Ride height

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 21 Dec 2007, 21:11

Hello folks,
I've been having problems with the ride height on my xantia 95 1.9TD. The front has been stuck in the top position for a while now, (bit embarrassing to say the least.) I went under to have a look and couldn't see anything out of place. The rods seamed to be in the right places.
Can the correctors get stuck internally? ie, a valve of some sort?
While I was there I gave it all a good spray with WD40, and gave the rear corrector a spray too. Thing is, it didn't help the front and now the back end is in the top position too...
Have I done some damage with the WD40? or is this just shear coincidence?
Any Ideas what is wrong with my correctors? And what should I try next?

Thanks in advance

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 21 Dec 2007, 21:58

Martin,

If you didn't have that car either on a hoist, a set of ramps, axle stands or over a pit, you're a very lucky boy to be here writing this message.

DO NOT EVER and I mean EVER get under a non supported hydraulic Citroen.

They can go from full height to totally collapsed in less than a second and you're DEAD!! This particularly applies to working around height correctors as these are the things that cause them to fall down on you.

The height is controlled via the hydraulics which are set via the height correctors which are a round cylindrical looking thing that is connected to a bracket on the sway bars via a linkage.
You'll find in your case that the arms have dropped off the height correctors and will require refitting.
It may even be worth your while to buy a couple of new ones (I think they're referred to as linkages) as I suspect both could be worn and spraying with WD may have simply freed one of them up and it has simply just popped out as a result.
Use the "search" function and try "Height Corrector linkages" or "H/C Linkages" and I think you'll find all info you need associated with repairing and refitting them, but before you start, get that bloody car supported securely or we'll be getting you a wreath for Christmas.

Alan S

slim123 · Post by **slim123** » 21 Dec 2007, 22:52

The rear height corrector is a bugger for doing this, the problem is that it all sits in the middle position for years, then you pop it on high and it wants to stay there, best possible cure is a new or recon height corrector.

Sometimes but not very often, a lot of WD40 and exercising the linkage will free it up, but putting a new plastic link on with a siezed cradle will only end up snapping the metal anti roll bar link, see pic.

Getting to the original problem of the front end, you could try the adjustment, but they dont realy go out of adjustment without someone playing with them, you may well find that you are in for a pair of height correctors.

As Alan says, dont go under the car without propping it with stands, These cars have been known to kill

Slim.

Martin Beevers · Post by **Martin Beevers** » 22 Dec 2007, 09:53

Cheers for the info lads.
You don't have to worry, I always use axle stands when getting under cars especially Xantia's.

Does anyone know where I can get good recon H/C Linkages?

I believe they will set me back a few quid new.

slim123 · Post by **slim123** » 22 Dec 2007, 10:54

Pleiades do re-con height correctors, phone 01487 831239 but they may be on the xmas break now????

Or Malcolm at M&C Lockwoods, 01274 640590, They of course may also be on the Xmas hols.

Slim.

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 22 Dec 2007, 11:41

The hydraulic bit is probably OK - but can be dismantled and cleaned - as for the rest - you may be able to free it up and get it working nicely with some patience.

In a commercial situation its not viable to spend time on it at trade labour rates - but your time is your own.

There are some details on here somewhere - I think the whole bit isn't enormously expensive (£70?) new - but if you've got to replace both you may think its a good way of spending your Xmas break..

Post by **CitroJim** » 23 Dec 2007, 13:48

jeremy wrote:but if you've got to replace both you may think its a good way of spending your Xmas break..

I'm doing my 2.1 TD Handbrake cables over Christmas, Boxing Day most likely

Beats vegetating in fromt of the telly any day!

I've very recently replaced the front height corrector on my Activa

What fun on a cold day!

Some tips: Make sure you have a really high quality 8mm flare nut spanner for the hydraulic unions as they will be TIGHT and they're a doddle to round-off. Find a good Hex one like the Elora one offered by JustOffBase tools.

Lie on something warm under the car and wear a hat unless you like having your hair drenched in LHM

On a more serious note, wear eye protection of some sort to guard against LHM getting in your eyes, or as nearly happened to me, I lost grip on LHM drenched pointed nosed pliers and they fell down like a sword of Damacles and speared me in the face too near one of my eyes for comfort .

You will find the hydraulic pipes will be very tight in the height corrector body due to the rubber seal holding them very fast. You need to gently "worry" the pipes out by wiggling them from side to side and up and down until they give up the fight. The pipes are very tough and thick and luckily it is very hard to accidentially damage them. You must use new rubbers on refitting. Just nip up the unions and don't over-tighten them even though they may have appeared to have been done up very tightly. If they weep, you can nip them up just a fraction more.

Finally, you'll find a plastic clip between one steel pipe and the plastic leakage return pipe. Even though it is fiddly, refit it as it helps hold the leakage return pipe in place.

Give the whole assembly a good dousing in spray grease. I like the Comma stuff. It's quite thin and stays where you put it.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 24 Dec 2007, 17:04

slim123 wrote:Pleiades do re-con height correctors, phone 01487 831239 but they may be on the xmas break now????

Or Malcolm at M&C Lockwoods, 01274 640590, They of course may also be on the Xmas hols.

Slim.

there is a post on CCC web site forum saying M&C Lockwood are packing up and passing there customer base over to GSF, i wonder what will become of all of the stock for the older citroens as im sure GSF wont want to sell it
regards malcolm

Post by **CitroJim** » 24 Dec 2007, 18:41

citronut wrote: I wonder what will become of all of the stock for the older citroens as im sure GSF wont want to sell it

I've often wondered what happens to the old stuff Malcolm. Be a shame to see it end up in a skip

I wonder if it is time we as a collective Citroen club thought about trying to buy it up and keep it safe. All we need is someone with a large, empty warehouse and a bit of time on their hands..

It seems to work for a lot of the clubs who specialise in old British cars.

How does it go for keeping DS and Traction spares available?