Citroenmads Citroen blog.

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 15 Aug 2011, 22:05

I reckon the front wheels look far better Chris.

robert_e_smart · Unread post by **robert_e_smart** » 15 Aug 2011, 23:36

Standard for me. 15" tyres are cheaper to buy!

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 29 Aug 2011, 22:36

Indeed the 15" tyres for the C5 are roughly half that of the 16" tyres needed for the 215.55.16 size, though the bigger wheels look so much better and the drive is improved that its worth it. Though im leaving the SX with its caster like 15s for now.

I have now got two winter tyres on those 'Exclusive SE' wheels and will get another pair soon. I currently have them fitted to my C5 and while at first it looked a bit odd, a facelifted C5 on S1 wheels, now I really like them. Ive decided to keep them and use them as winter wheels for my C5. The current front tyres are deep treaded 'Kendas'!? but will be replaced with new winter rubber before long. Actually the Kendas are not as bad as I was expecting, not nearly as good as its usual Michelins but not bad. Its given me a change to throughly wash and polish my C5s wheels, they are like new once again.

I think I might just be one of the biggest C5 fans but at the moment im never out of mine, hence the limited use of my Activa over the past few months ...

I have just put my Activa on SORN as of the start of next month as its tax was up. I very nearly taxed it and kept it road going but I would rather keep it off the road over winter. Its MOT is due next month too, so my plan is to put it in for its MOT very soon and see how it goes. What work it needs will be done before I retax is when the salty roads have gone and the car sees the road again. Obviously its a bit early in the year for bad weather and salt but its how things have panned out what with the tax and MOT it seems a fitting time to take it off the road.

I have covered just over 3000 miles in it since I bought it, its gone very nicely and has been a pleasure to drive. I have worked through things which it required but the time off the road should enable me to do the few things it still needs. Mainly the front suspension arm bushes and a recondition of the rear ram and other odd jobs.

I have only driven it once in about 5 or 6 weeks and im not missing it too much so I don't mind mothballing it for the time being.

In other car news its very unchanged, the other Citroens are all going nicely with no issues or problems to remport. The Traction has seen a good few classic car shows this summer but the C15 has not had as much use as I was intending. Im half tempted to bring it to the CXM. Ill be spending one day this week getting the XM cleaned and ready for the CXM/Xantia this coming weekend.

Im due to start back at uni again in a few weeks, so my 70 mile commute will resume wth my C5 doing even more miles. I have almost doubled its mileage in the 8 months ive had it and its been fantastic.

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 02 Sep 2011, 09:31

Today the C15 and Activa are in for their MOT, im quite confident in the C15 but the Xantia im expecting a red sheet for

But we will see later one. I think if anyting the rear ram weap will be the failing point. Im feeling nervous already!

Im just about to take a look at its exhaust so that is one less thing which could crop up, as it has a slight blow on a join where an incorrect bracket has been used.

I got th eXm out yesterday ready for a cleaning and th front brakes are binding, we have had a look and the calipers look to be seized, so I'll need to have a better look at that if I get time today. If not then ill be at the CXM in something else. Ill possibly retax the Activa as it still has MOT left anyway.

I have purchased a Lexia too, ive not had time to sort it yet but im looking forward to having a play with it on the C5.

See some of you tomorrow!

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 02 Sep 2011, 09:38

Citroenmad wrote:Today the C15 and Activa are in for their MOT, im quite confident in the C15 but the Xantia im expecting a red sheet for But we will see later one. I think if anyting the rear ram weap will be the failing point. Im feeling nervous already!

Just before you get to the MOT station put the suspension on high and wipe the bottom of the ram dry

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 02 Sep 2011, 11:24

DickieG wrote:
Citroenmad wrote:Today the C15 and Activa are in for their MOT, im quite confident in the C15 but the Xantia im expecting a red sheet for But we will see later one. I think if anyting the rear ram weap will be the failing point. Im feeling nervous already!
Just before you get to the MOT station put the suspension on high and wipe the bottom of the ram dry

Not a bad idea at all

Might give it a go, though I would imagine in the time they are under the car it will be leaking again.

Id rather it did pass then I could get the ram repaired in good time, if not then ill have to get it done pretty sharpish.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 02 Sep 2011, 12:20

Chris,

PM sent

It's time-critical so let me know ASAP so I know what to bring...

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 02 Sep 2011, 19:49

What an interesting day, most of it I spent under the Xantia fiddling with an exhaust which is obvioulsy not for an Activa! Its now not blowing though and sounds much quieter for it too.

Oh and the results from todays two MOT tests ...

C15: PASS with no advisorys

Activa: PASS with one advisory ... totally self inflicted as I didn't put on the rear exhaust bracket correctly

but other than that, NONE!

The rear ram is still leaking, though i had wrapped a small bit of black rag around the offending rubber pipe which soaked up the drops while in the MOT bay. Surprised it wasn't noticed but they never mentioned it.

Very pleased with that to say the least, the Activa is now taxed, cleaned and ready for the 250 miles tomorrow morning down to the CXM/Xantia.

I didn't have time to look at the XMs brakes again so that won't be following me down, me and my dad will be there in my Activa.

Many thanks to Jim who will be showing off his Activa excellence tomorrow at the CXM with my Activa ram

Deanxm · Unread post by **Deanxm** » 02 Sep 2011, 20:33

Ah leaky rams eh Chris, mine are now dry thankfully

Shame you cant bring the XM but at least we will have a mini Activa gathering i suppose.

D

red_dwarfers · Unread post by **red_dwarfers** » 02 Sep 2011, 20:38

See you tomorrow!

I should probably get a move on soon...this ALWAYS happens. I only just finished packing an hour ago.

Deanxm · Unread post by **Deanxm** » 02 Sep 2011, 20:47

yep me too, there is still wax all over the roof of the car aswell where the dew fell before i had finished............

D

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 02 Sep 2011, 22:03

Indeed, just the one leaky ram though Dean, which should be fixed tomorrow all being well.

Ive just spent another hour or so under the Activa reshaping the exhaust yet again to avoid it clashing with the subframe. Hopefully its sorted but the backbox will be replaced asap with a more suitable one! Not sure what this is off, looks Xantia-ish but a cheapo thing which does not fit.

Anyway, other than that the car is ready for the off in the morning, im not, so best go get things ready and packed.

See you all tomorrow

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 03 Sep 2011, 07:20

Excellent news on the MOT Chris...

I have all the repair kit ready... I was amazed at what I needed to pack...

XantiaMan · Unread post by **XantiaMan** » 03 Sep 2011, 21:07

There were two different types of backbox, one short and one long, the Activa needs the long one, the short one places too much stress on the system (note the angle of the support rubbers) and it doesnt stick out enough behind the bumper, i think this contributes to the knock on the subframe tbh.

Both my Transit and new Fiesta went through the MOT on Friday, the van needed one run on the governer for the machine to say the emissions were bang on

Citroenmad · Unread post by **Citroenmad** » 04 Sep 2011, 22:27

Yes, the exhaust is on my list but its servicable for now.

I have just returned from the CXM/Xantia rally this weekend, my Activa has been faultless for the 550 mile weekend drive. Quite a two personality car really, a really excellent, quiet and comfortable motorway crusier which turns into a mild sports car when the going gets twisty and the foot gets heavier!

The rally was excellent, people there really make the event for me and the cars are very nice to see and compare. There was a total of 6 Activas at the rally, a very good turnout again, they seem to be getting more popular among the FCF members

I had a drive in another C6, this time a 10 plate 2.2 173 HDi Auto, a nice car and not too dampened by the 2.2 as apposed to the 2.7 HDi. There are many things to like about the C6 but I do have reservations too.

I really enjoyed experiencing a couple of other Activas today, its interesting to see how they all differ despite them all being good examples. Most interestingly was a drive in Jims very nice Activa to discover what a standard TCT Activa performs like. The manual boost contol on my car does appear to make a huge difference and really transforms the car. Interestingly mine seemed to have a broader power delivery than another Activa fitted with a manual boost controler, with mine starting boost lower down the rev range. How much the same car can differ is quite interesting, though many moons have passed since they were born. It was very assuring to get the Activa Gurus (Jims!) opinion on my Activa after he had a drive of it, its nice to know its a good one and gets his approval

I called on Jims excellence and he very kindly replaced the rubber gaiter on my Activas rear ram which has fixed the leak and should now remain fixed for a long long time to come. The top ball joint was also worn to a dangerous state due to a hole in the protective collar cover and so that was swapped out for a superbly tight replacement after being packed with grease. Interstingly the worn ball joint did not cause any rattles despite its alarming wear and so was not noticable. The only way I knew it was worn was by rattling the ram with all the pressure off the Activa system. So it might be worth checking yours for a worn ball joint ... the replacnement joint has tightened up the drive even more.

Jim very easily managed to repair the ram whilst it was still on the car, he did seem to make the job seem so easy! Expect pictures and a write up from Jim of the rear ram gaiter replacement soon.

I have also treated my Activa to a set of stainless steel side door trims. Its original ones are starting to show age and discolour in the common way, though its bumper trims are good. So ill fit them at some point soon. We also grabbed a set for the XM estate too.

I have been hugely impressed with my Activa the last few days, my thinking at the end of the week was to mothball it until better weather next year due to its road tax coming to an end and MOT being due but it having a leaking rear ram and blowing exhaust. Now the exhaust has been better sorted out, the rear ram is now 100% perfect, it got a clean bill of health at MOT time and so has over a years test and now 6 months tax, all is going very very well!

Its getting much closer to where I wanted and being a well sorted car now. A few more things on my list of jobs but its getting smaller, next is new 'P' bushes and to fit the side stainless trims. I might then treat it to a fitted car cover for winter and possibly a wheel refurb to tidy it up at some point too.