C5 X7 suspension strut fluid leak - Replacement mini guide page 2

[EDC5]

So after finding an ominous oil patch under my drivers side front wheel, I found a oil soaked front strut:












As can be seen, the strut is wet from top to bottom, so maybe the seal has gone at the top?

Here is a vid that may be more useful:



In the worst case I'm guessing I need a new strut. What is the part number for the drivers side front strut?

L5 or L6 ? im not sure on the right/left convention of Citroen?



It seems to be a slow leak at the moment, a few drips per hour. Am I OK driving it as long as I keep an eye on the LDS level?

[GiveMeABreak]

Have you checked the clip is secured at the top of the boot Elis:

[EDC5]

What exactly am I looking for? should the clip be at the top all around?

[GiveMeABreak]

I might be wrong but although these are bonded as far as I can tell, it just seems from your pic that there might be a securing clip that you might be able to tighten??

[GiveMeABreak]

I'm wondering if this is the clip or not - number 70?

[EDC5]

It does look from your zoomed in pic that oil is leaking up and over the top of the boot. I'll check the clip.

[EDC5]

Just been out to check now, there is in fact no clip at the top at all, I can retract the corrugated boot downwards with little effort.

[GiveMeABreak]

I've also had a look at the general clips and fixings on Citroen Service and they show this - which looks very similar to the one in the picture - I may be wrong:
Listed as part 6981 H1, 'HOSE CLIP', 60,8-9

Click to zoom

[EDC5]

Just to clarify, there is no clip in the pic, it just looks like it... maybe it's come off but the plastic was deformed into the shape of the clip?

[GiveMeABreak]

Elis - can you check the other side as that doesn't look right - is there a clip on the passenger side - really helpful video though - makes it easier to see.

[EDC5]

Just checked the other side ( should have done that immediately) it doesn't have a clip either, but the boot is bone dry. I'm thinking the piston is leaking and the oil is filling the boot up and being forced out of the top?

[xantia_v6]

There should be no oil in the boot, the boot needs to be able to compress when going over a bump.

The oli could however be coming from above, or below, which would change the nature of the failure.

[EDC5]

I guess I'll have to replace the strut then, can I get a conformation on the part number for the drivers side front strut?

I think it's 5271L5 (Front Left) Looking at the bonnet?

Is it a big / difficult job to do?

[bobins]

Book time is a gnats under 2 hours.
PM sent with instructions

[EDC5]

Thats great, thanks!

It doesn't look impossible, just a tad more tricky due to the hydraulic element.

Probably time to order a new strut then.