Citrojim help!

Stempy · Unread post by **Stempy** » 14 Jun 2009, 16:33

In the process of my brake overhaul I have discovered a leak from the gearbox. It seems to be coming from the banjo union on the end of the box, the one which can be seen under the nearside wheel arch. I guess there are a couple of compression washers on there but are they anything special or will any washer of the correct diameter do? Also, will I need to drain the oil to prevent a flood?

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 14 Jun 2009, 19:04

Hi Stempy,

That's the pipe that carries oil from the cooler into the gearbox. It's just a normal banjo at the round cover end with (i think) aluminium washers. There's no problem in replacing them and you won't get a flood of oil, just what's in the pipe.

Be careful though not to strain the pipe as you undo the banjo as the other end is held in with a flare and O ring under a clamp and flexing it too much may result in a leak from 'tother end.

If it will help, I can measure the washers for you. I see no reason why normal copper ones won't do the job perfectly.

Stempy · Unread post by **Stempy** » 14 Jun 2009, 19:22

Great Jim, if you could possibly advise me of the washer size I could then have them to hand before undoing anything.

Just looked at the manual and it seems to be an M14, so I guess a couple of sump plug washers might do the trick.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 15 Jun 2009, 07:00

Hi Stempy,

Not sure about sump plug washers unless they're fully plain and not rolled. Then they'd be fine.

The size of the genuine one is 18mm OD, 14mm ID and 1.5mm thick.

The OD is quite critical so the washer sits nicely on the housing.

I looked in the parts catalogue and they're not available separately as spares. Mind you, if they were they'd likely be expensive!

Stempy · Unread post by **Stempy** » 15 Jun 2009, 08:13

Ok ta Jim, I'll see what I can find

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 15 Jun 2009, 14:57

what size are the copper washers at the fuel pump banjo couplings then Jim, as they are solid copper

regards malcolm

Stempy · Unread post by **Stempy** » 16 Jun 2009, 11:01

Well I found a couple of alloy crush washers of the exact dimensions in my now obsolete kit of BMW motorbike spares, they were for gearbox drain plug.

So made sure the surrounding are was scrupulously clean and removed said banjo. Just like you said Jim, a mere dribble of oil was lost. Fitted new washers and tightened to recommended torque of 25Nm, which doesn't seem that tight for a M14 bolt, but I guess that's what the crush washers are there for.

In actual fact, the reason it was leaking was probably down to the fact that it had been overtightened at some point as the old washers were completely mullered.

So fingers crossed no more leak.