front suspension not working

smiffy47 · Post by **smiffy47** » 15 Dec 2002, 17:48

My front supsension is rock solid. The rear works OK. I noticed the LHM fluid was way down & there was a warning light on. Couldn't get any LHM (it's a Sunday) and noticed on this forum that someone used motor oil instead as a quick fix, so I put some of that in but to no effect. Any ideas as to what could be wrong. I'm not much of a mechanic, actually I'm no sort of mechanic, so don't fancy doing anything drastic myself.
The car drives, but very bumpily. Is the car safe to drive? I'm in Derby and have to get back home to London!

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 15 Dec 2002, 19:15

It sounds like the linkage to the front height corrector has come loose or broke, it may just be the plastic ball link that has poped off, common on Xantia's though more so on the rear.
Has the front end raised up more than normal, if not it may just be a sphere failure.
With the front suspension solid it is definately not safe to drive, on a bumpy surface in a bend it could bounce accross the road, and hitting a pothole could shove a strutt up through the bonnet.
Hope you are in a breakdown club.
Dave

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 15 Dec 2002, 19:31

If the hydraulic fluid level suddenly fell when the stop light first appeared, as Dave says, it could point to a blown sphere. You're right about using engine oil in an emergency, providing it's fairly thin. When you finally get your problem sorted, it would be as well to get the system drained and flushed.

smiffy47 · Post by **smiffy47** » 18 Dec 2002, 01:21

Thanks for the replies. Yes, the suspension is raised up more than normal. AA ride home. Looks like I've work to do. No doubt I'll find the info on this forum.