Xantia rear suspension

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 21 Jul 2003, 16:11

My 1996 Xantia SX Estate has developed a very harsh ride with little suspension movement at the rear. I assume the car is non-hydractive. How can I tell if it is the suspension spheres or the accumulator that is faulty? The car has normal rise and sink rates so I assume the the ride height corrector is OK and I perform Citroebics on a regular basis. A similar problem on my CX proved to be the rear spheres but this is a car without a rear accumulator. You suggestions and advice will be appreciated.
Also, how do I check the gearbox oil level and top up for the Xantia and my wifes ZX 1.6i?

Unread post by **Jon** » 21 Jul 2003, 16:28

Being an SX your Xantia is not Hydractive, so it won't have a centre rear sphere, what you have is likely a rear anti sink sphere in the middle of the car at the back, with a metal pipe going into the middle of its base. If the rear of the car is hard, it is likely therefore that the rear suspension spheres are in need of replacement.
As regards the gearbox oil both gearboxes require 2 litres of Total transmission BV. As its very hard to check the level its often easier to drain off the old oil, and replace with 2 litres of new, that way the level will be correct.

handyman · Unread post by **handyman** » 21 Jul 2003, 17:11

Thanks for the prompt reply to the suspension proplem.
Where is the filler cap located on the gearboxes?

JohnD · Unread post by **JohnD** » 21 Jul 2003, 23:32

If you have the BE3 gearbox you'll find the filler plug on the end of the transmission. It's the largest of the bolts holding on the end cover. On the ML5T box the filler/level plug is on the back of the casing.