Suspension/steering pressure problem

[lazza]

HI All

Well, previous jobs over summer were successful and got my MOT- so thanks to all who helped me through that

However, I've got quite a big problem right now. It started with stiff steering in the morning. But seemed ok for a while. However, this weekend, I had to lower and raise the suspension a few times to go down a rough track. Then I lowered it right down to hook a small trailer on... and .. it just would raise up again. Nightmare. Car sunk right into the ground, couldnt look under it or anything.

By some miracle, after an hour it decided to finally raise up to mid-point, but now it's stuck there. At least I could drive the car home, but the steering is super-stiff and suspension wont raise any higher than mid-point.

Any suggestions on what it might be? I need to get it sorted quickly. Accumulator sphere? anti-sink valve? hydraulic pump?

All help much appreciated
Cheers
Lazza

[CitroJim]

Sounds a bit like the pump Larry as it has certain symptoms of hydraulic starvation.

One thing to check first, as it's common to both steering and suspension, is the supply to the pump.

Check the filters in the LHM reservoir are both nice and clean and then check very carefully the feed pipe from the LHM reservoir to the pump is not perished/letting in air and has not collapsed - thus restricting the flow of LHM...

Blocked filters and air leaks on the feed (suction) pipe can both cause your problem...

Note that air leaks may not necessarily leak LHM...

[white exec]

With the engine running, dip a small sample of LHM from the reservoir (small clear container is good) and see whether it contains any bubbles, even microscopic ones. Air in fluid will, as Jim says, interfere with steering and suspension operation. Typical symptoms are stiff/notchy steering, and slow suspension response.

[lazza]

HI Thanks for your replies

I looked at the fluid, but cant see any bubbles and checked the feed-in pipe to the pump, nothing obvious.

The suspension actually raised to high after a while, but the steering is stiff as hell. Could it be just the accumulator sphere?

[Hell Razor5543]

I wonder if, for some reason, the pressure relief bolt on the accumulator has come loose?

[CitroJim]

No, the accumulator sphere will have no effect on the steering Larry as the power steering section of the pump is entirely separate to the suspension/braking section... The accumulator is only concerned with suspension and braking...

The steering requires a very high volume of LHM and any feed restrictions to the pump for whatever reason will always show up much more on the steering side of things...

Check those filters

Is the LHM nice and green?

[CitroJim]

I wonder if, for some reason, the pressure relief bolt on the accumulator has come loose?

James, that would have no effect on the steering for reasons explained above and if the bleed screw was loose the suspension would never lift at all..

If filters and feed pipe is OK then the pump is a big suspect...

[lazza]

Yeah, all nice and green thanks ... i'll double check pipe and filters but it's looking suspiciously like it's a pump issue ... any way of testing the pump?

[CitroJim]

No, not really. Needs specialist equipment...

Can you hear the regulator ticking signifying it is cutting in and out?

[lazza]

Nope, havent heard that now it's got this problem

[KennyW]

If you put your hand on the supply pipe from the pressure regulator, you will feel a pulse which is the same as the ticking noise.

Kenny

[CitroJim]

That's a very good tip Kenny

A screwdriver held to the pump or regulator can do the same - it acts as a crude stethoscope...

[aerodynamica]

Just one other thing - check your pump drive belt isn't slipping on the pulley if it's too loose

[lazza]

HI

Belt is fine- i can hear a click, but it's so infrequent, i really think pressure simply isnt getting to the steering and only gets to the suspension after a long time of build up- does that make sense?

I noticed on top of the pump a small leak around the base where the pipe goes to the accumlator sphere unit. The leak is not from the pipe union, but around the base where the O-Ring seal 4026 88 is.

Do you think this would be sufficient to cause the symptoms?

Cheers
L

[CitroJim]

No, that little leak (more of a weep perhaps?) Won't cause it...

You very infrequent ticks and the thought that the pressure is just not building makes compete sense..

have you checked the two filters in the LHM reservoir yet? If they are badly blocked they can cause it. they are very fine mesh indeed... Sometimes they can look like they're wearing black fur coats!