Heavy steering (sometimes)

This is the Forum for all your Citroen Technical Questions, Problems or Advice.

Moderator: RichardW

Post Reply
randomx
Posts: 17
Joined: 04 Dec 2002, 02:24
Location: Ireland
My Cars:

Heavy steering (sometimes)

Post by randomx »

Guys,
Can you help, my Xantia 1.9td seems to have developed a heavy steering over the last week. Not always but mainly when driving and I go into a bend it seems very stiff. When stopped the problem does not seem to be there. i wonder if anybody could help me on this one ?
michael
alan s
RIP 2010
Posts: 2542
Joined: 26 Jan 2001, 15:53
Location: Australia
My Cars:
x 6

Post by alan s »

Michael,
When was the last time you had your LHM changed & filters cleaned?
It can be caused through this, in which case drain the LHM, clean filters, run Hydraflush in the system for 3000 - 5000 klms and then refill with fresh LHM after again cleaning the filters & tank.
Other causes can be faulty flow diverter or pinion seals requiring renewing, however if the LHM is grotty & overdue for a change, the Hydraflush should do the job.
Check this link & it will give you an idea of how it should look.
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/snippets/lhm_story.htm
Alan S
randomx
Posts: 17
Joined: 04 Dec 2002, 02:24
Location: Ireland
My Cars:

Post by randomx »

Alan
Does the car perform the same when the hydraflush, ie. is it safe to drive as normal.
Regards Mike.
Michael,
When was the last time you had your LHM changed & filters cleaned?
It can be caused through this, in which case drain the LHM, clean filters, run Hydraflush in the system for 3000 - 5000 klms and then refill with fresh LHM after again cleaning the filters & tank.
Other causes can be faulty flow diverter or pinion seals requiring renewing, however if the LHM is grotty & overdue for a change, the Hydraflush should do the job.
Check this link & it will give you an idea of how it should look.
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/snippets/lhm_story.htm
Alan S

[/quote]
michael
alan s
RIP 2010
Posts: 2542
Joined: 26 Jan 2001, 15:53
Location: Australia
My Cars:
x 6

Post by alan s »

Normally I've often heard it said, the car seems to ride better, steer better and brake better with the hydraflush in it. So much so, you've often got a job convincing them that they have to go back to LHM.
The downside to it is that it is thinner and it has cleaning properties in it, hence it can make leaks look bigger than they did on LHM. It's quite OK to use and is in fact recommended by Citroen as a part of routine service.
Alan S
mbunting
Posts: 712
Joined: 21 Dec 2001, 15:19
Location: United Kingdom
My Cars:

Post by mbunting »

When I changed my hydraulic pump, I didn't bother using hydraflush, as the 20 litres of LHM put into it over a month would have done it nicely thankyou <img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>
However, after I first got the car, I was having the same symptoms, and these vanished after the first LHM change.
Mat.
brownsnout1088
Posts: 1
Joined: 20 Dec 2002, 01:01
Location:
My Cars:

Post by brownsnout1088 »

try inflating your tyres more.
no, i havent got a clue. but i only just joined and felt left out.
my steering does go heavy tho when i have low air pressure.
jmd
Posts: 398
Joined: 18 Feb 2001, 06:18
Location: Ireland
My Cars:
x 1

Post by jmd »

Living on the same Island as Michael I can comment from experience, as I had the same problem with my Xantia 1.9Td last winter.The problem worsens during frost, and cold weather (such as we have been having).Although my LHM was changed 25K miles previously. Change of LHM fluid,and cleaning the filters cured the problem. Sorry I did'nt use Hydroflush at the time,although my problem was solved by theLHM change. Do the job yourself,then you will know that the filters are cleaned properly.The previous correspondent has a good point about tyre pressure,but LHM change is the answer.If you are near Dublin Michael, you can get Hydroflush in the Andyspares shop check beforehand GFS 01/4606062.If you are not in Dublin they will send it to you.
Edited by - jmd on 20 Dec 2002 01:28:05
Post Reply