Xantia Hydraulic Pipe Seals

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 06 Feb 2006, 21:45

GSF (Derby Branch) say they don't stock the seals for our hydraulic pipe fittings.

I'm in the process of changing my rear height corrector on my TurboD Xantia. It looks like I will haveto order a bag of 100 seals (min order quantity) from my local Citroen main dealer.

Don't worry, at approx 6 or 7 pence each, it will only cost me around 8 quid or so. I'll haveto stay in for the rest of the month to make up for the extravagant expense.

Cheers,

Kev

steviewonder7 · Unread post by **steviewonder7** » 06 Feb 2006, 21:56

I'm suprised that gsf branch doesnt sell/stock the pipe seals as I've always managed to buy the seals form gsf...no problem at all

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 06 Feb 2006, 22:37

Try their mail order dept on their website, just type 'GSF' and select from their parts list.

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 07 Feb 2006, 20:46

I went to the local Citroen main dealer. He had a few seals on the shelf.

79 pence each plus vat. I took 10 off him for just over 9 quid.

I've replaced my rear height corrector.

There were three hydraulic pipe unions and one push fit low pressure pipe.

The low pressure pipe was clear plastic but there was a short length of black rubber pipe linking it to the corrector.

I pulled the black pipe off the corrector to remove the unit but the end had expanded so wasn't a very tight fit when I put it back onto the new corrector. So, I cut a short length of diesel injector spill pipe and used that instead.

Do you think diesel injector spill pipe will be ok with the LHM ? Or, should I get a length of new LHM proof pipe ?

Another Question - GSF online catalogue lists 3 sizes of pipe seal 3.5 mm, 4.5 mm and 6.35 mm. Does anyone know which size should be used on the height correctors. Citroen said they only list two sizes, a big one and a small one. They sold me 10 small ones. 3 are now used on my new corrector and no sign of leaks.

Cheers,

Kev

Mandrake · Unread post by **Mandrake** » 07 Feb 2006, 21:25

KevMayer wrote:Another Question - GSF online catalogue lists 3 sizes of pipe seal 3.5 mm, 4.5 mm and 6.35 mm. Does anyone know which size should be used on the height correctors. Citroen said they only list two sizes, a big one and a small one. They sold me 10 small ones. 3 are now used on my new corrector and no sign of leaks.

Cheers,

Kev

A height corrector should be the smallest size - 3.5mm. It's easy to mix up the 3.5mm and 4.5mm ones unless you have both sizes on hand to compare them.

The best way to test them is push the seal onto the end of the pipe - it should be a snug fit. If it's loose, its the wrong one. I accidentally fitted one 4.5mm one, and two 3.5mm ones on a height corrector recently and the 4.5mm started weeping slightly, and it wasn't until I took it out again I realised my mistake...

Regards,
Simon

KevMayer · Unread post by **KevMayer** » 07 Feb 2006, 21:59

Thanks Simon.

I've just been to check.

The bore diameter on the ones Citroen sold me look to be approx 4.5 mm.

The bore of the ones I took off seem to be smaller at around 3.5 mm.

Bugger. I've fitted the wrong ones.

I fitted the height corrector about 2 hours ago. I've done a few rounds of citaerobics and taken it for a test drive. I've checked for leaks and it looks ok for now.

I'll get some 3.5 mm seals and change them for peace of mind.

The 4.5 mm seals were a good fit in the holes and weren't too bad a fit over the pipe ends so, should I risk it... ? I could keep checking every now and again for signs of weeping LHM.

I they fail, I should only get a slow leak which I'd be able to sort out. But, I do like things to be right.

Where's that beer.

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 08 Feb 2006, 10:34

Hi all..
just reading this post..
My Xantia failed its MOT on a leaking rear corrector but I have had no time to check where the leak is...

would i be advised to buy a handful of 3.5 mm seals from GSF anyway?

I didnt realise there were seals on these pipes? what do they look like etc?

Also, I am very slightly concerned that the leak may be from something more serious, like a diaphragm in the corrector.. is it possible to buy a kit to fix this problem, if it is indeed the case?

Many thanks
John

bxbodger · Unread post by **bxbodger** » 08 Feb 2006, 14:43

I didnt realise there were seals on these pipes? what do they look like etc?

They are just a short bit of black rubber with a green line down them-very nondescript!!

You just push them over the end of the pipe down to the pip before you insert the pipe into the corrector or whatever- where as soon as the system pressurises the seal swells up under pressure, and, well, seals!!!They usually only leak if the joints been overtightened- its the hydraulic pressure that makes the seal, not the tightening of the joint, and you only need a light touch to do up any hydraulic joint.

You quite often pull the pipe out and the seal stays put, in which case you need to winkle it out with a pin.

Its always bugged me that they don't automatically come with a new bit of pipe or hydraulic component!!

jgra1 · Unread post by **jgra1** » 08 Feb 2006, 19:37

I had a look underneath, 99% it is the diaphragm in the corrector...

can anyone tell me if i can buy this on its own?

John

ps brougt the pipe seals anyway, but all pipes look dry...

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