Xantia - steering completely solid

[Jaf]

Driving along, just been round a nasty bend, and the steering gave a hiccup. Like a mixture of hard and soft all at once. Stopped the car and the steering went completely solid, couldn't turn at all. Suspension very, very slow, eventually goes up but still can't steer. Was hoping a bit of citroaerobics would help! Got recovered home. Tried citroaerobics again but steering horribly hard and notchy.

I'm thinking since there's some lhm pump function that it's probably the lhm pipes again, I've had problems with leaks/ internal collapse before. Nothing obviously leaking.

Any advice welcome. Thanks.

(Have tiny leak at rear, slow rear suspension as well. Might not be helping)

[Stickyfinger]

Fluid level is OK ?? Do you have warning RED lights on ?

[xantia_v6]

Check the condition and tension of the auxiliary belt.

[Jaf]

Thanks. Yeah fluid level is OK. Light did not come on while driving. Light comes on only when putting suspension high, until it settles (like always). Filters cleaned this year.

Just taken off the 10/12mm hose, tank to pump. That hose has been trouble before (changed it 3 times). Plenty of lhm in it though. Local shop don't have quality hoses, might order some online.

Aux belt is fine, thanks.

[Stickyfinger]

As above, check the Aux/Pump belt.

How often does the pump "tick". ? how many seconds does it take between "ticking"

[Jaf]

Do you know I've never been able to hear the click, had the car 18 years. Think the accumulator sphere is 6 years old now, corners are newer.

[Stickyfinger]

TBH that is imposable...

Set suspension on Low, let it lower.
Open Bonnet, start engine, set to Normal height.....listen to the pump....it will be "ticking/clacking" until it reaches Normal height when it will cut out.

Now, count the seconds between it cutting in again then out....ideal should be 30-40 secs

[Jaf]

Ha. Well I even tried with a stethoscope! I'll make a video tomorrow.

[Stickyfinger]

Check your hearing Aid, it may be faulty

....if it does not "tic" then how do you think it makes pressure to make the car rise / work ?

[CitroJim]

I've had this happen on a V6... Just steerable but you needed arms like Popeye!

The tick rate only checks the 2-piston side of the LHM pump that supplies suspension and brakes only. The Power Steering is supplied by the (separate) 6-piston side of the pump. All they share is a common drive shaft and LHM intake port.

If the steering goes solid than there may be a problem with the Power Steering side of the pump that will not affect the operation, to the same extent, of the brakes and suspension. Within the pump is a pressure regulator for the Power Steering that can give trouble.

If not the pump, then excess air being sucked in between the LHM reservoir and the pump can cause heavy steering so good to check the pipe... Check there's lots of LHM returning from the Power Steering by looking in the top of the LHM reservoir and seeing a good bubble-free flow. If none then the pump, if all foamy and full of bubbles then the pipe...

None of this applies if the Xantia is a 'Sinker'; they use an entirely different setup...

[xantia_v6]

Within the pump is a pressure regulator for the Power Steering that can give trouble.

Is the regulator in the pump or the rack?

Also (for completeness) see: viewtopic.php?t=39795

[CitroJim]

Within the pump is a pressure regulator for the Power Steering that can give trouble.

Is the regulator in the pump or the rack?

In the pump on all but the V6 Mike, which uses a separate outboard regulator between the pump and rack ram.

[aerodynamica]

It might also be worth checking the steering shaft universal joint isn't seized. I think Xantias had a bit of a weak point with the joint going all stiff giving stiff and notchy steering. Not likely because it does sound like it might be hydraulic related since it went suddenly, but worth looking anyway.

[Jaf]

Only just had a chance to have a look.

No obvious new leaks (have small longstanding leaks).

Changed pipe, cleaned filters though they weren't dirty (compared to when I first got the car!).

Suspension and brakes are working. Did citroaerobics and steering is a little better, very very stiff but not drivable.

Had a look inside the tank, seems a reasonable amount returning to the tank. Wouldn't say there was air bubbles. Problem is I haven't watched that before.

I'll put her on stands tomorrow and see what I can find.

Thanks!

[Jaf]

Had a look at the steering rack Universal Joint, looked surprisingly clean. Greased it but no difference.

I am getting a tiny bit of power steering, with engine running I can just about move the steering. Without engine I can't steer at all. I have steered the car before with no engine, can't remember how poor it makes the steering?