Xantia hydraulic return pipes

[Georges]

My HDI Xantia is still in good form after 250,000km, but the rubber pipes that feed back to the hydraulic fluid reservoir are starting to fail. Can anyone tell me how to replace it - I've heard it's a really difficult job?

[CitroJim]

Yep, not easy at all as they're specially moulded and tailored to the job. I've done some repairs by splicing in new pipe lengths and also rescuing better condition assemblies from scrappers and splicing those in using custom-made ferrules.

The whole assembly looks like a bizarrely deformed octopus if you remove it fully from the car

George, which ones are specifically causing you concern? Some pictures may help...

[Georges]

Thanks Jim. It's really a case of general overall decay. It's been variously patched up over the past year or so, so really I want to fit a new one, as every time one bit gets fixed another starts to give way. I've been told you need to take the engine out, but that seems a bit extreme!!

[CitroJim]

I've been told you need to take the engine out, but that seems a bit extreme!!

Well, actually George.... I think that may be right. It, along with the heater matrix, were the first components fitted and the rest of the car was built around it. Certainly popping the engine and transmission out will help but I'd have thought, perhaps except in the case of a V6, you could just about manage without...

It will be worth searching Service.Citroen to ensure they're all still available and at what cost...

[Georges]

Thanks Jim. I'll have a search. I know the one for RHD cars is no longer available, but mine's LHD, so there may be a chance. There are certainly plenty of them still on the roads over here!