Feed from pump to Valve has split.

[KennyW]

Hi All,

Well after taking the dog for a walk to the Gore glen today the feed pipe from the hydraulic pump to a valve fractured and LHM was going everywhere.

What a sight LHM coming out under pressure.

The pipe ends are so rusted spanners don't fit.

Will have to remove valve from car and put in vice.

Due to go on holiday on Saturday.

Kenny

[lexi]

That is agonising! Can you get the bits quickly?

[KennyW]

No,but luckily the wife's car is still going.Will order the parts and fix on my return.

[CitroJim]

What valve is that Kenny? And which pipe exactly?

I know what you mean, LHM spraying out under pressure can be spectacular...

[Stickyfinger]

If this happens road side, what is the best course of action for safety and recovery ?....its never happened to me so I'm guessing that you watch it blow and call for a truck ?

[CitroJim]

If this happens road side, what is the best course of action for safety and recovery ?....its never happened to me so I'm guessing that you watch it blow and call for a truck ?

I had the tee from the front electrovalve leakoff into the main LHM return split on my V6 last year and it was fatal... So much LHM was lost... Steering became almost impossible.

Very important to check this tee regularly on a V6...

Flatbed was the only option. Make sure you tell the recovery operator a flatbed is needed and that a suspended tow is not a good idea on a hydraulic Citroen due to the suspension system. You don't need to go into detail.

Try to get the car up on high as that gives it more clearance to get up on the truck's bed... If it is on its belly things are likely to scrape...

[KennyW]

Jim,

Its the safety valve ( citroen part number 96151895) supplied from pressure regulator this pipe split through valve which feeds front suspension,rear brakes and the row of connectors on the bulk head.

I've had a look at it today and this going to be another PITA job. The pipe ends are so rusted and the bolt secure valve to sub frame. They will all need to be replaced.

I have had to dsimantle half of the car to gain reasonable access, I thought about removing the engine and then there would be plenty space.

All joking aside, can this be done by dropping the subframe,supporting engine and gearbox keeping steering rack on subframe.

any suggestions etc will be appreciated.

Kenny

[CitroJim]

Oh gosh Kenny, that is a horrible thing to access..

Odd that it's rusted so bad as normally that area stays oily with 'fortuitous' LHM leaks from the reservoir above...

As you say, easy with the engine out but that's hard and dropping the subframe, due to all the hydraulic pipes that run on it is really a bit of a non-starter..

Best to remove the LHM reservoir and then remove the ABS block and it's associated bracket to give more wiggle room...

Might be a good move to invest in a proper Citroen flaring tool and some pipe as some of it is going to need replacing... In the end it'll all pay for itself..

[citroenxm]

I agree lhm tank removal is the way to go.. The valve is sort of right under it on the subframe.. It is a bit of a nightmare working under there. I had a change a small link pipe under there on an LX hdi a few years ago. A fiddle but managaed it..

[KennyW]

Oh gosh Kenny, that is a horrible thing to access..

Odd that it's rusted so bad as normally that area stays oily with 'fortuitous' LHM leaks from the reservoir above...

As you say, easy with the engine out but that's hard and dropping the subframe, due to all the hydraulic pipes that run on it is really a bit of a non-starter..

Best to remove the LHM reservoir and then remove the ABS block and it's associated bracket to give more wiggle room...

Might be a good move to invest in a proper Citroen flaring tool and some pipe as some of it is going to need replacing... In the end it'll all pay for itself..

Jim,As you said above in line 3 I have done but the problem everything is badly rusted. I think I will have to find another way or drop the subframe.

Re the flaring tool it is more than likely I'll have to buy one. But after this suspension session I'll have replaced all 3 supply pipes to the rear and most of the rear pipes brake and suspension.

I'm favouring the subframe as I will have an assistant.

Paul, I've just seen your post. I agree by removing LHM reservoir etc gives better room but as I've said the valve is rusted really badly.

I'll take a photo.

When I get it off, i want to try and refurbish the valve.

Kenny

[citroenxm]

Subframe dropping will need.. Steering rack off.. Uj joint off the pinion valve.. The 4 or 5 brake pipes to manifolds undooing to allow the frame to drop.. Bottom Engine mount taking off .. Possibly track rod ends off so rack. Can lower.. Pas return pipe removing to prevent stretching.. Theres no flex in front subframes so it wont just drop on one side kenny...

[KennyW]

Paul,

Thanks for the tips. Is the manifold on the bulkhead behind ish the reservoir.

[citroenxm]

Yea.. Theres a bank of connectors.. One is a return from the rear.. The other 4 are to the brake valve..

[KennyW]

Well, this can wait until after my holidays.