Citroen C5 Shock part number

[seanrx]

Hi.

My semi trusty C5, it now requires a new front shock absorber.
I need a part number for offside front.

The garage says they'll use a genuine expensive Citroen part and £20/litre LDS fluid!
Per litre,they not hear of LDS bulk buying rate?

I want to see first what other options I have.
Are their more options?

Though they not tell me if it is just a new inner component or the whole shock.

Vin. VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff].

[GiveMeABreak]

Well unfortunately, both left and right suspension struts are no longer available. If they looked properly, they would know this.

As you can see, the complete strut item (1) indicates 'NFP' (no longer available) from the live database.
The seals at (8) & (9) are also no longer available, but you may be able to order these from elsewhere if the leak is from there.

However, it depends where the leak is. If it is the leak back pipe (6), that is still available and is pretty easy to replace as it's not pressurised. See if you can determine where the leak is coming from first.

[seanrx]

Hi Marc.

The leak I locate at top of shock under gaitor.

Around the chrome piston, there is oil but it's not running down leg.
Have cleaned and operated the sus lift, no oil begin to pool. But no actual driving yet.

Do MOT testers remove gaitors to examine the shock?

I am tempted to use another garage for new test, there are new brake lines required also.

Have seen on eBay C5 2004 MK2 shocks, but their final two letter code is different. I think not worth the risk.

Also, I test drive two used cars yesterday, both without working cooling fan on hottest day of the year!

Both sellers not know about the stationary a/c cold fan on test or that a fun still runs without key in car when parked.

[GiveMeABreak]

No MOT inspectors are not allowed to remove or move any parts for inspection. They will check for any leaks that meet the definitions of a fail, but with regards to fluid suspension:

5.3.5. Gas, air and fluid suspension
When testing vehicles with these suspension types, you should be aware of the health and safety hazards.

Defect Category
(a) A gas, air or fluid suspension system inoperative - Dangerous

(b) A gas, air or fluid suspension system component damaged, modified or deteriorated in a way that:

(i) it would adversely affect the functioning of the system - Major
(ii) its function is seriously affected - Dangerous

(c) An obvious leak from any part of the system - Major

[seanrx]

Good info.

An obvious leak will be a visual only. Will talk with the garage (or another)tomorrow.

[GiveMeABreak]

If a leak back pipe, then that's not technically a suspension fault or that the suspension strut is shot - these pipes sometimes get damaged or nicked and can often, depending on where the leak is, be cut and joined onto the strut or pipe - depending if there's enough slack. As for the top of the strut, then it may be that seal shown at (9) which will need replacing if it's warped / shot to bits.

If it's a weep you may be lucky if it is cleaned up, but it will need doing, apart from being dangerous if it's leaking onto the road (and costly in LDS) of course!

[seanrx]

Am sure it's a weep only, the seal at top of shock outer 'A'.
There is LDS staining, only two inches below bottom edge of gaitor, never seen it so wet to actually run down shock leg.
Retest on Tues, see how it goes.

[seanrx]

Success.
2nd MOT and my car pass for this front shock, not even an advisory on it.

It's 1st MOT, shock with 'serious fluid loss' but me and other mechanics could'nt see this.
If I did believe this result, I would have had to spend at least £2000 for a second car. If a new shock was fitted, £1000 total cost, so not worth to repair on a 54 plate C5.
So all good regarding the shock.

[GiveMeABreak]

Very glad that's sorted - just keep an eye on it and some spare LDS in the boot!

[seanrx]

Thanks Marc.
Though still (It's a C5) not easy.

My final turn into the test site, I have an ' indicator fault' on the dash screen. It's fast clicking and no light. Nuts!

Say apologies to the tester, no probs we'll test it now and I can repair* myself and retest. Which happened today, finally.
Citroen's do test your patience.

* With the Bsi reset.