CitroJim's AX, C3 Picasso, Cycling and Running Tales

[myglaren]

Looks like you have got the bug again Jim

[Hell Razor5543]

Maybe you have been there before

Many times Neil

That old vice is a blacksmiths's vice and is one of the best tools I have

At least it is a vice you don't want to conceal from others!

[Skull]

You have took that in your stride Jim

Looks tidy enough in the arch of Zel's Activa but I had a nose on the MoT history - it's had 2 ball joints on that arm in 18K just wondering if they're prone to wearing out quicker on the ram side? Be nice to get it all renewed

[Hell Razor5543]

Jim, do you remember me mentioning an Activity Tracker that Lidl were doing for £20? Well, in the Sports mode there appear to be four options; walking, running, hiking and cycling. That might be useful for you. If you DO go into a Lidl for one (and if they have them) you have to ask them for it, as they keep them off the shop floor (small electronic items are a shoplifter magnet).

[CitroJim]

At least it is a vice you don't want to conceal from others!

Looks tidy enough in the arch of Zel's Activa but I had a nose on the MoT history - it's had 2 ball joints on that arm in 18K just wondering if they're prone to wearing out quicker on the ram side? Be nice to get it all renewed

In my experience they don't suffer any worse on that side and in my long history of owning all sorts of Xantias and 405s (which use the same joint) I've had very few fail on me... But then I'm such a gentle driver I believe one on that side was replaced because of a split boot when the hub was separated from the hub during wheel bearing changes and this latest one failed for an entirely different reason and was not worn in the usual way. having said that, the ones fitted that did fail may not have been top quality ones. Certainly the thread on the latest one wasn't good quality...

Jim, do you remember me mentioning an Activity Tracker that Lidl were doing for £20? Well, in the Sports mode there appear to be four options; walking, running, hiking and cycling. That might be useful for you.

That's an absolute bargain for such a device James I won't be as I constantly wear, except when working on cars, this device:

Garmin Forerunner 945

This one does absolutely everything, including navigation and playing music via Bluetooth headphones... It even acts as a watch!!!

It was a little dearer than the Lidl one and if you want to know how much I'd sit down before looking!

It's tough too... It survived the bike accident...

For the bike I have a different Garmin...

Garmin Edge 830

That one survived too

[white exec]

Hi Jim!
Just tremendous to see you looking fit and spannery - really is!

Just seen this, and thought of you...
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyl ... y-launched

[CitroJim]

Hi Jim!
Just tremendous to see you looking fit and spannery - really is!

Just seen this, and thought of you...
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyl ... y-launched

Thanks Chris And that's one heck of a cycle route... Would love to explore it

It's been a funny old day today.... Some success and a big embarrassment

The day started well and after a good (virtual, due to the wet) bike ride I set about fitting new bushes to the wishbone. The front one fitted beautifully...

New Front Bush

And so did the 'P' bush... Except despite consulting my 'template' (a scrap wishbone complete with bushes) I still managed to put the bush on the wrong way round

By the time I noticed my error it would not come off again and there was no hope of reusing it. I had to destructively remove it... Embarrassed or what...

Anyway, I then set about servicing Sally the Saxo as her reward for passing her MoT. Half way through the oil change the heavens opened After along wait for the storm to pass I finally got it done.

I did have one success today I noticed on Zel's Activa that the Hydractive electrovalves did not switch off after 30s of inactivity. This is a known problem and is responsible for a lot of flat batteries but can be missed if the car is used every day and it has a strong battery...

The usual cause is the little switch on the tailgate catch (hasp) assembly failing... And indeed that was exactly what the problem was... The cure is to simply disconnect the switch at its connector under the plastic boot sill trim.

Tailgate Hydractive Switch connector

Job done...

More soon but any further work this weekend is unlikely as I will be riding an 85 mile Cycle Sportive raising funds for my favourite charity - our local hospice

Have a great Bank holiday weekend all

[Hell Razor5543]

Jim, give Paul (citroenxm) a call (after consulting with Zel, of course). On Gracie this switch had failed, and the alarm could not be set without then going off. Paul had a replacement switch for a few quid, and that sorted out the problem nicely. However, if he does not have one might this do (it is for a Xantia estate)?

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-Xant ... SwfuddC18r

[Zelandeth]

I still reckon the best bit was when that nut fell off when we both simultaneously jumped about a foot backwards at the unexpected movement.

Just figured that in among the various items in the spares stash here about the only thing I didn't have was a ball joint, so we're waiting on arrival of one before we can start putting things back together.

I'm quite glad to see the car finally getting some attention, it definitely deserves it. I really do need to figure out something to do with the paint though, the clear coat peel is getting embarrassing!

Interesting to hear there was a reason behind the battery dying, probably also explains why even after the initial time it went flat that it would hold charge sometimes for a week and others be flat within a day or two. I do recall thinking that I could hear the electrovalves whining for a long time once a long while back but never gave it another thought. Guess when the car was in daily use it didn't have time to really manifest itself...and it was only when I started to use the car less that I suddenly found the battery to be unreliable.

Have to wonder if that's what killed the original as it did seem to go downhill very quickly...back in December 2018 though, so a bit far back to remember clearly!

[Chris570]

That would explain why my one's battery has been going flat lately!

So good to see you working on cars again! I miss it as well and love finding time to do it.

Will have to pop in and some point, I've got a spare set of wishbones if you get stuck.

Zel, not sure if you know but your Activa and mine are twins, and I've just had the sad news that mine needs a repipe. If you get the chance I'd strongly suggest getting underneath it and looking at the pipes and if they are still good then protect them!

[CitroJim]

Will have to pop in and some point, I've got a spare set of wishbones if you get stuck.

Chris, it would be absolutely brilliant to see you We need a good catch-up! And good thinking on the pipes... I'll take a good look whilst I'm underneath it

I still reckon the best bit was when that nut fell off when we both simultaneously jumped about a foot backwards at the unexpected movement.

I'm still giggling about it now Zel

On Gracie this switch had failed, and the alarm could not be set without then going off.

Thanks James

It's not such a problem on an S1 Activa as the switch only controls the Hydractive system. It's known to be notoriously unreliable I'm thinking the best long-term solution would be to re-engineer it using a microswitch or a reed switch...

[NewcastleFalcon]

Then it was necessary to remove the remains of the lower swivel... Miss 5ft. Breaker Bar please step forward

I thought there would be more to it than that breezy account of unbridled joy.... Was Miss oxy-acetylene not invited to the party !

Zels words from his blog....
" I've so far been most useful as ballast to hang off the far side of a vice while trying to unscrew a stubborn ball joint from the wishbone..."

Regards Neil

[CitroJim]

Was Miss oxy-acetylene not invited to the party !

Zels words from his blog....
" I've so far been most useful as ballast to hang off the far side of a vice while trying to unscrew a stubborn ball joint from the wishbone..."

Regards Neil

Without you and the way I was leaning on the breaker bar I'd have turned the bench through 90 degrees Zel

Miss Oxy is a bit like an automotive 999 Neil, only called in case of extreme emergency

Pix, our little Nissan Pixo/Suzuki Alto, has received a little TLC today She's had a full service and a Pre-MoT check...

Pix in service mode...

New front tyres and windscreen wiper blades are needed and she might need inner CV joint gaiters too. I notice both seem to be weeping grease from their small ends but the gaiters themselves don't appear to be split. Odd... Like the securing bands have become loose.

The MoT is not due until December as she's subject to the Covid 6 month extension but I'll get her done early as I don't liker MoTs in the depths of winter in case some heavy spanner work is needed for a pass... I also don't want her MoT too close to Sally's so I'll aim for early October.

Last MoT she got an advisory for cloudy headlight lenses. This time a sure fail they were so bad but a good polish with Brasso wadding brought them up a treat :D

Shiny!

Finally, she got a new battery as her old one, 11 years old and original, was on borrowed time The battery let Sian down a few weeks back and has behaved since but I note the off-charge voltage is a bit low. I had a new one waiting in the wings so thought it best to fit it now winter seems to be here...

never mind the quality, feel the volts...

Bet this ECP special bargain-basement job won't last 11 years! Is 11 years a record?

Now resting ahead of a big bike ride tomorrow ? 85 miles around the three counties of Beds, Bucks and Northants

[CitroJim]

Oh gosh, something serious has happened

I've truly caught the bug again

And all because of my MoT man, Zel's Activa and someone else...

I don't know if I should thank them or curse them

It just proves you can check out any time you like but you can never leave

It seems I have now possibly acquired a small French project car A true and proper classic

There's even talk of rearranging my garage so she'll fit in and can be cosy and dry through the winter...

I'm not saying any more just yet, not until the deal is complete and finalised

Watch this space!

[Hell Razor5543]

So long as you are having fun nothing else (apart from your health and family) matters.