2007 c5 suspension

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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

not here they put them up to check play in the wheels etc i have nearly lost the underneath of a xantia due to the impaitence of the tester to get the vehicle of the ramp.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by GiveMeABreak »

UK MOTs have a specific section in the MOT testing manual for Hydraulic suspension:
You should take care when jacking up vehicles to avoid causing damage and refer to manufacturers’ information if available. Particular care is needed when jacking vehicles fitted with pneumatic, hydraulic or self-levelling suspension.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by GiveMeABreak »

And for those interested, here is an extract from the May 2009 Matters Of Testing Mag from the transport office all about the C5 (X7 specifically):
Safely jacking the Citroën C5

One of our vehicle examiners recently asked whether the Citroën C5 could be jacked safely as he had heard that there may be a health and safety issue that could impact on the MOT test. As our information was a bit sketchy, we contacted Citroën for advice.

Citroën told us that they were issuing advice through their dealer network but would send one of their engineers, along with the latest C5, to our workshop in Bristol. The problem is that when the latest versions of the C5 (those with VIN prefixes VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff] or VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]) are jacked and the wheels are hanging free, the manufacturer’s advice is to remove the LSD (suspension) fluid reservoir cap as there is a risk that the hydraulic reservoir could rupture. Citroën also advise that the C5 should only be raised using the designated jacking points.

Although the cap is readily accessible, it is not acceptable to remove it during the MOT test. As the axles are normally lifted independently at MOT tests, we asked Citroën if these procedures would still require the removal of the cap. We also asked about the possibility of using other mounting points, such as the sub-frame, to jack.

Citroën’s response was that the cap must still be removed when the car is jacked, but need not be removed where only one wheel at a time is raised. However, they would not support the use of anything other than the designated jacking points. We are therefore adding this advice to the Vehicle Specific Information (VSI) database.

Remember, it only applies to those C5s with the VIN prefixes mentioned earlier. An added bonus from Citroën’s visit was that this version of the C5 has an electronic parking brake, which we were able to test successfully with the roller brake tester. We will therefore also be issuing advice on its operation in VSI.
Of course we also know the C6 suffered from exploding LDS tanks, so my advice is always to follow the jacking up on high and removal of LDS cap regardless of VIN.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

When I have been to get tyres changed/wheels balanced I have always (before setting out) taken off the cover that hides the reservoir. When I arrive I then loosen off (but to not completely undo/remove) the cap. Then, just before they jack the car up I raise the suspension to its' highest setting. The first time I did this at a tyre fitters they were bemused. They commented that they had always had problems with Citroens (mainly in getting their jacks back afterwards). When they did the work and then lowered the jacks they were surprised to see my C5 dropped back down to the top height setting and then remained there (in their experience a C5 would bottom out). They admitted they had learned something, and would try to remember it in the past.

One place I went to get front tyres from was on a slope. The fitter was going to jack up both front wheels, and seemed surprised when I explained this was not a good idea. I explained that the handbrake operated on the front wheels (he was sceptical). I asked him to jack up ONE front wheel, and then try turning it (he could see she was out of gear). When he found he could not turn the wheel he accepted what I said, and why it would have been dangerous. I hope he remembers this in the future.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

interesting stuff but doesnt help me fix my car! Thinking whilst relaxing in a radox bath last night is there a way to test the struts? what should the flow rate be through the leak off pipes? can you buy a refurb kit for the strut if so where bneed to get this fixed as i need the ramp to give a time warp bx some attention!
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

did an experiment this morning ,connected a clear pipe onto the passenger side strut return to watch the flow it was full pelt! so i am going to hunt down a secondhand strut and try it Does anyone know of a refurb kit for the strut? i have looked all over tinterweb but have drawn a blank,also am i right in thinking one strut fits all as per BX?
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by GiveMeABreak »

The front struts for the MK II are the same across all models (but obviously different for left and right), but beware that the rears are different based on whether they are hydractive or not.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

thanks hopefully going for one shortly.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by GiveMeABreak »

The leak back hose, cylinder boot and O ring are still available from Citroen, but the strut, rebound stop and shock absorber bellows are not.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

do you think it could be the o ring? just got it in my mind that the car has hit a pot hole and popped the o ring the bellow and leak back pipes are ok. of course i could be talking s**t! but you have to try .
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by GiveMeABreak »

It's really hard to say - but be grateful you haven't got the later ones that are on the X7 - there's nothing repairable on those - they need a complete new unit. :-D

I'd look at it this way - as the struts are no longer available new - these parts are going to become harder to find - so if if you are going to get one and replace it, then you can always check the o ring first. If it's the O ring, great - if not, you'll have a spare strut that that will be in demand for some time and you can always sell it on at a later date if you move the car on.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

well the trip for a strut was wasted as he got the models mixed up ! and the o ring was not available in the uk so i will strip it down and see what we have i have the part no and the size of the ring so iwill see what we come up with.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by GiveMeABreak »

You can get the O ring from Citroen parts - still available.
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

got one from a citroen rally company just up the road from me £2.58!!
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Re: 2007 c5 suspension

Post by citroen7 »

well that made no difference! so i have pulled the pump and stripped it there might have been a picece of crud in on of the valves but could have been the end of my glove! could do with a diagram of pump and valves if anyone knows.
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