Citroen C5 (ahem) suspension

[Newfrog]

Well, I've become a recent new owner.
Citroen C5 59 plate. 140k on the clock.
She's already broke my heart on the front suspension, gaiters, bushes and track rod ends to the tune of £500. That was a favour too
I've taken it to get the tracking done, just to see if anything improved, but it's still a little 'floaty'.
Had it checked whilst it was up in the air. The chap said the camber was a little out of the rear, but couldn't see any adjustment.
It feels like it rolls into a corner, rather than spreading the weight, it seems it lurch the body. Not massively, so I don't think it's the anti roll bushes.
Just wondering if it's a usual thing? I've read a lot of posts on C5 suspensions on here, and they seem to be.... Erm.... Unique? Is probably the best word

Thanks in advance.

[Hell Razor5543]

Welcome to the world of Hydropneumatics. It can be 'interesting'.

[Newfrog]

Welcome to the world of Hydropneumatics. It can be 'interesting'.

So, I take it they're all the same?
The mechanic noted the front suspension was the same as the 407, in his words 'am over complicated nightmare'
Is there a way of firming up the suspension by topping it up? Or am barking up the wrong tree?

[Hell Razor5543]

What might help is a 'Citrobics' session. What it can do is to help move any trapped air back into the reservoir as well as to help keep things moving freely. Raise the suspension to full height and wait for a minute or so. Then drop it to its' lowest setting and wait for another minute, then repeat several times. Take it back to the normal height, and then, slowly, take the steering from lock to lock WITHOUT waiting at full lock. Do this several times.

Hang on, I forgot to ask something! Does this C5 have Hydropneumatic suspension? I know that a couple of the C5 X7 models do, but I am not sure about yours. The Mk1 and the Facelift had hydropneumatic suspension across the whole range.

[Stickyfinger]

2009 VTR = Springs/shocks

[Newfrog]

2009 VTR = Springs/shocks

That's a bit more reassuring

[Stickyfinger]

2009 VTR = Springs/shocks

That's a bit more reassuring

Treat it like ANY other 4 link suspension system......

[Peter.N.]

I have two with springs and reckon the ride is superb, 'floaty' suspension is what I buy Citroens for, most other cars have a hard ride which I don't like. I am not bothered about handling as I don't drive fast enough to be interested, my main concern is comfort. Most people who buy C5's do so for the ride comfort. If you want to corner at 60 mph and don't mind having you teeth shaken loose, buy an Audi or similar.

Peter

[Newfrog]

I have two with springs and reckon the ride is superb, 'floaty' suspension is what I buy Citroens for, most other cars have a hard ride which I don't like. I am not bothered about handling as I don't drive fast enough to be interested, my main concern is comfort. Most people who buy C5's do so for the ride comfort. If you want to corner at 60 mph and don't mind having you teeth shaken loose, buy an Audi or similar.

Peter

Yes, I get what you mean. I had a 308 SW previously, so similar vehicle, but it didn't 'float' like this one.
20 years NCD, I'm not averse to safe driving
The body kind of 'tips' as it corners. Might need new dampers, but it's just had 12 months MOT on it, so anything too bad should have been picked up then.
Just wondering if there's an easy fix or if it's usual.

[Stickyfinger]

https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... P58eA-AM38

Estate or Saloon ?

[Newfrog]

https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... P58eA-AM38

Estate or Saloon ?

It's just had a fresh MOT. So shouldn't really be an issue. Estate. VTR

[Stickyfinger]

Estate = a longer wheel base + Citroen with "soft" suspension = change your driving style and set up for corners.

[Newfrog]

Thanks for the reply.
I'll give it a try

[Stickyfinger]

I was not being flippant, longer/softer cars like the C5Estates really do not like to be chucked into corners, they will "wallow about" a bit vrs shorter stiffer cars.
Take joy from being as smooth as you can, from picking the perfect line and keeping off the brakes as much as you can, 90% of the time it will be faster anyway.