Clunk in 1st Gear & Steering Noise Citroen C5 X7 2.0HDI

[georgealex]

Hi all,

I already own a Citroen C5 Aircross but I needed something for motorway journeys I do every month to avoid stacking mileage up on the new car.

I managed to buy a 2009 plate C5 2.0HDI VTR+ and got a good deal on it, seems a good cruiser and car is running however there are too obvious issues with the car I am hoping someone can advise me with.

Firstly, at low speed, parking etc there is an audible whine/squeak when turning the steering wheel, it's not ridiculously loud or severe but it is there, I am not sure if it's the pump or something else, I read up on steering rack issues and this particular one had the rack changed a couple of years ago, the fluid in the tank is full and there are no obvious leaks, any thoughts on what this noise could be? It's almost like it's coming from behind the steering wheel itself.

Secondly, when setting off in first gear there is a single "clunk" noise from under the car when accelerating and pulling the clutch, once moving gear changes are fine and smooth. If I set off very carefully easy on the clutch then it doesn't happen. My first thought CV Joint but seems strange how I can bypass it by going slowly, any thoughts appreciated.

[steveclv]

Does it have hydramatic suspension in which case the LDS reservoir which feeds the suspension and the steering should not be full - there is a procedure for checking it has the correct level.

The clunk could be the dual mass flywheel or a faulty CV joint - does it make any noises when driving on full lock in either direction?

[georgealex]

Does it have hydramatic suspension in which case the LDS reservoir which feeds the suspension and the steering should not be full - there is a procedure for checking it has the correct level.

The clunk could be the dual mass flywheel or a faulty CV joint - does it make any noises when driving on full lock in either direction?

Thanks for your response, normal springs, on the flat the level appears to be at the top of the upper line so only slightly over.

If it were over filled could it cause such a noise?

Regarding the clunk it doesn't appear to be related to wheel position however on the last MOT a year ago and advisory was "CV boot damaged" and so this is what is leading me to suspect the actual joint has failed

[steveclv]

Ok, so don't worry about fluid level - that was only if you had the hydromatic suspension.
You can remove the rubber boot at the base of the steering column (2 10mm bolts) and then see if the noise originates from the steering rack/pinion or the column itself. Take the opportunity to spread some grease over the pinion shaft as this rusts and causes the rack failure.
If the CV joint has failed then you normally hear it if driving in tight circles but you could lift a wheel on a jack and then rotate it with the car in gear and see if you can replicate the noise on either side.

[georgealex]

Ok, so don't worry about fluid level - that was only if you had the hydromatic suspension.
You can remove the rubber boot at the base of the steering column (2 10mm bolts) and then see if the noise originates from the steering rack/pinion or the column itself. Take the opportunity to spread some grease over the pinion shaft as this rusts and causes the rack failure.
If the CV joint has failed then you normally hear it if driving in tight circles but you could lift a wheel on a jack and then rotate it with the car in gear and see if you can replicate the noise on either side.

Thanks that's good advice, I will check the steering, is at accessed from under the car or from under the floor inside? I'll jack the car up this weekend

[steveclv]

It's accessed from inside the car - you have to be a bit of a contortionist