strut top update

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 05 Jul 2005, 17:37

Just a minor point, but the hydraulic pipes supplying the suspension look different to what I've got fitted to both of my Xantias. Both of mine have a steel pipe with some plastic protectors on them to stop chafing where as the pictured car has some big flexible rubber pipes.

john alexander · Post by **john alexander** » 05 Jul 2005, 18:34

citronut.hi do you have any pics of the top of the strut as I would like to see how it comes apart,do you just remove the top nut ,are there seals in there??? regards john.

Post by **RichardW** » 05 Jul 2005, 18:49

Pictured car must be a VSX with hydractive, which is why it has the fat pipes. Good job really, as otherwise that failure would have knackered the steel supply pipe that runs all across the back of the engine as well, and that is apparently a complete (-expletive removed-) to replace!!

James.UK · Post by **James.UK** » 05 Jul 2005, 20:26

Is it not possible to fabricate and weld-bolt on some sort of extra support to strenghen this entire area? 1/4 x 2 inch lenghs of iron bent to suit, for example? [8)] [:)] [?]
.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 05 Jul 2005, 23:24

dont think so as this has to be able to flex,if you look at my pics you will see the base and metal dome are ment to be moulded in rubber,rubber perishes then the metal rustes away then bongo regards malcolm

fastandfurryous · Post by **fastandfurryous** » 05 Jul 2005, 23:34

Saw a similar thing happen to a sierra many years ago when the driver hit a speed hump (the nasty bolt-on violent type) too fast. Both sides went straight through the bonnet. I remember thinking "a sierra. Oh well, no great loss then [:D]"

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 05 Jul 2005, 23:43

yes but with a (f ix o r r epair d aily)it was probably the inner wings rusted through regards malcolm

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 06 Jul 2005, 18:06

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by James.UK

Is it not possible to fabricate and weld-bolt on some sort of extra support to strenghen this entire area? 1/4 x 2 inch lenghs of iron bent to suit, for example? [8)] [:)] [?]
.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Seen photographs on an Australian site of 'irons bent to suit' bolted to the strut top mounting bolts and passing over the top nut to allow free movement.
Can't find that back yet.

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 06 Jul 2005, 18:13

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Clogzz

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by James.UK

Is it not possible to fabricate and weld-bolt on some sort of extra support to strenghen this entire area? 1/4 x 2 inch lenghs of iron bent to suit, for example? [8)] [:)] [?]
.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">Seen photographs on an Australian site of 'irons bent to suit' bolted to the strut top mounting bolts and passing over the top nut to allow free movement.
Can't find that back yet.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
It was Shane (Double Chevron) who did that. If you ask him I'm sure he'll dig it out for you.
A bit agricultural but looked as though they'd do the job.
Alan S

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 06 Jul 2005, 18:41

Found it.
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=13798

James.UK · Post by **James.UK** » 06 Jul 2005, 23:31

Looks the business to me. Nice one Shane. [:)] [^]
.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 06 Jul 2005, 23:48

what a palaver,why not just replace strut tops with new ones and do the job properly in the first place regards malcolm

richiesxantia · Post by **richiesxantia** » 07 Jul 2005, 13:33

Does anyone know if you can use hydractive strut tops (or struts) on a non-hydractive xantia?
I know the pipes are different sizes, and the spheres have different pressures but I can adapt the pipes and fit the old spheres...
Are there other insurnmountable differences? ie:
- differences in strut shaft to strut top mounting,
- other stuff
I have access to a hydractive car <80000 miles with good tops, but mine is non-hydractive

I just bought mine thie week (a real bargain I thought : turbo, taxed, tested and tidy with towbar for a tiny 150 quid) Shame I didn't see this site first! A great resource!
Anyone find just the tops for sale new cheaply?
Looks like GSF have whole struts for 140, or citroen sell the tops for <90 each...
Anyone found cheaper, or have experience finding them from scrappys?
Anyone want to swap some good hydractive tops for some non-hydractive ones?
cheers,
Richie
Aussie holidaying in wales on a miniscule budget...

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 07 Jul 2005, 13:58

there are 4 differant strut tops listed,cit say they must have RP No to determin which is the corect one for you car,i dont know what the differants is apart from non activ or activ or even activa apart from pipe size regards malcolm

richiesxantia · Post by **richiesxantia** » 07 Jul 2005, 14:33

Simple question from a new owner : where do I find the RP number on my Xantia?
cheers,
richie