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

[EDC5]

I think I just applied the footbrake to immobilise the hub (I know, naughty). Undoing the driveshaft nut was OK when using a massive socket. It's pulling the hub off the driveshaft that's awkward. The problem with the 3 legged puller is that you have to take the caliper, carrier and brake disc off.

[xantia_v6]

If the hub needs pulling (and it should not be that tight on the driveshaft), it is probably easier and safer to use a flat plate and the wheel bolts to jack it off.

[Johnno]

That’s great, thanks for the info guys. For various reasons I’ll happily get a garage to do it if I can
Having said that, part of me wants to do lt becuase I just feel like I should and at least I trust myself!

J

[Quackers]

That’s great, thanks for the info guys. For various reasons I’ll happily get a garage to do it if I can
Having said that, part of me wants to do lt becuase I just feel like I should and at least I trust myself!

J

I just had this job done on my X7 this week as it failed MOT on it, £509 for parts , labour + the cost of an MOT at a local independent (2 hours labour) if you are curious about how much it will hit your wallet in a garage.

[Simple76]

Came across this before and not uncommon . It can sometimes be the o’rings in the strut top.

[GiveMeABreak]

There are no 'O' rings on the X7 struts unlike previous models as these struts are bonded rubber to metal. The only 'O' ring is on the Suspension Sphere thread (3 on the diagram) and if it had been leaking in that area, there should be a pool of fluid on the top of the strut mounting seen in the engine bay. Unfortunately when these struts go, they need replacing, unlike series I and II.

[Simple76]

I stand corrected thank you .

[Johnno]

I’ve found a reasonably priced chap to do the job this Wednesday. Part cost me £240 at Neat Autoparts in Hillingdon. Could have got it cheaper from Europe but couldn’t guarantee delivery.

Thought It best to replace the ARB drop link at the same time. Would one of you kind gents have the part number for the offside front?

Ta,

John

[GiveMeABreak]

John - pop your VIN up for the part for confirmation, but they all look the same:

508752 (Left)
508753 (Right)

[Johnno]

Thanks Marc. Found one at GSF for £20. The near side one will need doing at some point soon and I’m assuming that the link can be changed without removing the strut, as the bottom locating bolt will remain undisturbed. A drift left in the vacated hole should be Adequate security, no?

John

[Hell Razor5543]

Make sure, if you do decide to replay the ARB link, to get a decent one. Members on this forum have bought links from No-Name companies only to find they need replacing within a year or two. However, when members have used good links (Lemforder is a name that comes to mind) they have provided sterling service for many years.

[EDC5]

Thanks Marc. Found one at GSF for £20. The near side one will need doing at some point soon and I’m assuming that the link can be changed without removing the strut, as the bottom locating bolt will remain undisturbed. A drift left in the vacated hole should be Adequate security, no?

John

The ARB droplinlk actually holds the bottom of the strut to the wishbone. It passes through the bottom bushing of the strut.

I'm not sure if there is any need to replace the drop links unless they need doing anyway, or, they become damaged removing them.

[bobins]

Thanks Marc. Found one at GSF for £20. The near side one will need doing at some point soon and I’m assuming that the link can be changed without removing the strut, as the bottom locating bolt will remain undisturbed. A drift left in the vacated hole should be Adequate security, no?

John

Yep, ideal way to do it. 3/8" extension bars fit lovely.
In my experience, if you disturb the ARB drop link then it's only a matter of (short) time until it starts sounding like it's worn.

[wfdTamar]

Found a youtube vid that seems to show doing this without having to undo the drive shaft bolt (345Nm). Not completely sure though.

[Vinny venkatson]

Hi Folks,

I am a new member here from Sydney.

I just bought a used C5 2009 xclusive 2.0 ltr diesel last week.

When I gave it for service today , my mechanic told me there are leaks found on the passenger side of the front suspension. And the suspension needs to be replaced :'(

However I dont notice any kind of leakage on the floor. But as shown in the pictures can see traces of oil on the strut or suspension.
Is this something I need to worry about or can drive without any worry if its not leaking ?
I take my daughter in the car and worried ever since if the suspension will fail in the middle of the road during holiday seasn.

I found this thread matching to the issue I am facing.

Please respond with your valuable comments.

Thanks in advance.

regards

Vinny