Xantia 1999 2.0 HDi 90 Fluid leak behind left rear wheel

[moggsy]

Hi all,

My Xantia (phase 2 2.0 HDi 90, 1999, non hydractive, not activa, and left hand drive if that makes any difference) has sprung a leak. There is hydraulic fluid pooling behind the left rear wheel while it's parked. It's really hard to see where exactly it's coming from.

It looks like maybe a hydraulic hose gone, but it's pretty well hidden, above the axle maybe? She had all new spheres maybe a year ago and the main hydraulic loom/octopus was replaced with what I bet was one of the last OEM looms before they ran out!

Can anyone tell me where a leak in that position is likely to originate, and better still, which part I am likely to need? I don't mind buying multiple parts and using what I need, since all the hoses back there are the same age so if this one has gone, the others will too at some point!

I'll attach the photos my pal took of the surrounding area but I am not sure they are much help tbh. I am hoping one of you fellow Xantia fans will say "oh yeah, I had that, I know what that is"

Thanks in advance

[xantia_v6]

There are Y connecters in the LHM return lines above the subframe. The connectors are made of rubber and will have split.

To access them you need to loosen the 2 bolts holding the subframe and drop that side.

After-market connectors are available, but the quality varies. They are colour coded for the tube diameters.

[xantia_v6]

Part 8 is 5280E2 (red)
Part 9 is 528087 (blue)

This photo is hydractive subframe, but the arrows point to the connectors.

[Stickyfinger]

....

[Stickyfinger]

viewtopic.php?t=73544

You will need a pair of Axle stands. Chock the fronts well and get the back up as high as you can for best access.


This may sound like more work but the best access/vision you can get will save you LOADS of time.....

Once it is on stands......apply degreaser (or brake cleaner), apply loads and hose off/dry as best you can, start car for a few mins, press brake, go to high and medium heights, shut down (so you can spot the leak source)

By dropping both the front and rear of the subframe you strain the subframe bushes less (they are NFP now) , you also get really good access.
ALWAYS UNCLIP the pipes from the body to the subframe, remove the last pipe cover and un-clip the pipes so they are loose. The last thing you need is a cracked high pressure pipe !

I would advise to very carefully inspect the rubber pipes that are also on top of the subframe (look close and handle with care) as these will also (most likely be) be brittle and may have cracked where they join the hard return lines. (Which may be a reason for the leak you have)