Xsara Picasso Shocks and Springs

[RichardW]

That's not right... random Xsara Pic selected off ebay:

You don't really want to drive it like that, it will ruin the control arm bushes in short order!

Something has gone wrong, can't think why both sides should jack up when it didn't with the first. I would check that you have the spring seated properly , if not then the spring is probably wrong - either wrong length or wrong spring rate. Can't say I've ever noticed a car 'settle' after a new spring is fitted, and certainly not by 2" or more!!

[SwissTony]

Had mine done about 6 months / 4000 miles ago, it was way too high at first, now it's settled to normal..

[Tam]

Am I right in saying the springs are the likely issue rather than the shocks?

[danlat1415]

If you already replaced a spring initially, before replacing the shock absorbers, and you didn't have any issue when just the spring was replaced - then it's unlikely to be the spring.

If you're not sure/don't remember - then it could be either the spring or the shock.

The Xsara Picasso has different engine sizes and models, so different variations/weight ratings for the shocks and springs - so may be that you have shocks intended for a heavier model, and as yours is lighter than intended, isn't compressing as much as they should.
Sometimes parts websites don't list the correct model.

[Tam]

If you already replaced a spring initially, before replacing the shock absorbers, and you didn't have any issue when just the spring was replaced - then it's unlikely to be the spring.

If you're not sure/don't remember - then it could be either the spring or the shock.

The Xsara Picasso has different engine sizes and models, so different variations/weight ratings for the shocks and springs - so may be that you have shocks intended for a heavier model, and as yours is lighter than intended, isn't compressing as much as they should.
Sometimes parts websites don't list the correct model.

This makes sense-Thanks

I dumped the originals i'm afraid so back to the drawing board.
Guys, can you assist with the correct part numbers(Shocks and springs) using my vin please? TIA
VIN VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[Tam]

If you already replaced a spring initially, before replacing the shock absorbers, and you didn't have any issue when just the spring was replaced - then it's unlikely to be the spring.

If you're not sure/don't remember - then it could be either the spring or the shock.

The Xsara Picasso has different engine sizes and models, so different variations/weight ratings for the shocks and springs - so may be that you have shocks intended for a heavier model, and as yours is lighter than intended, isn't compressing as much as they should.
Sometimes parts websites don't list the correct model.

This makes sense-Thanks

I dumped the originals i'm afraid so back to the drawing board.
Guys, can you assist with the correct part numbers(Shocks and springs) using my vin please? Even any docs with dimensions for shocks would be great. TIA
VIN VF7**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]**************[VIN obfuscated, can be read by forum staff]

[RichardW]

Springs


5002 QL
NFP

02
FRONT SUSPENSION SPRING
MARK 1 YELLOW OR 1 WHITE + 1 ORANGE

Struts

01

5202 PJ
LE-2014

01
FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER
LEFT
ENS
link to corresponding labour times

16 746 982 80

01
E:FR SHOCK ABSORBER PSA
GAUCHE
- AND AGE >= 3
link to corresponding labour times

5202 PK
LE-2014

01
FRONT SUSPENSION DAMPER
RIGHT
ENS
link to corresponding labour times

16 355 416 80

01
E:FR SHOCK ABSORBER PSA
DROIT
- AND AGE >= 3

[Huskyxantia]

That does look to be a very large gap.

I agree

[Huskyxantia]

I have a suspicion they may have used tye face-lift type parts the mark 1 is funny for sizes of parts just on the pre and post face lift time line , example headlights are not as wide on the facelift mk1 to the pre mk1, so maybe the suspension set up could be a little different , theres different sizes too with the bonnets around 2003 . Also model type has slight size differences.

[Huskyxantia]

That's not right... random Xsara Pic selected off ebay:



You don't really want to drive it like that, it will ruin the control arm bushes in short order!

Something has gone wrong, can't think why both sides should jack up when it didn't with the first. I would check that you have the spring seated properly , if not then the spring is probably wrong - either wrong length or wrong spring rate. Can't say I've ever noticed a car 'settle' after a new spring is fitted, and certainly not by 2" or more!!

This was how my ride height looked when i had a picasso.
This is spot on.

[Huskyxantia]

Heres my old picasso .

[Tam]

That's not right... random Xsara Pic selected off ebay:



You don't really want to drive it like that, it will ruin the control arm bushes in short order!

Something has gone wrong, can't think why both sides should jack up when it didn't with the first. I would check that you have the spring seated properly , if not then the spring is probably wrong - either wrong length or wrong spring rate. Can't say I've ever noticed a car 'settle' after a new spring is fitted, and certainly not by 2" or more!!

This was how my ride height looked when i had a picasso.
This is spot on.

So did mine before changing.

[Huskyxantia]

Different cars
Ive changed the front legs on my 206cc the height was pretty much the same after the job was done

Also my old zx estate the height didn't rise much both heights are the same over a year later,
As for waiting 6 months for the gap to go back to normal i find that a bit concerning as to why this compression would happen
Even looking at the photo the leg angle looks like its leaning im not a professional mechanic but if that was my car id be going back to the place that undertook the job and ask them if its the correct height , six months to settle , it only takes a few feet to settle when you've had the car jacked up for a while. I asked for the photo to be uploaded , when i saw the gap it made my stomach turn , it might be worth seeking some help from citroen main dealer regarding the height, id say if yours is a petrol and the parts were meant to take the diesel weights then this might be why its as high as it is

[RichardW]

I can't remember the arrangement at the bottom of the strut, but I think it's inserted into a clamp rather than a bolt on type. I'd check that the strut is properly seated in the hub both sides first.

[Huskyxantia]

Richard your correct they sit in a clamp and i think there's a bolt and nut that holds the hub housing to the strut.