Test driving an SX Xantia

Unread post by **Dommo** » 27 Dec 2009, 18:38

Xantidote wrote:The anti-sink sphere only links into the rear suspension - doesn't affect the front ride height

Ah, I would have thought it was linked to both front and rear to stop them both sagging when the engine's off. If that's the case then the anti sink sphere must be knackered.

As it happens I did try raising the car after the engine was turned off and it did nothing. I think I read that doing that should make it rise slightly if the anti sink sphere is in good working order. But I could have remembered that wrongly?

Here: from citroenxm on page 1

ANOTHER tip, which DOES Work with the car in NORMAL setting, stop the engine after the STOP light is out, then move the height lever to the rear WITH THE ENGINE off, if theres any life left in the Reg Sphere, the car WILL rise up a little...

But I think I did this in the lowest position, I couldn't remember exactly what it was I was supposed to do, doh!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 27 Dec 2009, 18:52

It looks tidy, the front looks a tiny tiny bit high and the back is too low - the back is most likely a sticking height corrector i would imagine.

No, you mean accumulator sphere, if the acc. is good it will have enough pressure in reserve with the engine off to raise the car if you put it from normal to inter or high. Though it wont from low and will only do it normally when the engine has just been running. This also means self leveling should work after the engine has just been running. If you open the boot and sit on the lip, it should rise to the normal level, if it doesnt the acc. sphere is flat. However by the look of it it would do well to reach normal height even with the engine running when your on the back of it, as its not at normal height in the pics. A constant clicking noise from the sphere when the engine is running also indicates its low on gas.

The anti sink sphere is only there to work the anti sink valve so the car does not sink down. Some people dissagree on the purpose of the anti sink valve, though i believe it to be the anti sinks main job to keep the anti sink valve closed when parked. So even if there is no gas in that, it will still ride as normal, it doesnt affect ride or self leveling, only sinking when parked.

Right, well all being well the worst case senario should be: 5 new shperes or get them regassed if they will (i bet the anti sink is fine but it might be worth checking), a good service of the height correctors and setting the front ride height. A LHM flush and new LHm will also be an idea. No idea on the brakes, could be very dodgy LHM perhaps, im really not sure on that one.

Any mention of a cambelt in its history, or did the history not turn up? Which will mean that needs doing, along with the water pump for good meanure.

To be honest at its price it seems very overpriced, its obviously not been cared for in the suspension deparment, going on your description, your probably going to have to spend a good few hundred on it getting it right. Although after that it 'should' be a very nice, tidy and reliable car with fully working citroen suspension - how they should be!

Unread post by **Dommo** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:00

I've been looking at that westroen spheres place, has anyone here used them before? They seem cheap enough, 30 quid per sphere fitted, and they're only an hour from me. I could afford to service an activa at those prices

. Are the spheres they use genuine citroen ones that've been refurbished?

Speaking of which, not SX spec related but where do people get activa rams from? I've seen a few people on here say they have some spares, but how much would I be looking to pay for some decent working ones? Are they the sort of things that people on here get then keep until they inevitably need to replace their own rams?

Cheers.

Edit - Sorry I missed your reply Chris while typing that message out

No mention of cambelt, and I doubt he'll get the history to be honest, if it mysteriously turns up I reckon it'll be some history he's made up. I think you're probably correct on it being overpriced though for the condition.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:06

Well, i dont like to say any negative things about companies, but if you search on here you will find a few comments on Westroen. Usually people find that their car doesnt feel quite right after. Our Xm estate has been to Westroen before we bought it, ive not got round to checking its spheres yet but it doesnt feel quite right, thye rear is very very soft and the front seems normal. Hmm, its up to you, but if your going for new spheres id be going to GSF, getting them from there and buying a sphere tool and fitting them yourself.

Are you into doing DIY on your cars or prefer to let a garage do it? If you like DIYing then they are easy to do yourself, change the fluid too. I like doing as much DIY as i can, then i know its done right, ivbe had too much bother with garages, ive become unwanting to trust them. I use one garage for bigger jobs, cambelts etc, and do the rest myself or with my dad.

Thats the problem, Activa rams are really hard to come by, im unsure if they are still available new, but they will cost a fair bit if so. I did know how much but ive forgotten, no doubt they will have changed or become unavailable now anyway. Strut tops are aournd £350, which kind of puts some part prices into perspective for you!

Activas are fantastic, are you thinking of getting one? That silver one on ebay catching your eye is it? It is mine too

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:26

Id take a look at some others, in the light of the lack of service history, you might just find a better one.

There is this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-Citroen-Xant ... 3ca84a2745

A little over the mileage you want but i wouldt worry about a few extra miles on these. You might just end up with a better car.

Or this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-CITROEN-XANT ... 27ae1c5b49

Cheap as chips at the moment, mileage under 100K, taxed and tested.

Xantias seem to be getting hard to find now, not many are available at the moment are they. Mind very few people offer their cars for sale at this time of year, as not many sell it often seems like a waste of time.

Unread post by **Dommo** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:30

Citroenmad wrote:Well, i dont like to say any negative things about companies, but if you search on here you will find a few comments on Westroen. Usually people find that their car doesnt feel quite right after. Our Xm estate has been to Westroen before we bought it, ive not got round to checking its spheres yet but it doesnt feel quite right, thye rear is very very soft and the front seems normal. Hmm, its up to you, but if your going for new spheres id be going to GSF, getting them from there and buying a sphere tool and fitting them yourself.

Are you into doing DIY on your cars or prefer to let a garage do it? If you like DIYing then they are easy to do yourself, change the fluid too. I like doing as much DIY as i can, then i know its done right, ivbe had too much bother with garages, ive become unwanting to trust them. I use one garage for bigger jobs, cambelts etc, and do the rest myself or with my dad.

Thats the problem, Activa rams are really hard to come by, im unsure if they are still available new, but they will cost a fair bit if so. I did know how much but ive forgotten, no doubt they will have changed or become unavailable now anyway. Strut tops are aournd £350, which kind of puts some part prices into perspective for you!

Activas are fantastic, are you thinking of getting one? That silver one on ebay catching your eye is it? It is mine too

I'm definately a hands on DIY person, the only jobs I won't do involve cambelts/water pumps etc, everything else I do myself. Do GSF ones last forever if kept topped up with gas? If so I'd get them then.

How often do strut tops need replacing? Shame parts are so expensive, if I did get one I'd want to transplant a 2.1TD into it with a fettled bosch fuel pump for similar power outputs to the standard CT engine but much better on fuel (veg oil too no less

)

So I should keep my eye out for one with a knackered engine, but it seems the engines never die!

Unread post by **Dommo** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:33

Citroenmad wrote:Id take a look at some others, in the light of the lack of service history, you might just find a better one.

There is this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-Citroen-Xant ... 3ca84a2745

A little over the mileage you want but i wouldt worry about a few extra miles on these. You might just end up with a better car.

Or this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1999-CITROEN-XANT ... 27ae1c5b49

Cheap as chips at the moment, mileage under 100K, taxed and tested.

Xantias seem to be getting hard to find now, not many are available at the moment are they. Mind very few people offer their cars for sale at this time of year, as not many sell it often seems like a waste of time.

I viewed that blue one first, I think I mention it towards the start of this thread, anyway it had a few problems, no history at all, the heaters didnt blow warm air for ages, seemed like an air lock or knackered head gasket.

That green one looks interesting, 9400 miles!? Shame it's green!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:41

Well yes they should do, though GSF ones should easily last 3-4 years or 40K miles without losing too much comfort.

Have you looked on: http://www.aepdirect.com/ for parts? They sell spheres etc. Usually give good service but ive no idea what their spheres are like. At least many people on here use GSF and they seem to be decent. Id buy them, GSF ones.

Well sometimes PUG drivers (no offence, im one too!) pinch the 2.0TCT from Activas and Xms to put in their 205s etc. So a shell is left, if you ever saw a shell available that would be ideal. But generally the TCT is a strong engine, its usually leaks which kill off Activas as parts are pricey.

Its not really a case of how often they need eplacing, they can last a cars lifetime (some cases they do as cars a scrapped bacause of poor strut tops) or they could be due for replacement on any Xantia or Xm. They are a bit of a bad design in my opinion, you can spot rust around the strut tops from under the bonnet, if it looks crumbly its not always the end of the world, unless there is little metal reimaining. However its the rubber bonding which can come apart and cause the strut to escape. You know what this means, a new bonnet and a bit of a scare as your driving along!

Bad spheres can start this effect, as they put more force on the tops. If you inspect them and they look good then i wouldnt worry, they should be fine. Have a look under the wheel arch at the too, see if they look good under there. The first sign of one failing is the plastic boot which covers the strut under the wheel arch pops off or mis-shapes as the strut is moving upwards.

Dont let this put you off though, you will probably never need to replace these, just check them on the car before you buy.

Yes the 2.1TD is pretty good, i do like that idea. Citroen didnt bring HDI Activas over here which is very annoying, id love one. Other than importing one and having to drive a LHD car id not be confident in doing any transplants in order to get one in RHD

That green is a nice colour! I very nearly bought a HDi Exclusive in that colour a few months ago, wish i had but it needed a whole heap of jobs doing it just didnt make sense to buy it. Shame.

Unread post by **Dommo** » 27 Dec 2009, 19:57

Citroenmad wrote:Well yes they should do, though GSF ones should easily last 3-4 years or 40K miles without losing too much comfort.

Have you looked on: http://www.aepdirect.com/ for parts? They sell spheres etc. Usually give good service but ive no idea what their spheres are like. At least many people on here use GSF and they seem to be decent. Id buy them, GSF ones.

Well sometimes PUG drivers (no offence, im one too!) pinch the 2.0TCT from Activas and Xms to put in their 205s etc. So a shell is left, if you ever saw a shell available that would be ideal. But generally the TCT is a strong engine, its usually leaks which kill off Activas as parts are pricey.

Its not really a case of how often they need eplacing, they can last a cars lifetime (some cases they do as cars a scrapped bacause of poor strut tops) or they could be due for replacement on any Xantia or Xm. They are a bit of a bad design in my opinion, you can spot rust around the strut tops from under the bonnet, if it looks crumbly its not always the end of the world, unless there is little metal reimaining. However its the rubber bonding which can come apart and cause the strut to escape. You know what this means, a new bonnet and a bit of a scare as your driving along!

Bad spheres can start this effect, as they put more force on the tops. If you inspect them and they look good then i wouldnt worry, they should be fine. Have a look under the wheel arch at the too, see if they look good under there. The first sign of one failing is the plastic boot which covers the strut under the wheel arch pops off or mis-shapes as the strut is moving upwards.

Dont let this put you off though, you will probably never need to replace these, just check them on the car before you buy.

Yes the 2.1TD is pretty good, i do like that idea. Citroen didnt bring HDI Activas over here which is very annoying, id love one. Other than importing one and having to drive a LHD car id not be confident in doing any transplants in order to get one in RHD

That green is a nice colour! I very nearly bought a HDi Exclusive in that colour a few months ago, wish i had but it needed a whole heap of jobs doing it just didnt make sense to buy it. Shame.

I've looked at AEP parts before now actually, they do OEM equivalent stuff don't they? Never bought anything from them though.

Any idea how much the TCT engine would sell for to said naughty 205 owners? If its a couple of hundred quid then you could probably near enough get the car minus an engine for free.

Is it salt getting to them from the top of the wheel arch that causes the strut tops to fail then do you reckon? I know the strut tops on my 306 are made from a rubbery type material, or at least have a rubbery outside to them.

I'd love to get my teeth into a 2.1 engine swap but I bet it'd be an absolute nightmare. Xantia engine bays look complicated enough at the best of times!

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 27 Dec 2009, 20:41

Id just like to make a point - SERIES 2 (1998 onwards) XANTIA strut tops DO NOT seem to fail like S1 tops - Im STILL YET to see a Failed S2 Top!! Have you seen one fail yet??

Paul

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 27 Dec 2009, 21:31

Im not sure about Xantia ones, i had assumed they would be similar to Xms, which can have problems and need replacing. Very good news if S2 Xantias are improved.

I doubt a TCT engine is worth much at all, you might have trouble selling it if you do plan on doing that. Good idea but it would be a huge task to take on. Sourcing a good 2.1 might prove tricky too, though they popular in older 406s arnt they.

gSF are probably your best source of good spheres, AEP are ok i think too. Though my C5 had comfort spheres from there, one went very hard which almost caused it to fail its MOT.

Unread post by **Dommo** » 27 Dec 2009, 22:45

Citroenxm - is that true for s2 activas too? Are they different to normal turbo d strut tops? I probably wouldn't ever bother changing to a 2.1 but it'd be a brilliant acheivement in my opinion. An affordable to run activa!

Would things like the fuel tank have to be changed or can the petrol one be used on a diesel?

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 27 Dec 2009, 22:51

Activa and TD Strut tops are different of course, Ive no experiance of Activas yet, but I guess Activa strut tops MAY be the same as VSX Spec / Exclusive - with Hydractive setup...

Ive not got close to an S2 Activa, only ordinary setup's and Exclusive setups, and ALL have looked fine with no rot, even with 200k PLUS!

I ALSO am AFTER an Activa MINUS AN ENGINE, so I can HDi one, as Ive a full spare HDi engine and ecu etc here waiting to go into something...

Paul

addo · Unread post by **addo** » 28 Dec 2009, 04:40

Series II Xantia strut tops come in only three versions (ignoring right and left distinctions) - V6 (whether just Hydractive or Activa), 4 cylinder Activa/Hydractive, and 4 cylinder non-Hydractive/Activa.

I have not seen good evidence of any Series II failures either.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 28 Dec 2009, 10:06

Cheers Addo!..

Ive not had a lot to do with S2 cars, only a few HDi's that are around me, and a couple of others Ive seen.. ALL tops looked good and annoyingly S2 Exclusive strut tops ARE and I promise ARE different in the pipe connection department, so if your gonna use the tops, you NEED the pipe work too, which is exactly what Im giving my V6 for christmas, S2 Strut tops and pipe work at the front...

Paul