C5 X7 Hydraulics

[GiveMeABreak]

I found this whilst having a browse - one persons attempt at modifying the seal - I'm not endorsing the procedure, but interesting to see what others have to say about it. I think he makes his true feelings known almost at the end of the video (4:04)!

[Stickyfinger]

On the ground, it is lateral movement when the joint is loaded that needs checking (I am told) so a lever bar between the joint and the bottom arm should show if it is worn. Mine did



https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... ower+joint

Does a buggered FRIP joint like that affect the handling in any way?

It did not seem to, but I could hear it on 1/2 lock/low speed. It would if it collapsed totally I think.

[Paul-R]

Yes, I saw that video as well. I'm not entirely convinced though. That grease nipple looks very vulnerable to damage although I suppose that it is protected by the bottom arm, etc.

[Stickyfinger]

I would have put the nipple close to the edge under the bearing rather than under the pivot post/peg.
Yes, it looks easy to damage so why not close to the edge next to the arm bush ? might be better protected there.

Interesting modification but with a life of about 60k miles (guess) is it worth it with that type of joint which must have a limited life anyway?

[EDC5]

On the ground, it is lateral movement when the joint is loaded that needs checking (I am told) so a lever bar between the joint and the bottom arm should show if it is worn. Mine did



https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... ower+joint

Does a buggered FRIP joint like that affect the handling in any way?

It did not seem to, but I could hear it on 1/2 lock/low speed. It would if it collapsed totally I think.

Right, it seems that I have knackered FRIPs then, I get a knock too at low speeds..... as well as the creaking!

As I say the handling is solid, nothing untoward at all....

So I'll put them on the list to change.... along with most of the front suspension components....

[Filberton]

Before changing parts it may be worth switching into Sport Mode and seeing if the noise is less or disappears.

It worked for me and I later found an article on YouTube that explains that the Hydrsctive 3+ (no other) does not respond fast enough in comfort mode on bumps and is actually one wheel nominally leaving the ground and the hydraulics pushing it back down (you hear it not feel it as once one lifts the other stays firm.)

Of course, if running in sports mode makes no difference then drop link is the obvious (or strut bush/top mount.)

Worth a try as it is a no-cost test.

Mike

[EDC5]

Before changing parts it may be worth switching into Sport Mode and seeing if the noise is less or disappears.

It worked for me and I later found an article on YouTube that explains that the Hydrsctive 3+ (no other) does not respond fast enough in comfort mode on bumps and is actually one wheel nominally leaving the ground and the hydraulics pushing it back down (you hear it not feel it as once one lifts the other stays firm.)

Of course, if running in sports mode makes no difference then drop link is the obvious (or strut bush/top mount.)

Worth a try as it is a no-cost test.

Mike

The problem with the sports mode button is that it is no guarantee the car is actually in sports mode, it only lowers the threshold that the car will switch to sports mode.
I'm not sure if I can force it to sports mode through Lexia though.

[GiveMeABreak]

It’s worth a go as I can feel the difference immediately so know it’s in sport mode.

[gambler072]

Same here, I definitely can spot difference when in sport mode. For the banging noise in the front suspension, when I turn on the sport mode and go over a speedbump, there's no banging noise (apart from my head hitting the car's roof) no matter how fast I go over a speedbump, so I'm note sure what to do here. In next few days I'll visit a service for a detail suspension check.

[EDC5]

I must admit to not feeling the difference in normal driving, it helps a lot with lateral roll but I'm not usually doing such manoeuvres normally.
I have in fact observed the transition to “hard mode” happening by taking the car for a drive whilst recording the suspension parameters with lexia. Even in normal mode it will switch to hard mode based on the thresholds of X,Y and Z acceleration. By switching sport mode on when parked then driving over a speedbump it will still in fact be in soft mode.