xantia suspension components

j_roc · Unread post by **j_roc** » 03 May 2005, 00:12

Can annyone tell me what should be changed on my 1993 xantia 1.9td as i dont know when spheres etc etc were changed last (never i think) and i dont know whats a good citroen ride and whats not, as this is the first citroen i have owned and driven - it does have a towbar on the back and there is a little tail-end sag [:(]

citronut · Unread post by **citronut** » 03 May 2005, 00:37

think of this rolls royce use citroen hydraulics so that is what the ride should be like regards malcolm

Homer · Unread post by **Homer** » 03 May 2005, 01:34

Read around the forums and you'll find out how to test the spheres by pressing on each corner of the car.
Basically if you do the same thing you would to test shock absorbers on any other car (bounce each corner) you are looking for a little bounce. Anything rock solid is a completely blown shpere. Test with the engine running.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 03 May 2005, 01:39

j-r :
Even the special hydropneumatic Citroen suspension basically works the same way as any other car suspension : providing a soft ride.
With engine running (and thus the hydraulic pump) have the suspension setting to normal.
Time the interval between the characteristic Citroen hydraulic clicks. Should be at least 30 seconds. If shorter (faster ticking) - the accumulator sphere (located on engine) needs replacing.
Now try press down each corner on car.
It should feel soft. Approx 2" front - approx 3" rear. If one (or more) corner(s) feels like only the tyre rubber is giving a bit of softness - you know that BOTH suspension spheres on that END of car needs replacing.
Spheres are affordable at some £20 ea.
No big drama to DIY replace.
Try Citaerobics. Then you should consider a LHM fluid service

mpr1956 · Unread post by **mpr1956** » 03 May 2005, 02:49

hi there... before you spend any money, see if you can get a ride in a properly set-up xantia ( I'm in chippenham, wilts btw) and take it from there. A xantia ride should be worlds away from most other cars on almost any road -what car did you have before?

j_roc · Unread post by **j_roc** » 03 May 2005, 03:51

The car I had before was a Ford Orion ghia 1600i, the Xantia seems a more comfortable ride than the Orion, but then the Orion was a more sportier machine than the Citroen. Thats why I was asking as the suspension seems a little soft and wallowing (dont want to upset annyone here). As I have heared that you can have the spheres re-gassed, but I would prefer shiny new components.

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 03 May 2005, 06:19

Thought the Orion (i.e. Escrot) did'nt had any suspension at all ?
If you like that kind of ride - you've got the wrong car now mate [8D]

j_roc · Unread post by **j_roc** » 03 May 2005, 06:31

Now now children no arguing. I thought the orion was a good car (for a ford), just think about the VW Jetta or even the Vauxhall Belmont - a truly hatefull car. I was simply expressing on what i thought was a good ride and a reliable car, if this Citroen continues to misbehave i wont bother with another one, i will just buy another Orion - it was more reliable in 8 yrs of hard abuse that the Xantia has been in 7 weeks of love, care and attention [:(!]

AndersDK · Unread post by **AndersDK** » 03 May 2005, 08:04

Honestly jr -
The Xantia and the sportive Orion Ghia are very far from each other. It's wrong to say the one is better than the other - it's 2 different worlds of driving.
I'd even say you have found something like the opposite of an Orion with the Xantia.
If you're not satisfied with the Orion drive - stick a set of proven shockers on - and mostly you would be in then.
You can not do that with the Xantia. The hydraulic suspension is far more complicated and sensitive to tinker with.

peter1138 · Unread post by **peter1138** » 03 May 2005, 14:05

Hmm, my Xantia passes the acculumator and corner-push test, but still seems to pass the bumps through. I've done the Citaerobics and the LHM is fresh (after the front anti sink valve leaked [:(!])
Basically it feels pretty much like my ZX did.

peter1138 · Unread post by **peter1138** » 03 May 2005, 23:00

Hmm, just did a quick check... only seems to be about 1" to 1 1/2" movement on both front and rear :/

mpr1956 · Unread post by **mpr1956** » 04 May 2005, 03:27

Hi again, I think most people think that the hydraulic cits are soft and wallowy at first, but after a while the same people start to appreciate just how safe and sure-footed the handling is..even without ABS. These cars are incredibly forgiving when braking in corners or in the wet... You would have to be very clumsy to "lose it" . But I couldn't give anyone a good reason for buying one, I just like having something a little different. As for reliability, I've never had a hydraulic cit give me major problems so far ( crossing my fingers now!!)