Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacement
Moderator: RichardW
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13744
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- Location: Reading
- My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
- x 3007
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
This is probably a better price;
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comma-LHM-Plu ... 33783d0a70" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sparksie, what is the mileage on the Xantia? Citroen recommend replacing the LHM every 36,000 miles. It is also advised to do a Hydraflush cycle every third change (Hydraflush is a cleaning fluid that helps shift the crud back to the reservoir while also serving as hydraulic fluid for up to 3,000 miles). I have done this on Gracie, but I cannot honestly say if there was an improvement, as it would have been gradual.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Comma-LHM-Plu ... 33783d0a70" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Sparksie, what is the mileage on the Xantia? Citroen recommend replacing the LHM every 36,000 miles. It is also advised to do a Hydraflush cycle every third change (Hydraflush is a cleaning fluid that helps shift the crud back to the reservoir while also serving as hydraulic fluid for up to 3,000 miles). I have done this on Gracie, but I cannot honestly say if there was an improvement, as it would have been gradual.
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
I know, Halfords was an option, but I try to avoid shopping there as it's day light robbery. GSF for £6ish, Halfords £12.
Topped up today with LHM....no change, bouncing like crazy...will try to find the 'plastic clip' tomorrow am
Topped up today with LHM....no change, bouncing like crazy...will try to find the 'plastic clip' tomorrow am
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
ok...I think I have located the 'plastic clip' should it be fastened to the screw/bolt labelled 'X' in my photo? There doesn't seem to be much in the way of threads on the clip...
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13744
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- Location: Reading
- My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
- x 3007
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
No, it should be connected to a linkage on the anti roll bar or the height corrector mechanism. It depends on where it came off.
EDIT; Looking at the lower photo I would suggest it came off the height corrector. It definitely didn't come off that bolt, as you can see dirt throughout the whole thread lengths.
EDIT; Looking at the lower photo I would suggest it came off the height corrector. It definitely didn't come off that bolt, as you can see dirt throughout the whole thread lengths.
Last edited by Hell Razor5543 on 08 Apr 2014, 10:43, edited 1 time in total.
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
Damn! Should the arm that holds the clip be above the antiroll bar? I can see a clamp unit in my second photo maybe there's something above the clamp?
I have the car fully jacked and there's barely enough room to get under there, I think this is going to be a tricky DIY...a pit would be so nice!
I have the car fully jacked and there's barely enough room to get under there, I think this is going to be a tricky DIY...a pit would be so nice!
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=27122 seems to show some photos although looks different to my 'dogbone'
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13744
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- Location: Reading
- My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
- x 3007
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
You will need to jack the car up a very long way, and I would then use axle stands as you will need to get underneath for a while. As the dogbone has popped off the H/C the suspension is not at its' correct level. The photos in the link are for the front, which is why some things will be different.
EDIT; At a guess (but this is a guess, as I cannot see it in your photos) the height converter is to the left in the lower photo.
EDIT; At a guess (but this is a guess, as I cannot see it in your photos) the height converter is to the left in the lower photo.
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
I think I need a better jack! I can now see where the dogbone connects but with the car so low access is almost impossible, the knuckles the dogbone connects onto are pretty tight so really struggling to access. I wonder if this is one of the jobs that needs the H/C and antiroll bar clamp removed to piece back together as trying to clip the dogbone back on in-situ is very difficult....cuppa tea then attempt 2!
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
I need some of these!
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13744
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- Location: Reading
- My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
- x 3007
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
DON'T remove or loosen anything! Despite the fact the dog-bone popped off the H/C and the clamp are in the correct places. If you loosen anything you will almost certainly knock the settings off, and you will then need a set of ramps or a pit to get them correct again.
Get the back jacked up high on both sides, and safely supported on axle stands. You want both wheels clear of the ground. Remove the spare wheel, as this should give you better visibility and improve access to the gubbins. If you have somebody who could help it would be useful. Get into place to fit the dog-bone back into place, and get it lined up ready. If it will clip back on then do so, and it should be job done. If it does not, get your assistant to lift a wheel on one side, as this should move the anti roll bar (and the clamp and dog-bone with it), and fit the dog-bone back on.
There is something you must do first. Make sure that the car is properly supported before going underneath. If it is not, and the car drops, IT WILL KILL YOU! As you are working on a car with a problem with the rear suspension (OK, the dog-bone has just popped off, but it is still a problem) this is doubly true.
Get the back jacked up high on both sides, and safely supported on axle stands. You want both wheels clear of the ground. Remove the spare wheel, as this should give you better visibility and improve access to the gubbins. If you have somebody who could help it would be useful. Get into place to fit the dog-bone back into place, and get it lined up ready. If it will clip back on then do so, and it should be job done. If it does not, get your assistant to lift a wheel on one side, as this should move the anti roll bar (and the clamp and dog-bone with it), and fit the dog-bone back on.
There is something you must do first. Make sure that the car is properly supported before going underneath. If it is not, and the car drops, IT WILL KILL YOU! As you are working on a car with a problem with the rear suspension (OK, the dog-bone has just popped off, but it is still a problem) this is doubly true.
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 246
- Joined: 27 Oct 2005, 20:42
- Location: Berkshire,'tween Reading+Bracknell
- My Cars: C5 2.0 (163) diesel Exclusive Tourer 2010
Xantia Exclusive HDI Estate - x 27
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
Those pictures show the front height corrector where access is very fiddly but possible.
Ted
2010 C5 2.0 diesel(163) Exclusive Tourer (119,290miles)
1999 Xantia Exclusive Estate 110 Hdi Mauritius Blue with self peeling lacquer finish (276,174miles)
1991 XM Prestige 2.0 Auto(157,000 miles) gone but not forgotten
2010 C5 2.0 diesel(163) Exclusive Tourer (119,290miles)
1999 Xantia Exclusive Estate 110 Hdi Mauritius Blue with self peeling lacquer finish (276,174miles)
1991 XM Prestige 2.0 Auto(157,000 miles) gone but not forgotten
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
Yup, its the front corrector.
Okay....so managed to steal the scissor jack from the mrs crv....managed to get an extra 10cm lift out of that! As an aside for safety I positioned the axle stand under the sill, although I'm not sure this is the wisest place, where should I be placing this as I really couldn't see anywhere suitable apart from the sill? (maybe the clue is in its name but didn't seem anywhere to seat the axle stand)
So managed to get the dogbone back on (needed to loosen the antiroll bar clamp) but back on it went.
Test drive down the road....still bouncy....doh. I wonder if maybe the plastic clip wasn't fully on or maybe the levelling needs resetting.
This is Fred in 'normal' ride height position.
Okay....so managed to steal the scissor jack from the mrs crv....managed to get an extra 10cm lift out of that! As an aside for safety I positioned the axle stand under the sill, although I'm not sure this is the wisest place, where should I be placing this as I really couldn't see anywhere suitable apart from the sill? (maybe the clue is in its name but didn't seem anywhere to seat the axle stand)
So managed to get the dogbone back on (needed to loosen the antiroll bar clamp) but back on it went.
Test drive down the road....still bouncy....doh. I wonder if maybe the plastic clip wasn't fully on or maybe the levelling needs resetting.
This is Fred in 'normal' ride height position.
-
- Donor 2023
- Posts: 13744
- Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
- Location: Reading
- My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
- x 3007
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
OK, so your problem is at the front.
I am not certain of the exact heights, but the rule of thumb on a Xantia hatchback is that, on level ground, with the engine running and the height set to normal, is that you can get 3 fingers between the tyre and the front wheel arch, and 1 finger between the tyre and rear wheel arch. I would imagine that, for the front, this would be the same on any Xantia (hatch or estate). If this is off you MUST make the adjustments with the car supporting its weight on its wheels (which means a pit, ramps, or a ramped lift, not a jack lift). There MUST be enough space for you to be safe under the car even if it bottoms out. When I had to adjust Gracies' front height I over-adjusted, and when she stopped moving she had bottomed out and the sump was touching my chest!
I am not certain of the exact heights, but the rule of thumb on a Xantia hatchback is that, on level ground, with the engine running and the height set to normal, is that you can get 3 fingers between the tyre and the front wheel arch, and 1 finger between the tyre and rear wheel arch. I would imagine that, for the front, this would be the same on any Xantia (hatch or estate). If this is off you MUST make the adjustments with the car supporting its weight on its wheels (which means a pit, ramps, or a ramped lift, not a jack lift). There MUST be enough space for you to be safe under the car even if it bottoms out. When I had to adjust Gracies' front height I over-adjusted, and when she stopped moving she had bottomed out and the sump was touching my chest!
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
-
- (Donor 2022)
- Posts: 246
- Joined: 27 Oct 2005, 20:42
- Location: Berkshire,'tween Reading+Bracknell
- My Cars: C5 2.0 (163) diesel Exclusive Tourer 2010
Xantia Exclusive HDI Estate - x 27
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
Danny,
Did you check very carefully to put the anti roll bar clamp back to the EXACT position it was in before you loosened it to refit the dogbone?
It is crucial to getting the ride height correct because a fractional rotation of the ARB clamp will cause a significant change in ride height. Your picture shows the front at what seems to be maximum height
Can the height be changed using the manual height control by the handbrake?
The other possibility that springs to mind is the control rod that runs from the manual height control forward to the front height corrector has been damaged when the suspension arms were replaced.
Axle stands under the sill jacking point should be ok but I'd suggest putting a decent piece of hardwood or sheet steel under the feet of the stands because you are working on a gravel surface.
Good luck and be careful
Did you check very carefully to put the anti roll bar clamp back to the EXACT position it was in before you loosened it to refit the dogbone?
It is crucial to getting the ride height correct because a fractional rotation of the ARB clamp will cause a significant change in ride height. Your picture shows the front at what seems to be maximum height
Can the height be changed using the manual height control by the handbrake?
The other possibility that springs to mind is the control rod that runs from the manual height control forward to the front height corrector has been damaged when the suspension arms were replaced.
Axle stands under the sill jacking point should be ok but I'd suggest putting a decent piece of hardwood or sheet steel under the feet of the stands because you are working on a gravel surface.
Good luck and be careful
Ted
2010 C5 2.0 diesel(163) Exclusive Tourer (119,290miles)
1999 Xantia Exclusive Estate 110 Hdi Mauritius Blue with self peeling lacquer finish (276,174miles)
1991 XM Prestige 2.0 Auto(157,000 miles) gone but not forgotten
2010 C5 2.0 diesel(163) Exclusive Tourer (119,290miles)
1999 Xantia Exclusive Estate 110 Hdi Mauritius Blue with self peeling lacquer finish (276,174miles)
1991 XM Prestige 2.0 Auto(157,000 miles) gone but not forgotten
Re: Newbie Xantia Suspension Arms and Antiroll bars replacem
Cheers electron. Yes working on bloody gravel is a bit perilous, but managed to brush down to some firm dirt.
The manual height control works, it goes down low and goes high, it seems to struggle with the mid setting in that the front stays high. Pretty sure the clamp went back in exactly the same position. I'm going to check the rear dogbone then maybe head over to a garage to try to reset the ride height.
The manual height control works, it goes down low and goes high, it seems to struggle with the mid setting in that the front stays high. Pretty sure the clamp went back in exactly the same position. I'm going to check the rear dogbone then maybe head over to a garage to try to reset the ride height.