C5 suspension grump

[myglaren]

Swapped batteries this morning to charge the one in the car as voltage was reduced due to the pump trying to lift the car and failing.
Charging the 'proper' one now.

While swapping the batteries it became clear where the leak was coming from, somewhere behind the engine on the offside, near the pump/reservoir. The pump tried to raise the car when I opened the door and started the engine to open the window.

It is also running down the sill and dripping off near the rear door.

When I had swapped batteries and went out to reset the BSI and lock the car it had raised to full height and was dripping away merrily.
It has now sunk back down at the rear.
No photo's of that as the camera battery was dying.

[GiveMeABreak]

That dripping to the rear could be as a result of it being higher at the front and running down periodically Steve. It definitely seems concentrated near and around the BHI. Once your mech. gets that wheel arch opened he'll no doubt be able to trace the source of the leak.

[GiveMeABreak]

Thought this might be helpful:

C5 I Supply Piping Rear

C5 I Supply Piping Front

C5 I Return Piping Rear

C5 I Return Piping Front

[myglaren]

Thanks Marc!
I am presuming a breach in pipe #1, image #2.

[white exec]

Rubber/plastic return pipes are the common suspect, especially where the leak isn't forceful.

[GiveMeABreak]

At least you'll have a visual reference when he gets under there.

[myglaren]

Some progress - managed to get it on a low-loader and transported to his garage and he has confirmed that it is indeed the long pipe from the pump to the rear suspension that has failed.
None available locally so on order, should be fixed next week.

I did mention to him the need to remove the LDS reservoir cap on the X7s and he was fully aware of it despite not being a Citroen specialist garage (Citroen trained though).

He is also fully aware of the battery replacement/BSI reset procedure. All good things to know.

[GiveMeABreak]

Excellent - as far as excellent can be in this situation Steve - I'm really pleased that it doesn't appear to be more serious. Sounds like he's read his procedures anyway!

[myglaren]

He does seem to know what he is doing and is a very decent person to deal with.

[lexi]

Has the pipe failed through fracture, rust, or a union? Let us know please Steve.

[myglaren]

I didn't ask him but will do as I am curious about that too.

[myglaren]

Just picked it up.
He did save the pipe for me but I forgot to take it with me.
It had corroded through under the retaining clips Not much to see but it sure did chuck the fluid out.

Anyone fiddling around in that area, it may help to fit some cushioning under the clips and perhaps apply some wax to the pipe.
The bill wasn't too horrendous, £290 which includes two pipes replaced, LDS - two lots - and a low loader transport from mine to the workshop.

[Hell Razor5543]

That isn't bad, and it means you have your self propelled armchair back!

[myglaren]

Yep.
The C3 wasn't bad but it isn't a C5.

[white exec]

. . . and perhaps apply some wax to the pipe.

Perhaps??? You mean this isn't done as a matter of course?
I despair at the number of photos I see of dry and rusting undersides, with owners then lamenting the disintegration of pipes, sills and body parts.
Apart from a carefully newly-acquired vehicle, this is all totally unnecessary, and - I would guess - often the result of sheer inaction and head-in-sand.
In the UK, if you don't protect it, IT WILL RUST.