Xantia Front Suspension

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 08:58

I've just had new spheres all round, fluid change and rear HCU changed.

The front suspension was feeling as if it had gone firm. Having had them changed two weeks ago it didn't feel as significant improvement as previous change had done. Was out last night and was feeling every cats-eye etc.

Could this be that the replacement spheres are suspect or should I be looking elsewhere?

P.S. Update from previous post: - New clutch plate fitted and operation significantly lighter, just didn't appreciate the gradual increase in pressure req'd upto failure. Thanks to all.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 02 Mar 2007, 09:21

Is it a hydractive model? If it is it is, it is a firm bet that the front Hydractive Electrovalve is misbehaving.

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 09:27

It's not hydractive - just got the Accumulator, Rear Antisink and four suspension spheres.

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 02 Mar 2007, 09:34

Are they definitely the right spheres?

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 09:38

I took it over to Westroen at Manchester, so I assume so.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 02 Mar 2007, 11:26

Sounds possibly as though they have fitted hydractive spheres in error - that will make it hard!

Xaccers · Unread post by **Xaccers** » 02 Mar 2007, 11:34

Can you see any numbers on the spheres?

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 11:45

Unfortunately wife has the car today and not back until 14:00 at earliest. I'd already wondered if there was any markings to be able to confirm suitability.

I'll let you know soon as she's back.

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 15:22

There is 55 stamped on one of the spheres, just can't see what's on other one. Another symptom is it possibly gets firmer into journey.

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 15:23

There is 55 stamped on one of the spheres, just can't see what's on other one but assume it's the same. Another symptom is it possibly gets firmer into journey.

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 02 Mar 2007, 16:10

Is it riding at the correct height - or has it dropped? If it has it could be that the front height corrector is partially seized - and a good lube may help.

You may find an improvement (temporarily) if you raise the car then return it to the correct height thereby stretching it as it were.

I trust you have done Citroebics thoroughly (raising and lowering the car fully a number of times to circulate the LHM and carry the air from the system?

Usual health warning - The car can kill you if its not properly supported before you get underneath - particularly if playing with the height corrector. There must be enough room for you if the car descends.

Malcolm · Unread post by **Malcolm** » 02 Mar 2007, 16:24

Ride height may be a little high at front. I'll have to have a look at front HCU. I'll have another go at Citrobics first.
Thanks for the health warning - always a good reminder. Will get her up on ramps to be on safe side as I did playing with rear HCU linkage.
Any clues as to front HCU location please.

jeremy · Unread post by **jeremy** » 02 Mar 2007, 17:16

No but it connects to the anti-roll bar either directly or indirectly with a plastic link.

I use things like spray grease and paintbrushes on my BX to get oil and grease into awkward places. Oil may be best first time on the Xantia one as I believe its a rather more substantial setup than a BX and has some bearings in it - so oil may penetrate and loosen everything up while grease may sit on the surface. Follow up with grease after its all moving and the problem is solved.