xantia rear end stuck in "raised" position

[i3]

Hey all,
in need of a little advice: i haven't been driving the xantia much over the last few months, have had it parked up on the drive and start it/drive it briefly about once a week. Now, last week, when it was quite cold, in the minuses, i started it for a brief drive, and wanted to go through the range of the citrobics motions first. the rear went into the raised position and refused to return to normal or low position. drove it briefly then parked up and left for another week or so, and tried it again today: the rear is still stuck in the raised position and i can not figure out how to get it to normal, or low even. the front end raises, lowers, and returns to the normal driving height as it should.

please help. need to bring the height back to regular driving position.

thanks

[VertVega]

Sounds like rear height corrector plastic clip problem.
This pic might be helpful which I have sent earlier for another case.

(Be careful with suspension when you work under the car! Use jack stands or ramps.)

[i3]

whereabouts on the car is that diagram for?
and what would be the problem with the clip? broken? need replacing? or come loose or such?
thanks

[VertVega]

In the diagram both front and rear height correctors are seen.
The problem in your case is in the rear one.
Location is under the car, between spare wheel and fuel tank.
Problem is usually popped up plastic clip.
Plastic clip should be normally fixed at both ends.


Edit: I found this topic with nice pics
---> Height Corrector Details (pics)

[i3]

thanks much...
had a read through that other thread you have posted too...
so what exactly do i need to do to repair? i presume by you saying that the plastic clip has popped off, means that i will simply have to fit it back into place?

thanks

[VertVega]

... i presume by you saying that the plastic clip has popped off, means that i will simply have to fit it back into place?
...

Simple and temporary solution is just fitting it back.
If you look carefully you'll see some cable ties used in those pictures.
I think that was to make sure that it stays engaged for a bit longer time
Interesting solution

Real solution is to replace the clip because the cup(s) in the old one has developed small cracks
which will never make a firm connection. Check out ebay offers, the prices are reasonable.

[Xantidote]

The plastic clip, or "dogbone" as it's sometimes referred to, will only be a few £ from Citroen

[citroenxm]

The reason for the faild CLIP is the Linkages have SIEZED!! Free the two linkage arms up before fitting refering to the diagram, one infront of the BLUE arrow, and the other behind the "71" ...or else it will fail again, or in the end break the connecting arm from the anti roll bar CLAMP!!

[i3]

thanks guys. going to get it up on the ramp now hopefully to have a look

[i3]

anybody know the part number for the plastic clip?
thanks

[VertVega]

According to part list, it is:
5291 03 --- CORRECTION LINK

[i3]

okay, i managed to get under it today. the metal u-shaped piece that is connected to the plastic clip has broken from the anti-roll bar side. now, with lots of wd40 and moving the manual lever in the car back and forwards, managed to get the back end to drop. but now, can't seem to get it to sit in the middle. it will go to "raised" and "lowered" positioned, but refuses to remain sat in the middle.

what should i do? and is there an appropriate part number for the broken metal piece?

thanks

[VertVega]

Number 4 in pic.
5291 17 --- CONTROL LEVER ARM DIAM 23 --- W/O ACTIVE ANTI-ROLL

That's not as easy as the plastic clip fitting but not so difficult to change.
It's connected with one screw #72 in above pic. rear one DIAM 7X100-25.

Edit: I recall reading in one of the threads that Saloon and Estate diameters are different.
This part number was for a MK2 Estate like mine which has diameter 23 mm.

[i3]

ah ok. thanks. any idea on the part number that i will need then? it is for a s2 td exclusive. not sure if it has active anti roll...? it does have the button that tightens up the suspension.

so with that control lever arm broken off, would that cause the suspension to drop at the rear as it has? with the in-car control lever set to "normal", the suspension drops right to the bottom at the rear. the front is still raising and dropping as usual...

thanks

[citroenxm]

yes.. that link that has broke controls the automatics height... its what refers the height corrector unit to the actual height of the car... so without it the corrector has no idea where to set the height.. when fitting the new clamp it will be a fiddle.. but you will need it on ramps and the engine running.. then have the clamp loosly set on the anti foll bar.. make sure the plastic link clip is attached and BOTH LEVERS ARE FREE.. you then need to rotate the clamp on the roll bar untill the correct height is achived.. height measurements are explained in the haynes book... tighten the clamp do some citrobics to test the height...

its important the two levers are completely free to move with no stickyness or else the rear wontcbehave properly at all...