Xantia heater matrix - how much? & Sticky suspension

psmith · Post by **psmith** » 22 Jan 2006, 16:54

Hello all

I'm pretty sure that the heater matrix on my 95 Xantia TD needs replacing and having looked what's involved I don't fancy the job myself.

Can anyone let me know how much should I expect to pay to have this done?

Also the rear of the car seems to be high and doesn't sink down when parked (I'm sure it used to when my father had it but I may be mistaken) and seems a bit "bouncy" when driving.

When I change the height using the lever next to the handbrake the rear sometimes doesn't respond and just stays where it is, I have to put it to the extremes of its travel 2 or 3 times before it moves. Any suggestions?

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 22 Jan 2006, 17:04

heater matrix is about 2.5 to 3 days work, the rear susp sounds like the linkage needs greesing and or you rear spheres need replacing
regards malcolm

stevenlizuk · Post by **stevenlizuk** » 22 Jan 2006, 18:58

As far as I am aware it's a dash out job, which means at least a day's labour in any garage.

My matrix was leaking very slightly but a dose of Radweld put it right again.

Cheers

Steve

Stewart(oily) · Post by **Stewart(oily)** » 22 Jan 2006, 19:41

If you are going to try a sealer try one made by TRUST automotive. a little dearer but said to be very effective without blocking up the passages. My matrix is partially blocked from the use of radweld by a previous owner and the heater is tepid.
Stewart

Post by **RichardW** » 22 Jan 2006, 20:51

Forte radiator sealer is also good on Xantia matrices. They claim it will not block the passages - and certainly on mine it sealed the leak (for 20k miles at least) and no reduction in heater output. Mind you, at £14 a bottle, it's half the price of a new matrix.

Having a matrix fitted in a 95 car will cost more (probably a lot) more than the car is worth!

psmith · Post by **psmith** » 22 Jan 2006, 21:03

Thanks for the replies.

I figured it was at least an an all day job and would cost more than the car is worth. I'll give a sealant a try and maybe get the system flushed.

If that doesn't work I'll only drive it in warm, dry weather!

Cheers
Paul

Post by **CitroJim** » 22 Jan 2006, 22:11

psmith wrote:Thanks for the replies.

If that doesn't work I'll only drive it in warm, dry weather!

Cheers
Paul

In that case then, chop off the roof and have an utterly unique Xantia Decap!!!!

Clogzz · Post by **Clogzz** » 23 Jan 2006, 14:04

psmith wrote:If that doesn't work I'll only drive it in warm, dry weather!

Unfortunately, that won't make any difference because on the Xantia there is no tap or valve in the heater hoses, and all the water always flows through the matrix, irrespective of temperature setting.

ACTIVE8 · Post by **ACTIVE8** » 23 Jan 2006, 15:29

citronut wrote:heater matrix is about 2.5 to 3 days work, the rear susp sounds like the linkage needs greesing and or you rear spheres need replacing
regards malcolm

Well the one thing with the heaters on cars currently that is certainly a pain in the a**e, and the wallet is the location of the heater matrix. In the past if you think of for example the Cortina, with the MK3 and MK4 variations they had a matrix that was easy to get to, and replace.

It was under the bonnet, and after taking off the hoses, and releasing the retaining screws it was slid out of the heater housing.

So now we have progress on many things on any make of car since then, but the burying of the matrix deep in the dash amongst many other components making it a difficult, and expensive job is not one of them.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 23 Jan 2006, 17:43

the reason they make cars like this now is so people wont bother to have them fixed ,because of the time and labour cost involved,the car makers dont wont them fixed
regards malcolm

Stewart(oily) · Post by **Stewart(oily)** » 23 Jan 2006, 17:46

Ahh I can remember changing a cortina matrix, about ten minutes I recall

I bought my ZX with the dash out ready for a new matrix, it took me about five hours to put it all back together again.
Stewart