hissing and leak from rear drivers side

davidb · Unread post by **davidb** » 06 Apr 2010, 00:00

hello, when i was getting out of my xantia tonight there was a very loud hissing, i originally thought the valve had just gone in the back tyre, thats what it sounded like, lasted about half a minute, then stopped.. tyre was still inflated so i got a torch and looked underneath...big puddle of green goo..it's dripping from above the spare tyre cage, so i couldnt see exactly where it is coming from, being dark and also i didnt want to get right under the car without proper supports for it, i havent had time to have a good look yet, but am guessing that maybe a seal has gone on that sphere?? the car is still normal height, the red light had been coming on for a bit when i first started up, but went out after a minute or so, been like that for a long time, i had checked fluid and topped it up a little a couple of weeks ago, only about 1/4 litre..hasnt used fluid any since i had the spheres done about 4 years ago.
It is a 2001 xantia hdi. any suggestions please?
thanks

Unread post by **Dommo** » 06 Apr 2010, 01:34

What spec is the Xantia, ie does the car have hydractive suspension?

davidb · Unread post by **davidb** » 06 Apr 2010, 03:01

its a forte, 2.0 hdi.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 06 Apr 2010, 06:03

Non-hydractive...

Only thing to do David, is to remove the spare wheel cradle (one 13mm bolt on the LH side), give the area a clean and then watch and see.

It's rarely a sphere seal. They don't normally just give up.

The Anti-sink valve (in the middle) sometimes gives up and leaks copiously like this or if not an obvious thing, it'll be a ruptured pipe. Most likely one of the brake lines.

As I say, have the cradle out and have a good look...

dnsey · Unread post by **dnsey** » 06 Apr 2010, 07:13

Bear in mind when supporting the car that you may have no suspension pressure until you've fixed the leak. Don't let it drop to 'low' without considering how you'll get a jack under it to raise it again.
Until I obtained an extra-low scissor jack for just this job, i'd previously had to resort to digging a hole for a bottle jack to sit in!

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 06 Apr 2010, 07:59

dnsey wrote:Bear in mind when supporting the car that you may have no suspension pressure until you've fixed the leak. Don't let it drop to 'low' without considering how you'll get a jack under it to raise it again.
Until I obtained an extra-low scissor jack for just this job, i'd previously had to resort to digging a hole for a bottle jack to sit in!

That's a very,very good point

I have a "low-rider" trolley jack for this task that stands as talls as an adolescent gnat when right down...

The other point to be aware of is to support the car very firmly and securely when working underneath. Serious injury and death has been the result of a hydraulic Citroen collapsing down in the past so take great care.

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 06 Apr 2010, 15:14

If the fluid is dripping from behind the spare wheel carrier, then a high pressure pipe has given way, in the direction of the well, from the subframe area.

All rear pipes are above and around the rear subframe, my guess a Pin hole has corroded through a pipe possibly on the Brake cuircuit only as you say the car's height has remaind correct...

Dont panic about a pipe needing replacment above the subframe, they are EASY PEASY to drop down one side to gain access to all the pipes above the frame..

First task, find the pipe thats given up.

Regards
Paul

davidb · Unread post by **davidb** » 09 Apr 2010, 00:11

thanks for all the advice..
i was going thinking about getting another car anyway, as the xantia was not really big enough for my needs now , and found a v70 estate that i have now got instead, so i am selling the xantia, i'll list it on ebay next week when i get some pics done..its quite solid, a few knocks and bumps etc., but it has been a really good car, starts runs and goes well, if a bit smelly inside from taking the dog with me on the way to his walks..
its got mot until & tax until mid sept i think, illl check..