C5 Leak in LDS tank area

[JSmale]

Hello, I have a 2009 Citroen C5 2.2 HDi Exclusive – it has recently developed a leak around and under the LDS reservoir area (I assume it is the LDS fluid) which is seeping down and dripping down by the driver's side front wheel. Also, when I unlock the car, the pump (?) that activates has also become noisy with a 'clacking' noise. I'd appreciate any suggestions or similar experience on what the fault maybe, and what may be needed to repair the problem. Thank you!
Photo of area attached

[Hell Razor5543]

Has your car had work done on the wheels recently (such as tyres being changed)? If it has, it is possible that it was lifted incorrectly. If the car is going to be raised with the wheels hanging it should (before being lifted) be raised to full height on its' suspension, and then the LDS reservoir cap be loosened, to allow air to get in AND out. The forum has designed warning labels, to try and help prevent this from happening in the future;

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=62058

Oh, to the forum, by the way.

[GiveMeABreak]

The pump clacking noise may be due to a shortage of LDS fluid due to the leak.

So don’t keep the engine running at this point as you’ll probably damage the pump.
Secondly, you do need to locate the source of the leak. If you suspect the LDS tank has been weakened from the car being lifted off the ground when the wheels are left hanging freely, without putting the suspension on high, and without removing the LDS cap - then this will have weakened the tank potentially bursting it.

Do not drive the vehicle at present. The power steering shares the same supply of fluid, so you don’t want to damage this through lack of fluid either.

Next if it is the LDS tank, LDS fluid can drip down onto the pump housing underneath the tank and can get into the pump causing overheating and failure, as fluid can mix with the motor carbon brush material.

Check the seam on the LDS tank. If weakened it may be leaking from here.

Depending on your skill you can either replace the tank yourself or get it towed by recovery off the ground to a Citroen dealer to do.

I have put a guide together for the tank replacement and depressurisation of the axles here:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=62045&start=15#p602312

[JSmale]

Thanks for the feedback, that's very helpful and I'll be forewarned when I speak to the Citroen garage. It has been in to the garage within the last couple of months, so it sounds like what you describe has happened.

[GiveMeABreak]

Citroen should know this already - the worst culprits are non-dealer garages, and tyre fitters - their fitters don't have the training to cover specialist vehicles - ATS are the exception in some cases - but I never leave my car with any tyre fitter - opting to ensure they follow the procedure or else.

As said, it could of become weakened over time, culminating in a split near the tank seam. Make sure you get some stickers printed off:

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=62058