Accumulator sphere question ?

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 18 Dec 2009, 13:46

Some may have seen that I have an intermittent problem with the rear suspension going hard and a repeatedly bursting hydraulic feed from the pump. Today I was reminded of something that may be relevant to diagnosing the problem. Normally after starting for the first time in the day I wait for 20 or 30 secs for the suspension to level out , if I ever need to drive away almost immediately the brakes don't work and the steering is heavy. If I wait this doesn't happen. Could this be a sign of a faulty accumulator sphere ?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 14:08

That would seem to indicate the exact opposite, that the pressure is not coming up until the sphere is charged, but, there should be enough pressure to make the brakes work as soon as you start so it would appear that the pump output is low, the first thing to check though would be the pump belt tension, sounds to me as though its slipping.

I would certainly change the accumulator sphere though, it much easier than fitting another pipe and cheaper!

Peter

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 18 Dec 2009, 14:16

Belt tension is fine , I installed a new one a few months ago. I was thinking that if the accumulator isn't retaining pressure this could cause the problem. But then the pump isn't clicking excessively.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 14:30

If the pump isn't clicking fairly frequently that would seem to indicate that the sphere is OK, but having no brakes at start up definitly indicates a problem, mine come up if you just operate the starter. The slow suspension rise could be a red herring, there are a number of things that could cause it. If the steering is heavy that definitly indicates lack of pump output, if you only recently fitted the belt it may need tensioning again, if its not that, either the pump or the regulator is faulty.

Post by **myglaren** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:00

Worth checking the filters in the reservoir.
Is the LHM dirty? - dose of hydrorincage may be called for.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:06

True, that's something I overlooked.

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:08

Won't be that , it's had at least 6 lots of new LHM this year do to the pipe bursting problem !! Now I run it with just enough to keep the warning light off , about 2 ltrs !!

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:10

Pump or regulator then. Pump's favourite.

XantiaDaveEire · Post by **XantiaDaveEire** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:16

would the amount of LHM in the resevoir be any cause for concern?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:23

Not unless its very low.

XantiaDaveEire · Post by **XantiaDaveEire** » 18 Dec 2009, 17:31

very low as in less than 2 litres?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 18:11

Certainly

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 18 Dec 2009, 18:15

Won't cause a problem except for possibly in very hot weather , then 2 ltrs may become a bit too hot.
I'm doubting the pump is the problem , suspension rises as quickly as any Citroen I've known and after this initial cold start time everything is fine.
Can the reg be examined and what is likely to be wrong with it ?

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 18 Dec 2009, 18:21

HDI wrote:Can the reg be examined and what is likely to be wrong with it ?

Yes by attaching a gauge to it and reading the outlet pressure, over time the springs inside become weak, take a look at my recent blog entry for further info/pictures.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Dec 2009, 18:26

The only other thing that can give those symptoms that I can think of is a slipping belt, otherwise I am mystified.