Why Does

[Xantic]

My Xantia start sinking a few seconds after i switch it off..?

Sometimes it can be a few mins but usually starts very soon after parking..It groans a bit like me when i get up in the morning..

Also i have a bit of vibration between 65 to 70 mph..Cannot feel anything through the steering wheel but asume its wheel balancing..What do you think..

I know i could trawl through the posts to find these answers probably but its good to keep you all on your toes..

Seriously, We took the Xantia out for a couple of hundred mile drive today, all went well. A really nice warm day for a change, This was a trial for the annual trek to Cornwall which will be happening in 7 weeks but i need everything to be perfect or as near to it so would appreciate your help..

Thanks
Russ..

[Sid_the_Squid]

My Xantia start sinking a few seconds after i switch it off.

Is that with you still inside of the car, or after getting out? Mine always sink a bit after I get out with ignition on or having just been turned off.
As for the groaning on sinking, I used to have this issue, but replaced the accumulator sphere and its no more, don't know if thats related.

Vibrations between 60~70 would certainly seem like a balance issue, can you drive through the vibration, i.e. at a higher speed it goes away, in which case its almost certainly a balance issue. other possibilities are strangely worn tyres, or slightly buckled wheels, can be caused by hard curb clipping. If you cant feel through steering wheel its likely to be the rear wheels.

[Xantic]

Now i am a law abiding citizen and wont even dream of speeding..

I did take it up to 80 for a short while but i risked getting thumped by SWMBO.. It was still there the vibration. I will have a look in the light tomorrow to see if any signs of kerbing.. To me it seems to be the rear wheels too..

As for the sinking, yes as soon as i switch off and get out it seems to sink slowly.. The ride is very smooth while driving but it does take a while to lift up when started first time after being left overnight..

The groaning emulates me, its funny really it makes the sound i want to make but if i do it i get called an old senile git... ..Its nice to have compliments...

[Sid_the_Squid]

I've always thought that this sinking was normal, my theory is that before the anti sink valves have chance to isolate the suspension circuit, its just the car maintaining the correct ride hight, once you or any weight is removed from the car, the suspension would be to high, so it sinks a little bit, to get back to the correct height. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could confirm or deny this?

Rising slowly could be a tired pump, possibly a flat accumulator sphere, check the time between the pump cut in when ticking over, should be >15 seconds, if less flat accumulator sphere.

Now i am a law abiding citizen and wont even dream of speeding...

Of course, of course.. I mean I've only ever tried going beyond a 70mph wheel wobble on private land or the autobahn.

[Xantic]

Perhaps your right and its me being paranoid about the sinking,,Suppose i am just trying to find problems as most cars a few weeks or days before you go on holidays tend to give some problem or other..

Anyway, I am delighted with the Xantia especially after having the Omega Elite i am suprised i have been won over by the Xantia but of course it is the Exclusive model and a 110 HDI..Plenty of go but economical..

Looking forward to doing approx 1k to 1.5k of miles on holidays in her..

This is a photo from today approx 1 min after knocking off, Am i paranoid or does it look normal..

[ianckt739]

I can't give any advice about the height issue I'm afraid but I have to say that is a stunning photo... I have a desire to go out and buy a xantia now!

[Xantic]

I can't give any advice about the height issue I'm afraid but I have to say that is a stunning photo... I have a desire to go out and buy a xantia now!

Thank you for the compliment on the photo..

I probably take more photos than most people as it is a hobby of mine..

I will have to start a blog along with photos of my escapades around the country, but, i will only include the Citroen journeys..

I am lucky enough to travel all over the UK and Europe with my job and the camera goes with me every where..

If my photo inspires you to buy an Xantia then so be it..You will not be dissapointed..
Thank you once again.

[JamesQB]

I really don't think you need that nice silver 110bhp Xantia...no, definitely not. Now, look into the eyes, not around the eyes, not around the eyes, look into the eyes - you're under. You're going to drive that Xantia to my house, sign the V5C and get the bus home. You'll never remember owning one and believe that she who commands is only hitting you for fun. 1, 2, 3, you're back in the room.

[DickieG]

I really don't think you need that nice silver 110bhp Xantia...no, definitely not. Now, look into the eyes, not around the eyes, not around the eyes, look into the eyes - you're under. You're going to drive that Xantia to my house, sign the V5C and get the bus home. You'll never remember owning one and believe that she who commands is only hitting you for fun. 1, 2, 3, you're back in the room.

Nice one

Am i paranoid or does it look normal..

Maybe you are paranoid as it looks perfectly normal to me

[DickieG]

BTW another source of the vibration you mention is driveshafts.

[Xantic]

BTW another source of the vibration you mention is driveshafts.

I would have thought the vibration would be felt through the steering wheel if driveshafts were to blame..Just my thoughts..

Now i am only just getting used to being paranoid without the added worry about driveshafts.. Where's my pills.. ..

[XantiaExclusiveHDI]

Hello from a fellow Xantia HDI Exclusive owner

My car sinks too after I stop the engine and disembark. However it's usually because the car rises a little when you get out - which is not that noticeable unless you're watching for it. Only when you are outside do you tend to notice the car sinking back to it's previous ride height - I assume the anti-sink valves take over once the accumulator pressure drops below a certain value.

On the vibration front - I've had two Xantias now which have the no-through hole alloys. They are notoriously difficult to balance without the correct equipment / operative and I've had plenty of trouble in the past with mine. I've just had four new tyres and had them balanced by my local HiQ dealer who fortunately had the correct fitment for his balancing machine and had plenty of experience with this type of wheel in the past.
Even so I still have a very minor vibration between 70 and 80mph. It's not too bad though and I think I'll leave the tyres to bed in a little before I decide if it needs looking at again.

Whilst we're in the glory of Xantia admiration - here's my little buddy



Chris.

[AndersDK]

I've always thought that this sinking was normal, my theory is that before the anti sink valves have chance to isolate the suspension circuit, its just the car maintaining the correct ride hight, once you or any weight is removed from the car, the suspension would be to high, so it sinks a little bit, to get back to the correct height. Perhaps someone more knowledgeable could confirm or deny this?

You are spot on

Rising slowly could be your Xantippe in need of a good LHM service job :
Removing the plastic manifold with gauze filters and clean well in petrol.
Especially on the inside of the filters as they tend to get hairy.
Use a soft brush.
The gauze filters are intended for re-use, but are available at your dealer at low cost should they been torn in the gauze.
Empty the lHM container and clean the container inside.
Discard the old fluid an refill with fresh fluid.

This service should be done every 38Kmiles.

I guarantee a much faster rising of your Xantippe afterwards.
Like a miracle.

[myglaren]

Anders
Would you also recommend a flush with Hydrorincage?

[Xantic]

Greetings fellow Xantia Exclusive owner and you have a fine example in the photo ..

Thanks for all the advice everyone, I am less paranoid now for the time being anyway..