C5x7 Strut failure information from Germany

[Stickyfinger]

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/ ... SiFwvr4B0Q

[white exec]

Interesting stuff. I have concern about sedimentation of the MoS2 in the system, and how this might effect the ultra-fine tolerances of hydraulic valves.
Good remark to about the need on our fluid systems to ensure that tyres are not over-inflated, and that tire walls are not over-rigid (which is why Michelin Energy Savers suit the car so well). Tyres are the first shock-absorption (anti-thud) component in the system.
No mention of Hydraurincage (also cleans LDS systems, as well as LHM) either. Maybe it doesn't feature in Germany.
Whatever the total number of strut failures, as they are seemingly non-repairable (maybe?), could they turn out to be the fatal achilles' heel of X7/C6?
Someone there remarked that this problem is not known on C5II or prior.

[Hell Razor5543]

Is Hydraurincage compatible with the LDS system? Obviously it was in the LHM system, but I thought the two fluids were quite different.

[GiveMeABreak]

They are completely different fluids and mustn't be mixed.

I can't say I've seen anything to suggest Hydraurincage is safe to use in LDS-based systems - not even Total's own documents suggest using it on LDS systems - so I wouldn't personally. As LDS is a 'synthetic' and not a 'mineral' based oil, it would seem to suggest that Hydraurincage should not be used in such systems.

Special fluid for flushing of hydraulic systems recommended when sticking or contamination has occured in passenger car hydraulic systems filled with fluo green mineral hydraulic fluid (TOTAL LHM PLUS). Never use in systems using synthetic fluids like synthetic brake fluids. Handling instructions: drain the system as much as possible, fill the system with TOTAL HYDRAURINCAGE, drive the car with TOTAL HYDRAURINCAGE for at least 1,500 km but maximum 5,000 km, drain and refill with TOTAL LHM PLUS.

See page 56-57 of the PDF:
Link: http://avto-oil.biz/en/products/total/G ... QUARTZ.pdf

[white exec]

Well aware that LDS and LHM are not to be mixed.
Maybe this data page is ambiguous?

[GiveMeABreak]

That reference was just in answer to James' query about not mixing them Chris

I would suggest that service document is definitely ambiguous Chris. This isn't the only example I've seen of this in PSA documents either.

I think it would be safe to suggest that Total, who make the stuff are correct in this case Chris and would therefore recommend against using Hydraurincage in LDS-based systems (C5 and C6 for the benefit of others).

[GiveMeABreak]

I've also just checked with Service Citroen and in the Recommended Fluid section for the XM as an example it mentions Hydraurincage as a flushing fluid - exactly as per the document you referenced above Chris.

However there are no references to any flushing fluids at all for the C5 in any variations with LDS, so I think we have our answer.

[EDC5]

Shortly after getting my C5 the front right strut failed. Not spectacularly but there was a lot of fluid leaking from the ram.
I've still got the old strut and have promised to dismantle it to find the point of failure exactly.

I must say I was a bit disappointed and am prepared for the same happening on the passenger side. I can't make much sense of the German link, (I don't think google translate worked that well).

Is this a common fault with the X7 then?

[GiveMeABreak]

I've not heard of this being a particular problem - but like anything, I suppose it depends on the data - it may appear to be more of an issue over there - but only because they are collating info from users. Ideally it would be useful to have a global reporting tool so people could record major component failures, but putting it into practice is another matter I suspect

[old'uns]

Whatever the total number of strut failures, as they are seemingly non-repairable (maybe?), could they turn out to be the fatal achilles' heel of X7/C6?

not as fatal as the Steering rack surely?
circa £250-300 for a strut is nowhere near as frightening as the price/fitting of a rack regardless of where you buy it from.

about the only 'common' issue on X7's i didn't have was the window winder issue, i'm sure it would have appeared sometime.

Off Topic...as regards the steering rack, does it seem to only affect the 'wet' ones?
I still miss mine but now having a car that from MOT to MOT has not had one single issue my head now rules my heart ( and Wallet!)