X7 disgraces itself with LDS leak AGAIN

[Paul-R]

Managed to get the suspension up a bit by following the procedure for longer than before. I had three 1l bottles of LDS and it swallowed them all so I had to order some more! Another 1-1/2 litres has brought the level up so that it can just be seen and I gave it some exercise on the spot. I'm leaving it until tomorrow to let the froth dissipate and maybe another round of exercise before calling it fixed.

What is the actual capacity of the system for X7s with wet suspension?

[cit-rotti]

Should I try to pressurise the LDS reservoir a bit as well?

If there really was a shortage of approx. 3 litres of LDS, then it can be assumed that the pump is not priming and an overpressure of 0.5 bar must be applied to the tank.
Greetings Wolfgang

[Paul-R]

Thanks Wolfgang but if you read my post immediately above you will see that I managed to get the system to bleed eventually.

[Paul-R]

I haven't used the X7 until today and when I got to my destination, fortunately only 5 or 6 miles away, this is what I found when we came out later.

We managed to get home and when I jacked the car up this is what I found.

It looks like new strut time for me I think. What is the part number for the left hand side strut? What else should I be thinking of changing as well, if anything?

I had a very quick look at the RH side but that's dry. I'm not over keen on replacing that at the same time but maybe part number and price for that as well would be wise.

[mickthemaverick]

Personally Paul I would bite the bullet and replace them as a pair, apart from the normal obvious advantages of replacing running gear in pairs, it will only mean one lot of depressurising, refilling etc etc and probably bring a better result with balanced struts anyway. Good luck whichever path you choose

[Stickyfinger]

for info: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5RSVtxIFdA

Some other material from the same chap; https://www.youtube.com/@rustoil/videos

[MattBLancs]

Not disputing the good advice on here, more curiosity getting the better of me!

If the sphere is both the "spring" and by virtue of the diameter of the hole on its inlet the "damper" the strut is basically a hydraulic ram - on that basis is there any real need to change them in pairs? (Beyond the "only 1 depressurisation" advantage mentioned above)

[MattBLancs]

P.s. sorry to hear your C5 has become incontinent again so soon after last episode!

[Rp0thejester]

Good question Matt, is it possible that replacement parts are of different tolerance when it comes to spheres and dampeners/struts?

[mickthemaverick]

It's certainly possible Ryan, but I would think that if parts are made to OEM standard then they should be made with the same tolerances across all pieces. My point about replacing both is really aimed at the fact that unless the two sides of the car have led radically different lives then it is reasonable to suggest that both will be in a similar state of wear and hence replacing only one with the procedure and LDS consumption involved may prove uneconomic if the second one fails a couple of months down the road!! Very much a subjective view but one that I thought I'd share

[Rp0thejester]

Oh I'd agree, if gunna do one might as well do two whilst the tools are out

[cit-rotti]

Not disputing the good advice on here, more curiosity getting the better of me!

If the sphere is both the "spring" and by virtue of the diameter of the hole on its inlet the "damper" the strut is basically a hydraulic ram - on that basis is there any real need to change them in pairs? (Beyond the "only 1 depressurisation" advantage mentioned above)

Marc can tell you the exact part number - you will need the chassis number.
I have never replaced the hydraulic cylinders in pairs - always just the defective one - and the spring cylinder that was not replaced did not break even after many years.
Greetings Wolfgang

[mickthemaverick]

Taking Wolfgang's experience on board I think my course of action would be to replace both and then sell the good one as a working spare!!

[Paul-R]

Marc @GiveMeABreak do you have the part numbers and prices (ho ho) please?

I'll look at the YouTube videos when I have a moment free. Is there a guide to removal and replacement here already?

[KennyW]

Paul

Front left 5271 L5, Front Right 5271 L6 prices start from £250 upwards for new. I got mine from Neat brothers original Citroen part but there are Chinese copies now appearing, no idea on quality. The Rust and Oil you tube video is an interesting watch but he hasn't made a rebuild video yet.

Kenny