Xantia 1.9 VSX estate - rear does not respond to Citrobics

[Napoleon]

Ok, been investigating the car a bit more, in search of that elusive light on the sport mode wotsit (another thread), and while doing so, noticed that the rear of the car does not rise, or fall, in response to Citrobics.

Now, is this normal for this car? I tried my SX at the same time, and that happily jumps up and down when so commanded. The front first, followed by the rear.

On the VSX, uh oh, no, the front responds, but that's it.

When in either up or down mode, the VSX is hard to push, and the rear is just what I would call 'normal'. When in the centre position, ie regular running, the car, with the engine running, the front and back seem soft. When off, the car is hard.

Anyone know what's going on? Is this all normal for this car?

[Citroenmad]

Some cars will take longer than others to change height, so providing your giving it enough time then it could be a sticking rear height corrector or perhaps the dog bone clip has fallen off.

Your VSX should be soft when running and then when left with the engine off it should be firmer as it goes into sports mode. If the height at the rear is not changing when you change the height lever the rear of the car should feel the same as normal.

[DickieG]

From your description it sounds as if the height corrector mechanical linkage is binding, more than likely due to lack of use as in moving the height lever, does the suspension height correct itself after a load (as in passenger) gets in or out of the car?

Re the hard/soft description that would appear to suggest that the Hydractive system is working, after turning off the engine then opening a door can you hear the electrovalves buzzing? Open the bonnet and listen carefully between the radiator and engine.

[VertVega]

There was a post recently about a similar problem, I think it was last month.
It happened to be broken height corrector connector.
It's number 4 in pic which is seen better in part number 3.

If you're lucky it might also be a popped up white plastic which is shown as number 6.
(Ignore the blue arrow, I used it in another thread to point the front height corrector )

[Napoleon]

From your description it sounds as if the height corrector mechanical linkage is binding, more than likely due to lack of use as in moving the height lever, does the suspension height correct itself after a load (as in passenger) gets in or out of the car?

Re the hard/soft description that would appear to suggest that the Hydractive system is working, after turning off the engine then opening a door can you hear the electrovalves buzzing? Open the bonnet and listen carefully between the radiator and engine.

I'll go and jump in and out of it right now. I wonder what the neighbours think I'm up to, all this to-ing and fro-ing?

Yes, we have the buzzing sound, so that seems normal.

I'm off to jump in and out...

[Napoleon]

From your description it sounds as if the height corrector mechanical linkage is binding, more than likely due to lack of use as in moving the height lever, does the suspension height correct itself after a load (as in passenger) gets in or out of the car?

Re the hard/soft description that would appear to suggest that the Hydractive system is working, after turning off the engine then opening a door can you hear the electrovalves buzzing? Open the bonnet and listen carefully between the radiator and engine.

Ok, back from showing off in the street...

Get in, start car, get out, move lever to high, stand back and watch...

Front of car goes up, rear stays put.

Open rear door, mount car and stand in the doorway, watching the rear wheel - car goes up!

Get off car and shut door... rear of car goes down

Diagnosis?

[DickieG]

Diagnosis?

The arm next to number 71 in the diagram is stuck like a rusty hinge and needs freeing by getting under the car and moving it by hand until it frees up then lubricate accordingly, this may do the job but failing that it'll have to be removed and done on the bench so to speak. Obviously take the usual safety precautions using ramps/axle stands before playing about with height correctors.

[Napoleon]

Crikey, where on earth do I even start to try to locate that linkage/assembly of bits, Richard?

[DickieG]

Crikey, where on earth do I even start to try to locate that linkage/assembly of bits, Richard?

Under the centre of the rear axle alongside the anti-roll bar.

[Napoleon]

This will take time to arrange; I'm not about to pop out there now. Thanks Richard, info noted.

[DickieG]

If you're around my way at any time (just to the west of the M25) drop in and I'll clear up the issues concerning you on your new purchase.

[Napoleon]

You might even get a beer!

[DickieG]

You might even get a beer!

Hurrah

[Rhothgar]

This is what yours probably looks like!


http://www.grumpygreyhound.co.uk/FCF/HC/IMG_0596.JPG

and...

this is what it should look like after a good scrub up!

http://www.grumpygreyhound.co.uk/FCF/HC ... 040299.jpg

I decided to take mine off because it really was well seized but nothing that 30 minutes in a hot pungent ultrasonic cleaning bath couldn't sort out.