LHM fluid change

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Micky
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LHM fluid change

Post by Micky »

Just changed LHM fluid in Xantia HDi after 75 000 miles. Stop light now goes out almost immediately after starting, previously intermittently noisy pump now fine but suspension now noticeably stiffer and "choppier", feels unstable on bumpy country roads (similar to low tyre pressures but tyres OK), any ideas?
Micky
JohnD
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Post by JohnD »

Hi Micky - Try putting your suspension from low to high several times. Also open the valve to release the pressure.
Micky
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Post by Micky »

Hello John
Thanks for that advice, looks like it's sphere(s), damping went downhill v. quickly. Excellent on smooth roundabouts, no body roll (must try an Activa) but "rough" on back roads. Interestingly, the suspension on the hire car (Focus - 6K miles) is more uncomfortable than the Xantia (80K) with u/s sphere(s). Also 1.8 petrol Ford engine can't match 110HDi engine up to 4 000rpm+
M
D.Slatford
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Post by D.Slatford »

Interesting.. I'm finding this now after a fluid/sphere change. The ride's definately more firm, but rough, and lots of things inside are starting to rattle now which is damn irritating (and makes the car feel somewhat flimsy). It's in for an MOT tomorrow at an independant citroen specialist, I'll see if they have anything to say, but I have this feeling the ride height might be slightly too high. We'll see.
Dave Burns
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Post by Dave Burns »

I have heard it said that the height correctors on Xantia's are sludging up internally, especially the rear one, this might explain why the intermediate height setting no longer functions correctly on car's that have done the mileage, my suspension goes all the way to the top on intermediate, it did work properly at lower mileage as most do, got about 78,000 on the clock now, having said that though my first Xantia, a bog standard 94 19D (nicer to drive and ride in than the turbo D) saw 102,000 miles and still had properly functioning suspension when I chopped it in (wish I had kept it).
Makes you wonder if they are actually getting the fluid changes that are being paid for.
Dave
hardmanm
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Post by hardmanm »

The official service schedule for my Xantia 2,1TD has the fluid changed at 72K miles! Haynes recommend halving that interval. So if you go to a citroen dealer it has probably never been changed. I'm not saying that doing it more frequently isn't advisable.
Micky
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Post by Micky »

Problem gone! Solution; Two new front spheres. The difference is astonishing, magic carpet once again, must have been deteriorating over the last 10 000+ miles. Rental Focus reminds me just how good the fluid suspension is, how can people drive long distances in a Ford go-kart? Must try an XM for that true Citroen ride,
M
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