Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays down

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citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays down

Post by citroyiannis »

Greetings to every one for the new year!

I'm back after long-long time. I'm living in Cyprus and an unusual problem with my Xantia Activa, brings me to you again.

The left side of my 1999 Xantia Activa 2.0i, doesn't rise at all.

I have imported it from UK together with a second identical one and now are the only two Activa cars in Cyprus, since this model never imported in Cyprus by the main Citroen dealer. So no one expert or professional mechanic here in Cyprus has any experience with Activa models.

Here is a description of the problem:
The car is totally lowered and rest down. I switch on the engine with the height control lever in normal position. The car after a half minute starts to rise up, but the left hand side of the car (front and rear) stays down. When I put the height control lever in "higher normal" position the car continues to raise only on the right hand side. Then with the height control lever in highest position the car raises on the right hand side at full height and on the left hand side raises just 7cm. In all positions (normal, higher normal and highest) there is no suspension at all.
I have replaced all the spheres (10 in total) with new ones, but the situation remains the same.

I have spotted a parallel problem, which I believe was related with this unusual balance and I think I solved it. The plate which supports the front height control has been lowered, due to a forward movement of the whole exhaust pipe, caused perhaps by scrubbing on the ground when the car was rolling backwards in lower position while downloaded from a platform vehicle during the transportation from its origin to the port. The exhaust pipe has pushed down the height control mechanism and forward its correction link, with the result that the height control and other mechanisms, on the same plate, have lost their proper adjustments. Now I have solved this by moving back the exhaust pipe to its position and elevating the corrector plate to its proper height. I don't know if there is any permanent damage on it while the equal height to both sides problem exists.

Has anybody experienced the same or similar problem?

Any advice is welcome!

Happy new year to all citroenians
Yiannis

"Citroens never die, just sit for a little while"
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
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Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by Xaccers »

Hi Yiannis,

One thing to remember with hydraulic suspension is that the sphere's don't affect the height, it is the height controllers that do, and you have one at the front and one at the back connected to the anti-roll bars. If you follow the rod that runs front to back under the car it will take you to the height controllers.

Now, with the Activa, it has roll control as well as height control. The roll controller is at the front end of the car behind the engine. If you look at the wish bones they have control rods from them which goes to the roll corrector.
The rods go through black plastic guides, which wear down with age (and even wear the control rods) and cause the Activa shuffle at traffic lights.

As for your issue with one side staying low, it's the roll corrector I would check to ensure it can move freely left and right.
There's a heat shield behind the roll corrector which on my Activa had been bent so that it was preventing the roll corrector moving in one direction.
Levelling side to side is set by adjusting the unions between the roll corrector linkages and the control rods on the wish bones.
There's a procedure to properly setting the roll, and I'm sure when CitroJim sees this post in the morning he'll give you a write up on how to do it.
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citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

Hi Xac,
Thanks for your tips.
My first thought was that something wrong must happen with anti roll control system. When I looked underneath the car I saw that the plate which support the height corrector and the hydraulic height control lever (roll control) has bended down by the exhaust pipe. Now the exhaust is back to its position and the plate is straight again, but the problem exist.
Lets wait citroJim what has to sugest.


"Citroëns never die, just sit for a little while"
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

Hi citroenians,
Has anybody any suggestion for this issue? Please help!
Any idea is welcome!
Yiannis
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
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Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by taffy »

have u checked the control rods are located and are not broken..you willneed a close inspection
99 silver 2.1td exclusive xantia
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citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

The control rods are OK.
Thanks,
Yiannis
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
taffy
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Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by taffy »

it must be valve related..im sure jim will be along soon mate ;)
99 silver 2.1td exclusive xantia
99 red 2.0 hdi exclusive xantia..
00 black 2.0 hdi exclusive xantia
99 blue 2.0 hdi exclusive xantia
06 silver 1.6 hdi vtr c5
57 blue C4 GP 1.6hdi exclusive
08 black C4 GP 2.0hdi vtr
citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

Thanks taffy.
Following is a diagram of Suspension Rigidity Regulator for an Activa.
There are two pushrods (Nos 12 and13 in diagram) connected to a hydraulic control lever, No 11 in diagram. Also there is a Hydraulic Height corrector mechanism, No 2 in diagram. I believe something there must be damaged or has lost its adjustments, caused by exhaust forward knock.
But until start to dismantle it, I'll waiting the opinion of activa doctor Mr Jim.

Here is the diagram:
Image

Yiannis
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
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Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by Xaccers »

Part 14 is the heat shield and on mine it was bent which stopped the height corrector working in one direction, so would be worth checking that it doesn't interfere on yours.
1.9TD+ SX Xantia Estate (Cassy) running on 100% veg
1.9TD SX Xantia Hatchback (Jenny) running on 100% veg for sale
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citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

Xac wrote:Part 14 is the heat shield and on mine it was bent which stopped the height corrector working in one direction, so would be worth checking that it doesn't interfere on yours.
What was the symptoms on your car when the height corrector worked only in one direction?
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
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x 184

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by Xaccers »

citroyiannis wrote:
Xac wrote:Part 14 is the heat shield and on mine it was bent which stopped the height corrector working in one direction, so would be worth checking that it doesn't interfere on yours.
What was the symptoms on your car when the height corrector worked only in one direction?
It would only lean one way, made roundabouts interesting as it would throw you off them by not leaning properly then suddenly over coming the bent heat shield and over reacting.
1.9TD+ SX Xantia Estate (Cassy) running on 100% veg
1.9TD SX Xantia Hatchback (Jenny) running on 100% veg for sale
Laguna II 2.0dCi Privilege (Monty)

DIY sphere tool
citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

Xac, this could be the solving of mystery (or of a half mystery), but my Xantia Activa does not only lean one way (left side) but also lost its suspension, with the left side totally down and the right side in normal height and with very hard suspension (almost nothing). From citroen's "SUPPLY PIPING REAR SUSPENSION" diagram, its concluded that the front suspension system is connected with the rear suspension system, via a hydraulic tube which connects the front ACTIVE ANTI-ROLL JACK (RAM) with the rear ACTIVE ANTI-ROLL JACK and the SUSPENSION RIGIDITY REGULATOR, which is mounted (if I'm correct) at the back end of the car. Does this mean something? Can this connection interfering to this problem or could explain the reasons of the problem?
Good night and good thoughts.
Yiannis
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
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Xaccers
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x 184

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by Xaccers »

Yes, with the anti-roll being pushed all the way in one direction it will make the suspension rock hard.
1.9TD+ SX Xantia Estate (Cassy) running on 100% veg
1.9TD SX Xantia Hatchback (Jenny) running on 100% veg for sale
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citroyiannis
(Donor 2016)
Posts: 13
Joined: 20 Nov 2009, 09:45
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus
My Cars: BX 1.6 TRS 8V 1989 Graphite Grey (Went to scrap)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, Green (stands as donor)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 2000 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
C3 1.4 HDI, 2005 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 16V, 1998 auto, Non Hydractive, White (Haven't name yet)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, 1999 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by citroyiannis »

This is the solving of the second half of the mystery! Many thanks Xac!
I'll keep you inform when I have news.
Good morning, Yiannis
BX 1.6 TRS 8V '89 Grey
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '00 auto, Hydractive, White (dove)
Xantia 2.0i 16V, '98 auto, Non Hydractive, White
C3 1.4 HDI, '05 sensodrive, Lucia Blue
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Neil)
Xantia 2.0i 8V, '99 TURBO Activa, Silver Grey (Heather)
User avatar
Xaccers
Posts: 7654
Joined: 07 Feb 2007, 23:46
Location: Milling around Milton Keynes
My Cars:
x 184

Re: Xantia Activa doesn't rise normally The left side stays

Post by Xaccers »

Apologies Yiannis, I forgot I had written this rough and ready article on setting the levelling: http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 20&t=29374" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
There is apparently an easier and better way of doing it, but until Jim returns to the forum and posts about it, have a look at the article I wrote.

You need to make sure of the following:
1. The plastic guides on the wishbone control arms are not worn, and the arms themselves are not worn where they go through the guides, otherwise the roll corrector can't get accurate readings.
2. The heat shield must be clear of everything so that it doesn't prevent the roll corrector linkages from moving.
3. The roll corrector linkages must be free and easy to move and not seized up.

Idealy the car should be on a full length lift so you can work safely under it and the car is level, but if that isn't available, having the front wheels up on ramps will do.
If you get it up and go underneath (making sure that the car can't suddenly drop and squash you) you can stick a screwdriver into one of the holes in the roll corrector linkages and lean it left and right to activate the roll corrector which will show if the corrector is responding as it should.

The potential causes of your issue off the top of my head are:

1. Heat sheild is interfereing with the linkages due to the exhaust having been lower than it should be.
2. Control arms are not adjusted properly so the car thinks it's always going around a corner at 90mph.
3. Linkages seized so they are pulling the roll corrector in one direction.
1.9TD+ SX Xantia Estate (Cassy) running on 100% veg
1.9TD SX Xantia Hatchback (Jenny) running on 100% veg for sale
Laguna II 2.0dCi Privilege (Monty)

DIY sphere tool
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