citroen xantia hdi 90hp

[scottishpaul]

need to replace front pipe but cant access the bolts from the top manage to get up under the car and get socket and bar up to the bolts but turning on the top side any idea what i need to do to stop these bolts turning or what i need to move struggling for access under to get hand up and get something on them

[CitroJim]

I know your problem well Paul You just try the same on a V6

Now, I assume you're meaning the exhaust manifold to cat joint. In which case, what you need is a small 10mm spanner, suitably cranked, and a 1/4" drive 10mm socket on a small headed ratchet.

Then working from the top, reach down and use the 10mm cranked spanner to counter-hold the bolt head whilst undoing the nut with the ratchet. It can be done one-handed but it's much easier with an assistant. One of you to counter-hold and the other to undo the nut.

Support the exhaust so that it does not drop as the nuts loosen. Be ready to catch the nut, cup washer and spring as the nut comes off.

For the cranked spanner, I bent a cheap 10mm ring until it was just at the right angle.

Good luck, it is a fun job

Reassembling is a whole different ball-game, getting the spring, cup washer and nut on the bolt all at the same time is a challenge. The trick is to use a piece of packing to prevent the bolt moving upward until the nut has caught. then the cranked spanner and ratchet will do the rest.

[RichardW]

For the OS you can reach in through the wheel arch - but you do need long arms to get the spanner on, and turn the ratchet at the same time! Alternatively you can get at it from in front of the subframe. The NS is easier! Whatever you do, don't cut the bolts off - been there done that, and the aftermath is not funny

Xantia HDi Exhaust fun

[scottishpaul]

i will give that a shot waiting on this dreadful snow going away first ive got xantia front pipe from earlyer xantia non cat model its the same shape ,no cat so will go miles better thanks for ur help i will give it a shot ...paul

[scottishpaul]

For the OS you can reach in through the wheel arch - but you do need long arms to get the spanner on, and turn the ratchet at the same time! Alternatively you can get at it from in front of the subframe. The NS is easier! Whatever you do, don't cut the bolts off - been there done that, and the aftermath is not funny

Xantia HDi Exhaust fun

thanks for your help cars now sorted few wee cuts and drips off red stuff but jobs done the pipe that was on the car had a split at the cat so i thought want to remove it anyway ,early xantia front pipe was straight fit ,goes like the wind now with out cat too ,many thanks

[RichardW]

Good work.... the 90's are 'better' because they use the smaller bore pipe so you can retrofit an older non-cat one. 110's use a larger bore pipe that can't be (easily) exchanged. And is 'kin dear!!

[citroenxm]

Thats right, as the 90bhp HDi uses a different turbo to the 110bhp, it has a smaller outlet same as the XUD TD engines, so the pipes are a straight swap...

Paul