bouncy suspension

gingaminga · Post by **gingaminga** » 05 Jun 2010, 11:04

hi, i have a Citroen xantia 1.9td estate and the suspension is really bouncy. if you sit in the back you get bounced up and down like nobodys business! does anybody know what this is caused by? appreciate any help, jo

handyman · Post by **handyman** » 05 Jun 2010, 12:05

Assuming the suspension height adjuster lever is in the correct position, it means the rear suspension spheres need to be re-gassed or changed. Not a difficult job, if you have mechanical ability and the right tools. Even the spheres are not expensive.

"suspension height adjuster lever"? It is situated between the front seats and the lever should be set to the thickest line near the middle of the aperture. All the other settings are for non-road use.

By the way, welcome to the forum. Where abouts are you situated?

Handyman

Old-Guy · Post by **Old-Guy** » 05 Jun 2010, 13:58

There's a comprehensive guide to changing spheres in the stickies section. Two important points:

NEVER EVER WORK UNDER A XANTIA UNLESS IT IS SOLIDLY SUPPORTED BOTH SIDES ON RAMPS, AXLE-STANDS, ON A LIFT OR OVER A PIT. IF THE HYDRAULIC SUSPENSION DROPS SUDDENLY (IT CAN!) YOU ARE UNLIKELY TO SURVIVE BEING SQUASHED BY OVER A TON OF CITROEN.

It's essential to thoroughly bleed the brakes after changing spheres as the suspension and brakes share the same hydraulic system. Air in Xantia (powered) hydraulic system doesn't cause the classic 'spongy brake pedal' but a heart-stopping (and dangerous) hesitation in response to the brake pedal. You brake, nothing happens, you instinctively shove harder, then the Xantia stands on her nose as the brakes kick in - ABS won't save you. The suspension will also behave strangely.

If you want to print out a set of instructions there's a PDF containing the condensed wisdom of the forum HERE.

gingaminga · Post by **gingaminga** » 06 Jun 2010, 08:48

hi, many thanks for the replies! my poor kids get thrown about in the back! at least now i can do something about it! i live in herne bay, kent, cheers again, jo

Post by **CitroJim** » 06 Jun 2010, 11:19

That's a great PDF Guy

Dieselman · Post by **Dieselman** » 06 Jun 2010, 16:16

CitroJim wrote:That's a great PDF Guy

But somewhat over detailed for changing the rear spheres.

To the O/p the rear spheres will be either very flat or one has a bust diaphragm.
To change them just reverse the car onto ramps, set to high mode and allow to rise then switch off, crack the spheres free with a special tool or decent strap wrench then lower the car to the bottom position AND undo the 12mm bleed screw on the pressure regulator in the engine bay.
A tap around the neck of the sphere will often shock the threads a little and assist with undoing tight spheres.

Unscrew the sphere and recover the rubber O ring, lubricate the new seal with LHM and fit into the recess then screw on the new sphere hand tight only.
Once the spheres are on start the engine and tighten the 12mm bleed screw, raise the car and bleed the back brakes by pressing the brake pedal down a little and undoing the bleed screw.

boristhespie · Post by **boristhespie** » 06 Jun 2010, 20:13

Could it not also be the height adjusters themselves? Mine went and my sister in law bounced off the roof as we drove home. Was the height sensors.