Please help: rear suspension

[acano2403]

Hi, went out to the car this morning and noticed that the rear ride height was low, didnt pay much attention as it was pretty darkand wet, and thought that it would sort itself out when i started to drive the car.
1st problem the height of the rear stayed where it was, thats when I thought better drive it back into parking space OH s**t no brakes until i jumped on them.
What could the problem be?


Oh forgot to mention its been ticking like mad over the last day or so from the front pulley what looks like sum kind of pump

PS Its a Xantia 1.8 pertol 8 valve 1996 Estate

[Peter.N.]

Sounds as though your hydraulic fluid level is low, and/or the pump drive belt is slipping. If the fluid level is OK the ticking could be due to the need for a new accumulator sphere.

[acano2403]

Thanks for the quick reply checked the fuid and belt they seem fine. Would it be the accumulator sphere as you say even when the front works fine (going up an down when lever is moved) and also would the brakes be affected by the accumulator sphere failing?

[Peter.N.]

There is apparantly a plastic clip that links the rear anti roll bar to the height corrector (I say apparently because the XM doesn't have one, so I havn't seen it) these break or become detached because the linkage siezes up. You could check this and lubricate the linkage with several applications of WD40 over a few days, this should free it up, once it is reconnected.

[acano2403]

cheers I'll try that

[Ross]

Car Mechanic magazine did a good series on the Xantia over six back issues costind about three pounds each - available to buy on line - mine is the diesel but all the suspension, spheres, rear bearings, height adjuster etc are included - you may want to have a look - I thought it was money well spent