C5 Estate, rear suspension drops when parked

[myglaren]

My theory... is that it was a leak at the rear suspension unit I'd expect to see a loss of fluid to the ground. Also the problem would be far more common as it would affect the saloons equally.

If it were the seals leaking more than they are designed to then the excess fluid would be collected by the gaiter and returned to the reservoir when the system was running again.

[Citroenmad]

My theory... is that it was a leak at the rear suspension unit I'd expect to see a loss of fluid to the ground. Also the problem would be far more common as it would affect the saloons equally.
Because of this I think that what ever valve the button opens to drop the rear is not sealing correctly thus allowing the fluid from the rear to return to the resevoir and causing the drop. The problem doesn't occur with the car running as it is constantly checking and adjusting the height and it is only when the car is switched off and this system of control is disabled that the drop occurs.

Not sure if she's 8 or 16v, haven't had a chance to have a look yet. All I've had time to do is put diesel in her and drive to work.

It has been know on C5 saloons and the saloon also has the same suspension set up as the estate, the rear can be raised and lowered independantly of the front via the Citroen software.

The leak back to the tank could well be internal, so no actual fluid loss.

[torq]

I had a feeling I'd be wrong with my theory so I guess I'll be under the car on staurday with the tools and a torch.

[hobblerian]

Had exactly the same trouble on a friends one. Turned out to be a small "pick up" of aluminium on the ram rod had cut through the seal. Seals are available from Citroen seperately, Ended up resealing it in situ as couldn't get pipes undone. Then stoned up the chrome rod etc., been fine since.

Edit- Oil was only visible on the outside gaitor after multiple citrobics