Xantia hydraulic pump

[atr]

Hi
I was told that if the LHM filter located in the reservoir tank of the LHM fluid is clogged, it may cause the symptom of "harder" steering. it sounds reasonable. now, my question is if there is away to lift the round cover of the tank with the hoses attached to it, without removing the hose clamps (they are the original ones - not the ones that you screw to tighten) since I dont have the special tool to remove/install them?
My second question is what for are two pressure ports on the hydraulic pump? (there is one inlet ant two pressure ports on it) do they feed two separate circuits?
Greetings for the wedding!

[Peter.N.]

Slightly different pump to the XM which is the one I am familiar with but you should be able to lift the filter assembly out with the hoses attached. I used to blow mine through with an airline but a small brush should do the job. If yours uses a 'V' belt to drive the pump they will often slip causing the same symptoms.

Peter

[atr]

Hi
I guess its different because its driven by the accessories belt, which is flat with grooves on it's length and as far as I cat tell it's firm and tight with no signs of slippage.
I'll try again to open the lid. do you happen to know if the tank on the Xm and the Xantia are identical?

[white exec]

How did you get on with the check for air in the fluid?

[atr]

I did not checked air in the fluid. since the fluid level is correct, I guess that there isn't air in the system. if I'm wrong - please let me know.
what I would like to check is the output pressure of the pump.

[white exec]

Fluid is sucked by the hydraulic pump from the reservoir, and if there is a tiny leak in the hose (or its clips/couplings), air can get sucked in. Fluid leaking out may not be visible, because of the negative pressure, zero when the engine is stopped.
Air can then pass round the system, and one of the symptoms is stiff or notchy steering.
There are two fine gauze filters in the reservoir, and apart from filtering out dirt/debris, they have the function of breaking up air bubbles, so that they aren't recirculated into the system.
However, the suction hose (for the pump) comes afterwards, and so air can still be sucked in.

Drive the car for a short while, then dip a sample from the reservoir with a small clear plastic container, and examine it for air bubbles. There should not be any, even microscopic ones. An easy check, and worth doing, as it doesn't involve any dismantling, and eliminates a known issue.

[atr]

Chris, thanx for the explanation, I wasn't aware of that. I'll check it.