ES9J4 V6 Auxiliary Belt

[Old-Guy]

Recently, the XM developed a rattle at very low revs; below normal hot idle such as sitting at a junction in D. Sounded to me like a belt tensioner. Seems not to happen if A/C not on. Not reproducible at will. Can sometimes see the Auxiliary belt has a bad section with a longitudinal split, belt generally perished - imminent failure, VOR. It looks as though it's the original (66,000 miles in 26 years), though the timing belt was changed about half way through, perhaps the cost (now about £50) put the then owner off.

I'd rather not change it myself (slipped disc) but may have to as I need the XM for a trip next week as it's so much more comfortable to drive any distance.

It looks like a fairly simple job (for a gibbon), but where do I set the locking bolt? Is it just as simple as fit belt and lock it where it is; run engine for a couple of minutes; loosen and re-tighten locking bolt?

As a check (given there were 3 different V6s) does anyone know the correct belt length?

Any info much appreciated.

RP 08151CJ

[mickthemaverick]

This is the only info I can find at item 7 (given that I am still learning the backup system ) which may help you:

XM - 0269 02 532030 - ALTERNATOR AND FIXINGS.pdf

From Citroen backup

(192.79 KiB) Downloaded 74 times

[Stickyfinger]

I would think the procedure etc for a ES9 engine'd XM are the same as the Xantia/Pug.406 V6 ........shown is a Pug.406 V6 so the Alt'tor/Pump etc are different, no need to touch those anyway...but it is in English (admittedly upside down English)

[mickthemaverick]

Good video Alasdair but while he said there is no need to remove the inner wheel arch, I would have thought that refitting the belt would be much easier through that way than from the top, but that is just my opinion and I have no idea about how tricky removing the inner arch is although I tend to try and avoid interfering with ECU's if I can!!

[Old-Guy]

Mick, Thanks for searching for the alternator info but it doesn't help my particular problem.

Alasdair thanks for the link to the video but it stops at the point where it's all in bits!

I did find an illustrated How-To on 406coupecub.org site but it doesn't say how to set the tensioner correctly. The locking set-screw is in a slot, rather than a round hole, for good reason - but what?

[mickthemaverick]

I thought the belt info in that PDF had the length? As for the locking screw I would say going from that video that you need to loosen it until the chamfer allows the unit to slide anti clockwise and thus release the tension. Then, with the belt replaced, you lever the unit clockwise to apply the pressure and tighten the bolt when the chamfer is able to go back into its seat.

The red box contains info about the belt which I thought was referring to the length - 850/853 ?

Copied from Servicebox backup

[Old-Guy]

Sorry Mick, I was being dim - didn't see the relevance of Alternator. 850mm seemed awfully short. Had a look at GSF's website; that lists for "Citroen / XM / 3.0 (2946cc) / Petrol / 1999": two belts, Gates and Bosch, both 1623mm. Only the Bosch is available locally.

Having learnt the hard way, I always like to double check, especially if the car is a bit unusual. I know Xantia alternators are a minefield. I heard a whisper that ES9J4 might be either of two lengths, but perhaps that is a Peugeot - Citroen or even a Xantia - XM difference.

Looking at the job this morning, it actually looks easier than 1.9, 2.1, or 2.0i Xantias.

[xantia_v6]

In case you are still in doubt, there is no adjustment on the tensioner it is spring loaded and self-adjusting. Access is a little bit better on the XM than the Xantia.

You should also check that the crankshaft pulley/ harmonic damper is not delaminated, it is common at this age, it usually causes a squeal at startup.

[Stickyfinger]

.....................but it doesn't say how to set the tension correctly. The locking set-screw is in a slot, rather than a round hole, for good reason - but what?

Spring tension....sets the tension itself.

Prevents it slipping out....

As for the wheel arch liner........some screws and plastic poppers
.............yeh, removing it does make it a little easier....as does TWO sets of hands to hold the belt on the crank pulley whilst you re-thread it..

[Old-Guy]

Thanks for the reassurance chaps. I hear what you're saying Alasdair. So the curved slot makes it possible to fit the locking set-screw with no compression of the spring and then one has to apply considerable pressure to rotate the bracket fully clockwise to set the pre-load on the spring.

I can see that a second pair of hands holding the belt in place at the bottom would be a help, but I only have one pair. I find a some offcuts of elastic cord helpful when fitting belts (amongst other jobs) - aided by a sotto voce litany of appropriate curses.

Had to do the Subaru belt, idlers and tensioners earlier this year. Tensioner only listed as complete assembly - but N/A in Europe; had remove it to read the bearing number, then re-fit it to be able to drive to get a new bearing (bearing stockist). Changing the bearing was relatively easy, just a little ingenuity required. Being a north-south flat-four, the Subaru's radiator is right in front of the belt, just waiting for your hand to slip...

[CitroXm]

Hello, I have a leaking HP pump on an ES9J4 XM.
Today i removed the pump, opened it.
Am i missing parts?

Also, can't find an replacement seal set ;/

[xantia_v6]

Not sure if the attachment helps at all but the picture looks self explainable

I would recommend that you get Viton o-rings with cross section 0.1mm larger than the HDPE originals (available on ebay).

[CitroXm]

The pump on the ES9J4 is different..
Lists as 4007Q9.

I need a full set of seals etc.

[Huskyxantia]

When I did my pump I just purchased a set of different sizes off Ebay, they did the job , I started my old zx the other week it ran fine no leaks , I renewed mine over 7 yr ago , all good , my pump is a lucas so I was able to do it in place.

[furriegurrie]

Think you are talking different pumps. Hydraulic vs diesel…

I don’t think you’ll find a kit of seals for the hydraulic pump of the Xm with an ES9 engine unfortunately. You’ll have to source the ones you need individually. And as mentioned you’re best of replacing with viton o-rings.