Citroen C5 estate creaking suspension

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dmatthews
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Citroen C5 estate creaking suspension

Post by dmatthews »

Hi,

My 2003 C5 HDI estate makes a loud creaking sound pretty much all the time.

It used to just creak during reversing and then when rolled by hand (using the roof rack) - it was only noticeable from outside of the car.

However for the last two weeks it has now started creaking at all times at any speed, and can be heard from inside.

It has completed 62k miles and had a dealer service a few months - I asked them to investigate but they claimed to not be able to hear it.

Is this a common problem, does anybody have any ideas as to what the problem is please? I've heard it on another C5.

Thanks
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Post by dnsey »

Trailing arm bearings shot?
Are the rear wheels leaning, when viewed from a little distance behind the car?
dmatthews
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Post by dmatthews »

Hi,

I haven't noticed, leaning which way - angle between ground and wheel <90 or >90 ?

I'll check tonight.
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Post by Dommo »

Leaning so there's negative camber, or so the top of the wheel is further towards the middle of the car than the bottom of the wheel.
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Post by myglaren »

//====\\
dmatthews
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Post by dmatthews »

yes, the -ve camber does seem quite pronounced. It looked around 10-15 degrees. So do you think it's definitely that, is this a common problem with C5s. Also, do you have any idea how much I should expect to pay to get this fixed please?
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Post by JohnD »

dmatthews wrote: is this a common problem with C5s.?
After fairly high mileage - Yes - but also found on Xantias and BX's.
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Post by myglaren »

IIRC boristhespie paid £230~250 for his C5, last year.
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CREAKING/GROANING REAR SUSPENSION - C5

Post by GBiernfels »

Hi

I am interested to know whether you replaced the rear bearings on your C5 to achieve the correct camber and whether this has this got rid of the creaking noise from the rear end ?

I have a 2003 2.2HDi Automatic Estate which I bought at 104,000 miles. The car developed a groan @ 144,000 miles which has become progressively louder.

I have had a history of brake squeak(l) and linkage rattles but this distinct groan as opposed to a rattle or squeak(l) is evident: 1) when parked up, with engine off and the handbrake applied or not applied; 2) when lowering the tail-end to hitch on a trailer using the height adjuster button in the boot; 3) when passengers are getting out of the car;

The car has sailed through its MOTs in the 5 years I have owned it. The ride is like a flying carpet, it tows like a train and I am reluctant to sell as it is in A1 condition and valued @ £750 as a trade-in - as the MOT tester said at its last MOT, we can't fail it for an occasional squeak or groan.

My thoughts were that the noise seems to be coming from the rear wheel hubs when these rotate into their final parked position. However, another mechanic suggested it may be originating from behind the aluminium-encased rear axle.

Have any members had similar problems ?

Would just like to identify potential areas for my Citroen garage to investigate.

Many thanks

Graham
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Post by myglaren »

Have a look at the rear wheels. They should be vertical and parallel.
If they look like this:

//------\\

then the trailing arm bearings are definitely compromised.
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Post by cachaciero »

There have been several go rounds on this subject at various times as a search will show.
Go have a look here http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... ailing+arm

This is a wide ranging (as ever :-) discussion on the subject.

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Post by Citroenmad »

Our previous C5 estate had to have a rear arm bearing replaced at 105K miles as it was causing a loud cracking noise when going over bumps. There was no extra camber on the rear wheels however.

It can be a thing C5s suffer from with higher mileage, estates seem more prone to them. Probably as they are often used for carrying heavy weights.
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GBiernfels
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Citroen C5 estate creaking suspension

Post by GBiernfels »

Dear all

Many thanks for your prompt suggestions.

I have looked at the rear wheels tonight and they do look very upright and parallel but I will definitely ask the mechanic to check out the condition of the trailing arm/bearings.

Presumably if the camber is out , would this show with abnormal tyre wear on the inner tread pattern ?


Thanks again

Graham
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Post by Citroenmad »

Even with worn trailing arm bearings C5s dont always produce a high rate of camber. So it might not show up in the tyre wear.
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GBiernfels
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Citroen C5 estate creaking suspension

Post by GBiernfels »

Chris

Many thanks for your advice update.

In terms of the suggested "fix" from several members of fitting grease nipples and regularly flushing grease up into the space between the rear suspension arm bearings, is there a particular specification of grease needed.......possibly lithium-based ?

This seems to be the cheapest "solution" to explore first.

Thanks again.

Graham
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