Suspension fluid reservoir

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

Evening all

I brought a 2009 C5 a week ago and when I picked it up the bloke told me he'd topped up the suspension fluid reservoir and it looked like he'd spilt some. I've cleaned the excess off and then today it was pointed out to me by a tyre bay that there was more fluid around where the bottle is.

Is it possible that if the bloke over filled it the fluid is escaping from the cap? Or is it a thing that bottles leak?

Any info will be greatly appreciated.

Cheers
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 36996
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
Location: West Wales
My Cars: C3 Aircross SUV HDi Flair Peperoncino Red (The Chili Hornet)
C5 X7 2.0 HDi Exclusive Mativoire Beige (The Golden Hornet)
C3 1.6 HDi Exclusive Aluminium Grey (The Silver Hornet)
C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
C5 MK I 2.0 HDi SX Wicked Red
Xantia S2 2.0 HDi SX Hermes Red
C15 Romahome White
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Emerald Green Pearlescent
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Polar White
XM 2.0 SX Polar White
CX 20 Polar White
GS 1220 Geranium Red
CX 2.4 Prestige C-Matic Nevada Beige
GS 1000 Cedreat Yellow
x 5644

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

He's probably over filled it. The LDS fluid level MUST be checked with the suspension set on the LOWEST level and should only be filled to between the 2 small ring marks that you can just see at the bottom of the neck. Overfilling it can lead to a burst tank and worse, the fluid can get into the pump and destroy it rapidly.
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

Brilliant thank you for that info Marc. The marks that you mention are down the actual filler neck once you've removed the cap?

I've been told that a machine is needed to properly check the level?

Will the car warn me if the fluid is to low? Forgive me if that's a stupid question. This is my first car with hydro suspension.

Cheers

George
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 36996
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
Location: West Wales
My Cars: C3 Aircross SUV HDi Flair Peperoncino Red (The Chili Hornet)
C5 X7 2.0 HDi Exclusive Mativoire Beige (The Golden Hornet)
C3 1.6 HDi Exclusive Aluminium Grey (The Silver Hornet)
C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
C5 MK I 2.0 HDi SX Wicked Red
Xantia S2 2.0 HDi SX Hermes Red
C15 Romahome White
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Emerald Green Pearlescent
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Polar White
XM 2.0 SX Polar White
CX 20 Polar White
GS 1220 Geranium Red
CX 2.4 Prestige C-Matic Nevada Beige
GS 1000 Cedreat Yellow
x 5644

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Hi George. The hydraulic system can be FULLY depressurised using Diagbox, which is the proprietary diagnostic tool, but that is not really needed to check the level as there is an allowance for this. Overfilling is far more of a problem.

Yes there is a warning if the fluid is too low.


These are the marks I was referring to:
CB3A12C7-E3B0-4DF9-8877-62B01CDC7829.jpeg
Have a read of this post, which may also provide you valuable information if the car is ever going to be lifted off the ground with the wheels hanging freely (for example when having tyres changed):

https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... hp?t=62058
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

Thank you very much again Marc that's very helpful.
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

Having read through that post I really bloody hope the tyre bay haven't popped the tank. 🤬 They've been going for well over 30years so I assumed they knew what they were doing. I might pop back in there tomorrow.
Hell Razor5543
Donor 2023
Posts: 13726
Joined: 01 Apr 2012, 09:47
Location: Reading
My Cars: C5 Mk2 VTX+ estate.
x 2993

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

Just because a company has been working for a long time does not mean they know everything that could pass their doors. Several years ago I went to get some tyres fitted, and the mechanic did not look happy that I had a Citroen C5. He said that they had problems 'recovering' their jacks from underneath Citroens in the past. I raised the suspension to its' full height and then loosened off the cap. Once they had done the work and dropped her back down she remained at full height (and didn't bottom out, which was what the mechanic had expected would happen). The mechanic was surprised, and said that he would have to remember that trick (and did the next time I called in for tyre work).
James
ex BX 1.9
ex Xantia 2.0HDi SX
ex Xantia 2.0HDi LX
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR
Ex C5 2.0HDi VTR

C5 2.2HDi VTX+
Yes, I am paranoid, but am I paranoid ENOUGH?
Out amongst the stars, looking for a world of my own!
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

Mmmmm perhaps I need to question their techniques. Although I'm sure it'll feel like I'm questioning their quality. I know for next time when it comes to booking the car in anywhere.
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

Out of curiousity if the LDS tank has burst then what sort of cost am I looking at for replacement? Just thinking worst case scenario.
User avatar
white exec
Moderating Team
Posts: 7445
Joined: 21 Dec 2015, 12:46
Location: Sayalonga, Malaga, Spain
My Cars: 1996 XM 2.5TD Exclusive hatch RHD
1992 BX19D Millesime hatch LHD
previously 1989 BX19RD, 1998 ZX 1.9D auto, 2001 Xantia 1.8i auto
and lots of Rovers before that: 1935 Ten, 1947 Sixteen, 1960 P5 3-litre, 1966 P6 2000, 1972 P6 2000TC, and 1975 P6B 3500S
x 1752

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by white exec »

We produced some Warning Labels :!: (with fitters/repairers in mind), which can be placed near the reservoir or elsewhere.
You can download the printable pdf's here...
viewtopic.php?p=602414=LDS+tank+burst#p602414
Chris
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 36996
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
Location: West Wales
My Cars: C3 Aircross SUV HDi Flair Peperoncino Red (The Chili Hornet)
C5 X7 2.0 HDi Exclusive Mativoire Beige (The Golden Hornet)
C3 1.6 HDi Exclusive Aluminium Grey (The Silver Hornet)
C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
C5 MK I 2.0 HDi SX Wicked Red
Xantia S2 2.0 HDi SX Hermes Red
C15 Romahome White
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Emerald Green Pearlescent
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Polar White
XM 2.0 SX Polar White
CX 20 Polar White
GS 1220 Geranium Red
CX 2.4 Prestige C-Matic Nevada Beige
GS 1000 Cedreat Yellow
x 5644

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Estate87 wrote: 09 Feb 2021, 22:20 Out of curiousity if the LDS tank has burst then what sort of cost am I looking at for replacement? Just thinking worst case scenario.
It's not so much the tank - it's the damage the LDS does. The reservoir sits on the BHI and pump. If fluid is overspilled at any time it should be cleaned straight away, as if it drips down onto the BHI, it can get into the seam of the unit and penetrate. It then mixes with the carbon brush material and forms a thick sludge / paste that then causes overheating and shorting which blows the main 40/50A fuse and can damage the pump unit. These are expensive to replace.

The tanks are from £60-£80 and the BHI incorporating the pump on a 4 cylinder model is about £1600 plus VAT and fitting, plus LDS fluid that is anything up to £16 a litre!
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 10 Feb 2021, 10:18
Estate87 wrote: 09 Feb 2021, 22:20 Out of curiousity if the LDS tank has burst then what sort of cost am I looking at for replacement? Just thinking worst case scenario.
It's not so much the tank - it's the damage the LDS does. The reservoir sits on the BHI and pump. If fluid is overspilled at any time it should be cleaned straight away, as if it drips down onto the BHI, it can get into the seam of the unit and penetrate. It then mixes with the carbon brush material and forms a thick sludge / paste that then causes overheating and shorting which blows the main 40/50A fuse and can damage the pump unit. These are expensive to replace.

The tanks are from £60-£80 and the BHI incorporating the pump on a 4 cylinder model is about £1600 plus VAT and fitting, plus LDS fluid that is anything up to £16 a litre!
Forgive me but what is the BHI? What is the best stuff to clean the fluid away with? Brake cleaner? I take it the BHI is all to do with the suspension fluid yeah?

Cheers

George
User avatar
Paul-R
Donor 2023
Posts: 6916
Joined: 07 May 2009, 16:24
Location: Wirral, NW England; Vaucluse 84, France
Lexia Available: Yes
My Cars: 2015 1.6 Blue HDi 120 Peugeot 308 Active SW
2013 2.0 HDi 163 C5 Exclusive Tourer
2003 2.0 HDi 110 C5 Exclusive Estate (Gone)
2001 2.0 HDi 90 Xsara Estate (Gone)
x 1369

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Paul-R »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 10 Feb 2021, 10:18... plus LDS fluid that is anything up to £16 a litre!
Flip, that's expensive. For £19.97, you can get 5 litres here -

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Hydraulic-Fl ... Sw9uBamtMX
As I get older I think a lot about the hereafter - I go into a room and then wonder what I'm here after.

Inside every old person is a young person wondering what the hell happened.

"Trying is the first step towards failure" ~ Homer J Simpson​
User avatar
GiveMeABreak
Forum Admin Team
Posts: 36996
Joined: 15 Sep 2015, 19:38
Location: West Wales
My Cars: C3 Aircross SUV HDi Flair Peperoncino Red (The Chili Hornet)
C5 X7 2.0 HDi Exclusive Mativoire Beige (The Golden Hornet)
C3 1.6 HDi Exclusive Aluminium Grey (The Silver Hornet)
C5 MK II 2.0 HDi Exclusive Obsidian Black
C5 MK I 2.0 HDi SX Wicked Red
Xantia S2 2.0 HDi SX Hermes Red
C15 Romahome White
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Emerald Green Pearlescent
XM 2.0 Turbo Prestige Polar White
XM 2.0 SX Polar White
CX 20 Polar White
GS 1220 Geranium Red
CX 2.4 Prestige C-Matic Nevada Beige
GS 1000 Cedreat Yellow
x 5644

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

I thought I'd go down the middle, seeing as this one is £38.05 a litre....
image_2021-02-10_140826.png
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164002242646
Please Don't PM Me For Technical Help

Marc
Estate87
(Donor 2021)
Posts: 61
Joined: 15 Jan 2021, 13:25
Location: Aylesbury
My Cars: Current - '09 Citroen C5 Exclusive Tourer 2.0 HDi

Previous-
'97 Volvo V90
'05 Merc C320 CDI estate
'08 Volvo V50 T5 R-Design
'10 VW Golf 1.6 TDI estate

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Estate87 »

GiveMeABreak wrote: 10 Feb 2021, 14:13 I thought I'd go down the middle, seeing as this one is £38.05 a litre....

Image

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164002242646
Christ that's liquid gold surely? How much does the whole suspension system hold?
Post Reply