[Xantia] Actuator sound

[Darko]

Hi,

my tailgate lock servo (actuator) was (and still is) VERY noisy - people hear from hundred meters that I'm coming .
Few months ago I changed it (got another one from scrapyard) and it didn't really help - only the "pitch" is now higher. Here is a recording... To me it sounds like a cat is trapped in there and gets struck by a hammer every time I (un)lock the car.

Does anyone have an idea what is the problem?

Thanks,
Darko 8)

[mezuk04]

You Are Not Aloneee......I have/had the exact same sound of my Xantia which still remains the same till this day, but that is because I just accepted it....and the fact I havent got a clue what to do.

At least your not the only one, I think I should get top marks for a very technical answer

[nurkov]

Ive got absolutly the same it's very noisy and I really don't care

[Mandrake]

Sorry bud, that sounds perfectly normal to me!!

Our 1993 and 1994 Xantia's both have "noisy" central locking actuators in the boot that sound just like that.

Interestingly my 1997 one sounds a bit different and a bit quieter but its still not what I'd call quiet. (They might have changed the type of actuator in the later models based on the different sound it makes I'd guess..)

Don't lose any sleep over it...

Regards,
Simon

[KP]

Can you not take it apart and give it loads of lubing up with some grease as that sounds like its dry more than anything. ours certainly arent taht noisy lol

[AndersDK]

The wiring for the CL motors are not exactly up to the job. Its a very thin gauge wiring used. The slightest corrosion over time in crimped conector pins - and you will have a considerable voltage loss. Hence the power to the lock motor may be too weak to make the motor do a proper shot.

Test the lock motor using wires connected direct to the battery poles. The motor should "fire" shortly if working properly.

[Darko]

I'm glad I'm not the only one (may sound a little bit egoistic, he he )

The strange thing is that other actuators sound just fine (well, not THAT strange considering it's a Citroen) 8)

Well, one thing less to worry about now

thanks,
Darko

[Clogzz]

Had that years ago, slow and noisy.
Squirted WD40 into the mechanism and it’s been quick and quiet since.
Probably hardened grease.

[wonderd]

had the same problem,just now i took the darn thing apart, greesed it up and it's all fine now.
just remember to open the servo using a flat screwdriver. you will need to use a bit force to 'break' apart the covers but be cerful not to break it or on of the components inside.

EDIT:
No, it's not all fine...after i installed it back into place that noise came back again although not so loud.
i got to the conclusion that the little engine itself is the problem, don't know how to fix that.

[deian]

i don't think it's 'normal', i reckon it's different to every car... mine sounds different, it's probably more annoying... it's just one god almighty loud click!

[TehAgent]

To me, that sounds like the gears inside slipping and very dry...

Over head phones it sounds like you just ran over a chicken.

Unfortunately, i haven't had the pleasure of dealing with something like that, so can not offer any assistance.