X7 disgraces itself with LDS leak AGAIN

[Paul-R]

We were dashing out last night to a do and when I pulled away the X7 was down low making scraping noises on the road. I turned around and noticed two oil puddles so It's not the first time. No time to do anything except take the other car so I'm really looking forward to this weekend.

[GiveMeABreak]

I do hope it's not your rack Paul.

[Paul-R]

You're not the only one! I've done pretty well to get to 10 years without it failing so far if it is.

Is there already a dismantling guide posted for rack removal?

[GiveMeABreak]

There isn't one from me Paul, as there's no official guide for the rack removal. When my local did mine they managed to get it out without completely removing the subframe - just by manoeuvring it out - but of course they had a hydraulic lift to make it easier.

[Sloppysod]

when i replaced mine i did not remembering ve the subframe completely, just dropped the back end down.
If i remember correctly there is a detailed method somewhere on this forum. im away from home so cant send you mine, sorry.goodluck

[Paul-R]

Looking underneath the car under the rack pinion shows it to be surprisingly dry on the road.

And looking at the pinion from inside the car doesn't show any sign of leakage. Whoohoo, Schrödinger's pinion can go back to its state of unknowing now.

Looking under the rear of the car there's a bit of lubrication on the road and a lot of oily wetness to be seen.

Closing in this looks suitably guilty.

Yup, reckon that's it.

I guess this is on the return circuit so not under huge pressure. @GiveMeABreak Marc - Is that split hose still an available part? Although I actually think I could snip the split bit off and simply remake the connection. There's a lip on the end of the hose which would be lost but I doubt that's critical.

Looks like it should be an easy job. I reckon I could get it done while Thought for the Day is on the Today programme!

[MattBLancs]

Yes, it's definitely looks a good candidate for the leak and hopefully also an easy fix - fingers crossed!

[GiveMeABreak]

I guess this is on the return circuit so not under huge pressure. @GiveMeABreak Marc - Is that split hose still an available part? Although I actually think I could snip the split bit off and simply remake the connection. There's a lip on the end of the hose which would be lost but I doubt that's critical.

Looks like it should be an easy job. I reckon I could get it done while Thought for the Day is on the Today programme!

If it's the return harness pipes shown below, all those shown are available Paul:

(1) Hydraulic Fluid Return Harness, part: 5270SE, £46.60
(3) Hydraulic Fluid Return Harness, part: 5270WR, £169.30

[Paul-R]

Flip, I don't need all that! And the price!! Thanks for looking though.

Right, where's that craft knife...

[Paul-R]

Hose repaired and after the ritual spilling of blood I managed to get the single use metal clip back on. It took 3l of LDS although I may have overfilled a bit as the car is not on its lowest ride height.

Unfortunately the front end resolutely refuses to come up to its proper ride height. I can hear the pump running but nothing happens. Is it just a matter of persevering moving the ride height adjustment up and down until something happens?

[Hell Razor5543]

I would run the suspension up and down (from highest to lowest settings) several times, in case any air has got into the system.

[Paul-R]

Should I try to pressurise the LDS reservoir a bit as well?

[GiveMeABreak]

I would bleed the system, as you may have an air lock.

Engine running, Remove LDS cap
Try raising to highest level and wait to give it a chance.
If not, lower fully to ground again - wait until fully lowered.
Turn steering SLOWLY lock to lock without holding at outer limits several times and return to centre position.
Stop engine, allow 'fizz' to dissipate.

Check fluid level and fill between 'a' & 'b':

Hopefully you will get it to raise back to normal height and then back to highest position - when you do, repeat the procedure one more time to make sure any air that has worked itself around the system gets returned back to the reservoir and out via the 'fizz'.

[Paul-R]

I've more or less done that already although I'll take care to follow the routine more exactly.

If you look at the photo, the rear of the car is at its normal height and pressing the the height buttons has no effect, even to lower the vehicle.

There is no sign of any fizz or froth in the filler of the reservoir.

[GiveMeABreak]

Then I'd increase the lock to lock turns - it can sometimes take 8-10 turns (on lowest position) to get all the air out. Then leave it on normal and just for it to raise - the rear always seems rise up first and can take longer on the front where all the weight is. I've had to leave mine for 5 minutes or so to get it to raise after some issues, but after it does, it's back to normal.