C5 Mk3 Suspension leak.

[jpn369]

Need some advice from the gurus on the forum.
My 2008 C5 Tourer started leaking fluid. I took it to the nearest dealership in Exeter.
They have reported back leaks from the power steering feed and return pipes and one of the suspension struts.
They are recommending replacing both struts and the whole job will cost £1300 inc VAT.
I am surprised by the strut leak as I have had four Citroens before this one all with hydraulic suspensions, the last of which was ten years old and did over 210k before I moved it on, and I have never had one develop such a leak.
Also, do I really need to replace both struts?
And then there is the price.
I do not know of any independent Citroen specialists in my area of Devon or any other garage that might want to take the job on, but seeing as the dealership charges around £100 an hour labour, there has got to be a cheaper way of getting this sorted.

Any help or suggestions gratefully received.

[JohnD]

I do not know of any independent Citroen specialists in my area of Devon or any other garage that might want to take the job on,

.

http://sspengineering.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I visited this guy last year when he fitted a new axle beam to my daughter's Xsara. Talking to him, he said that he could do C5 rear arm bearings, but I don't know if he touches hydraulics but it could be worth an enquiry. His workshop is in the heart of the Devon countryside but only 25 miles from you. He's a very easy-going guy and doesn't mind you staying in the workshop while his guys are working on your vehicle.

[jpn369]

Thanks for that I will try them.

[jpn369]

Anyone got any thoughts on having to replace both struts?

[BrianM]

Not the first one to have these fail !
Front strut @ 55k steering rack leaking @ 80k miles.
Strut done under citroen warranty - rack done under extended warranty I had taken out.
The labour time to replace rack was only 2 hours.
If I had to make a list of faults on mine the forum wouldn't be long enough !

Brian
2009 C5 exclusive

[jpn369]

Did you garage suggest replacing both struts when only one was leaking?

[Northern_Mike]

Anyone got any thought on having to replace both struts?

I think it's a load of tosh, much like the "replace both springs" thinking. If it's working, it's working. Not even the long-established (1933) Citroen independent I use tried to stiff me to replace both springs on my car when one failed.


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[BrianM]

No suggestion of replacing both struts - but then again it was Citroen who were paying for it at the time not the customer !

Brian
2009 C5 exclusive

[Jodyone]

I had M Drake in Plymouth (Citroen indy) do fairly major suspension work last year, I was impressed with them and their price. Only a small garage but they were very helpful, happy to discuss the minutiae of the parts with me, didn't replace stuff needlessly, and I think their blood runs green (well more an orangey yellow now).

http://mdrakeandson.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jpn369]

Thanks everyone for the help. I have now consulted a garage in Ottery St Mary, they are going to have a look.