Xantia failed MOT on leaking height corrector

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 30 May 2007, 23:42

Is there anything that's obvious inside to see/clean/repair/dismantle in situ
etc before I get a whole replacement and attempt to tackle the grotty
looking pipe nuts on the joints to the original?

It's most definitely leaking from the rigid end cap on the rear end of my VSX...

Andrew

Mandrake · Post by **Mandrake** » 31 May 2007, 04:04

Is it the rear height corrector ?

If so and its the end facing the back you can take the cover off in situ relatively easily... There is an outer dust jacket that comes off easily and then there is a tight fitting cup held on by the bolt/washer in the middle and a steel band around the outside, and presumably this cup is where it's leaking, although it seems like an unlikely thing to leak.

It goes without saying that you should depressurize the suspension first and have the car securely supported.

However have you checked the more obvious potential leaks first ? The low pressure return line with the rubber coupling is the most likely, and any oil leak somewhere where there is airflow is likely to splatter all over the place making it hard to determine where it came from...

Regards,
Simon

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 31 May 2007, 08:23

I got an 'advisory' on the MOT on my BX a couple of years ago - there was shiny grease on the rubber return pipe where I'd lubricated it with spray grease.

Post by **CitroJim** » 31 May 2007, 08:59

jeremy wrote:I got an 'advisory' on the MOT on my BX a couple of years ago - there was shiny grease on the rubber return pipe where I'd lubricated it with spray grease.

Same here for a tiny bit of LHM dampness on the flexi pipe between the pump and pressure regulator on my TD.

Sometimes I really have to wonder if MOT stations really understand our hydraulic Citroens as well as they should. I guess they equate LHM with brake fluid in a conventional car, where even the tiniest leak is a cause for concern.

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 31 May 2007, 11:03

Hi - thanks for the replies - sorry I didn't make it totally clear
- it IS the rear height corrector.

ALL pipes and return are bone dry. I watched the fluid dribbling from behind
the plastic end cap with the car parked on ramps on high with the engine OFF.
There are no external leaks that could be finding their way down to the
lowest drip off point on the black end cap.

Seems an odd spot to leak from? How is the end plastic cap fastened Simon?

Andrew

bernie · Post by **bernie** » 31 May 2007, 12:31

I've got a spare brand new one available

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 31 May 2007, 12:51

citrojim wrote:
jeremy wrote:I got an 'advisory' on the MOT on my BX a couple of years ago - there was shiny grease on the rubber return pipe where I'd lubricated it with spray grease.
Same here for a tiny bit of LHM dampness on the flexi pipe between the pump and pressure regulator on my TD.

Sometimes I really have to wonder if MOT stations really understand our hydraulic Citroens as well as they should. I guess they equate LHM with brake fluid in a conventional car, where even the tiniest leak is a cause for concern.

It's not just hydrolic citroens. My old driving instructor got his Micra MOT'd, and it failed because only one reverse light was working. He had to point out that as a small car it only had one reverse light!

nick · Post by **nick** » 31 May 2007, 13:00

I don't think reversing lights are covered by the MOT test anyway are they?

andmcit · Post by **andmcit** » 31 May 2007, 13:05

bernie wrote:I've got a spare brand new one available

That'd be handy Bernie - please pm me your price/details!

I'm not looking forward to messing with the pipes mind, that's why
I'm exploring options available first. These things usually start with
a height corrector and develop into a whole rear end re-pipe...

Andrew

Xaccers · Post by **Xaccers** » 31 May 2007, 13:05

nick wrote:I don't think reversing lights are covered by the MOT test anyway are they?

May have been rear fog lights.

bernie · Post by **bernie** » 31 May 2007, 21:32

andmcit wrote:
bernie wrote:I've got a spare brand new one available
That'd be handy Bernie - please pm me your price/details!

Andrew

pm sent

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 31 May 2007, 23:04

if it realy is th H/C leaking it will be a diagfram split,the rear rear one can be replaced in situe,prize the dust cover off and you will find an 8mm nut in the centre remove that then gently prize off the aluminium band around the outer edge of the diagfram,now pull the diagfram off fit a new one which are avalibleand refit ther other parts
regards malcolm

ps.
if the dealer says they dont do them ask them for a BX one (same thing on all hydraulic citroens

Mandrake · Post by **Mandrake** » 01 Jun 2007, 06:38

andmcit wrote:Seems an odd spot to leak from? How is the end plastic cap fastened Simon?

Yeah, seems like an uncommon problem. As malcolm says the diaphram on that end can be replaced in situ without removing any pipes, so I'd be trying that first if you think the flare nuts are going to round off...

If the diaphram can't be sourced on its own perhaps obtain another S/H height corrector and use it as a parts donor ? (Saves messing with the pipes and resetting the height!)

The outer plastic cap is just pressed on and can be levered off with a flat blade screwdriver...

Regards,
Simon