Xantia rear suspension sinks on start

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rmcdonal
Posts: 9
Joined: 31 Oct 2005, 12:47

Xantia rear suspension sinks on start

Unread post by rmcdonal »

Hi, over time my Xantia estate hdi 2000 has started to give me a suspension problem when I first start the car.

When starting it, I'm having to wait 20 secs or so for the STOP warning light to go out, but when done so, the rear end of the car sinks. It then takes another 10 secs to lift to the normal position. Is this the centre rear anti sink sphere needing replaced?

In addition, when the car is lifting, there is a loud squeeling noise coming from the engine compartment. Is there a pump belt slipping or is this the actual pump showing its on its way out?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
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Peter.N.
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Unread post by Peter.N. »

Could be the hydraulic pump belt slipping, check that first.
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Old-Guy
(Donor 2025)
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Unread post by Old-Guy »

Yup I'd agree with Peter: the squeal is the auxiliary drive belt slipping. As it's been doing it for a while, it probably needs changing. Don't forget that on a Xantia the brakes are powered not assisted by the hydraulic system. When the belt goes, if the accumulator spheres are in top condition you should have enough reserve pressure to bring the car to a halt. After that it's hand-brake ONLY!

From the symptoms, I'd suspect that the front Accumulator and rear Anti-sink spheres are in need of replacement. See sticky for comprehensive guide. It's not a difficult DIY job - just be careful.
2012 Subaru Forester - capable but no magic carpet
2011 Grand C4 Picasso VTR+ 1.6HDi - not missed!
1995 Xantia Estate SX 1.9TD in Vert Vega "The Green Lady" - sadly missed
1998 Xantia 2.1 VXD Estate in Mauritius Blue - R.I.P. (terminal tin-worm)
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DickieG
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Unread post by DickieG »

Is your car fitted with Hydractive suspension i.e. an Exclusive?
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andmcit
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Joined: 03 Mar 2005, 17:59
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Unread post by andmcit »

DickieG wrote:Is your car fitted with Hydractive suspension i.e. an Exclusive?
The very same thought in my mind too Richard.

The rear axle centre hydractive electrovalve is opening with lower pressure
in the sphere so the axle 'swallows' a slug or the high pressure delivery
dropping the car down until it reaches equilibrium pressuring up again.
Any load on the pump will seek out and loose play on the aux drive belt!

Andrew

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