it was need 2 liters of LDS to top it up. Almost half of normal amount.

Post by **myglaren** » 16 Sep 2009, 20:56

Nice result, hopefully that will end your problems, at least with the LDS.

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 17 Sep 2009, 05:35

Thanks, Steve!
The only point, that "makes me worry", is pressure in the LDS tank. When I opened it first time (after long period of the system running), the pressure was much more, then next 2-3 times next two days. I suspect, that the pressure will rise and may cause to enother leak.
Do You know where from air comes into the system?

Post by **myglaren** » 17 Sep 2009, 06:46

Afraid not. There will be some nitrogen that gets through the sphere membranes but it is pretty minimal with the C5 system. Possibly some from the power steering return but again very little.

Try doing the Citaerobics a few times - raise the suspension to it's highest, leave it half a minute, drop it to the lowest, leave half a minute, repeat five times, also turn the wheel lock to lock a few times to circulate the fluid through the power steering system.

I would have thought that raising it to the max height with the LDS reservoir cap off then fitting the cap would pressurise it as it was lowered. Could be wrong there though.

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 17 Sep 2009, 12:30

Of cause I provided citrobix. The ride is OK.

Are there any valves or instruments in the system, that prevent air extraction w/o special Citroen tools?

citronel · Post by **citronel** » 18 Sep 2009, 16:32

This 2 documents are about latest Citroen suspension Hydractive 3 and 3+ on C5-II and will clear a lot:

"http://www.phones-direct.ro/public/Citr ... esentation - Hydractive Suspension.pdf"

"http://www.phones-direct.ro/public/Citr ... Suspension - Principle of operation Hydractive Suspension.pdf"

have fun reading.
L.

mark_l · Post by **mark_l** » 19 Sep 2009, 07:00

Thanks a lot, citronel,-good material!