FIRM suspension

[kiwifrog]

I mentioned this in another thread http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... 1&start=15 but just kick starting this problem, my 93 Xantia rides very firm in the suspension and the WOF ( MOT ) guy almost failed it. I searchrd the forums but couldnt find anything,any help please.

[chinkostu]

Quick question, is it hydractive? As they have extra spheres to soften the ride (there is a button in front of the height selection lever)

When were the corner spheres last changed? Is it adjusting the height correctly when started? As the spheres are the main thing but if its had spheres and is still hard it could be riding too high or low.

[kiwifrog]

No its not Hydractive, Ive only just bought the car and have no history sorry. Its sinks quite low when parked up but rises to a fairly normal height when running. Would it have anything to do with the noisy accumulator mentioned in my other post ?

[chinkostu]

The sinking is normal due to the age (post 1994 they added a system to stop them sinking). The accumulator is a reserve of system pressure and along with the regulator takes system pressure wherever needed. I'll try and find a link to its workings as its a useful read to see if any of the issues crop up.

The accumulator however doesn't directly affect the softness. I'm pretty sure the pump can flow enough to keep it at the right pressure but its ill advised. The spheres on each corner (the ones under the bonnet on top of the strut and the ones at the rear attached to the arms) are what controls the suspension, and a flat or deflated sphere leads to a rough ride. I'm not sure how much they are over in aus/nz but they're about £30 a piece in the uk, and essential to change as driving with them flat is dangerous as well as uncomfortable (absolutely no bound or rebound)

[Peter.N.]

Try bouncing each corner, if the spheres are good you should get at least 4" of movement on the rears and 2-3" on the fronts, if its much less than that the spheres need replacing.

Peter

[chinkostu]

Try bouncing each corner, if the spheres are good you should get at least 4" of movement on the rears and 2-3" on the fronts, if its much less than that the spheres need replacing.

Peter

Or the wrong spheres. Fit hydractive ones to a non hydractive and its really firm. Not rock solid but like a bmw

[Peter.N.]

... or an Audi.