Xantia Ride Height - Here we go again!

[Rhothgar]

I decided to re-adjust the ride height on the Xantia at the weekend.

Clearly, the common general assertion is 3 fingers front, 1 finger rear.

I was just wondering what others thoughts were on this as I am trying to improve the ride of the car and simply cannot accept that it was right.

I got the car up on a four poster and allowed suspension to settle - engine running at all times.

DickieG had a nice tip about adjustment for speed and I used his method so KUDOS to him.

In BoL, it states whatever it states for each car.

Now! Bearing in mind that the production date of my Xantia was April 1996, I assume that it is a 1996 MY.

BoL states a measurement for Upto 1996 MY, 1996 Model Year and Facelift models IIRC.

There is something 25 mm. difference between the rear <96 setting and the Turbo Diesel 1996 MY, so I ended up raising the rear by 25mm..

Took it for a run, put it back on and allowed it settle and re-checked dimension.

To say that these are critical on ride height and to have a 25mm discrepancy goes against the grain. Ride quality does not seem to have altered in any way. If it has, it is imperceptable. Can anyone shed light on this?

I am hoping for a BX type of ride quality but I know this is not what I should expect. It does seem pretty hard at times.

[wotwot]

I think you may have to go back a bit further to get that real floating on air ride LOL.
My GSA after changing all the spheres was magnificent, my bx estate was good but not as good, and my old xantia was noticeably firmer.
The experts will be along soon to give some real advice .

[Citroenmad]

Ride height will effect ride quality but if its close enough to what the height should be you wont notice a difference in ride quality.

Fresh LHM, spheres at the right pressure and healthy height correctors are the places to start for a good ride.

They can be made softer still with the fitment of spheres from other models or by adding more pressure to the spheres.

[Peter.N.]

...or if you want it really soft, 4 X accumulator spheres

Peter

[aerodynamica]

Yep. What they said and also, get the height right, make sure the corrector linkage is all free and good and have a set of healthy spheres all round.

I have a 1.9TD which should have the 'turbo' spheres front and rear. I fitted Xantia saloon NON turbo spheres to the back and they're exactly what I wanted. At the front I have the front spheres for a CX Turbo - these are also exactly right.

I have it just right now.

The 'correct' spheres for a TD just felt a bit rubbery and unremarkable whereas the set up I have now is floaty yet controlled.

[Rhothgar]

Thanks all for that.

I had new spheres last year and it didn't feel good then.

Rebuilt rear H/C to perfection. Never bothered with front because it was so oily - it couldn't be seized.

Hydrarincage and new LHM with spheres last year so all done.

I like Peter N.'s suggestion but I think I am going to have to go with aerodynamica. Damn! Just sold 4 spheres to citroenxm the other week that were all good. I could have modded them.

Graeme. Do you ever make it down to any of the rallies as I would love to have a drive of yours if possible?

[citronut]

the problem is you should NEVER twiddle with height adjustment until everything else is working as its meant to be,

also there is no reason why you should not achieve BX ride quality with a XANT ,
as they both share the Mc ferson strut fronts and trailing arm rear type suspenders,

it was only the very early BX's had also tapper bearings at the front wishbones, this did allow the arms to move/float more freely,

regards malcolm

[Rhothgar]

Morning Malcolm

Are you reckoning that my front H/C could be seized then? Or do I need to get sphere pressures checked and adjusted as they will have lost some pressure in a year.

Acculumator regulator ticks every minute - what affect would it have if I put a new regulator on? Are there any other valves that may need servicing / inspecting on any of the circuits?

[citronut]

an accumulator sphere will not affect the ride quality corner spheres, H/C linkage/turrets sized or rear arm bearings can have a bearing on ride quality,

always check EVERYTHING else is functioning function correctly before ever touching the height adjusters, including tyre pressure's,

regards malcolm

[DickieG]

Re the ride height, does the car look reasonably "normal" when the engine is running and when you get in/out of the car does the height correct within say 15-30 seconds?

This picture of my VSX gives you an idea of what "normal" ride height looks like.

[Rhothgar]

Bloody hell! That looks a very nice example Richard.

Yes. It all operates correctly.

[Bannedbiker]

Hi Roger, surprised you're using the "BOL" , aren't the manuals I sold you good enough?????

[myglaren]

Bloody hell! That looks a very nice example Richard.

Yes. It all operates correctly.

Mine was just like that until a milkman turned it into a banana.

[DickieG]

Bloody hell! That looks a very nice example Richard.

It's been rather cosseted throughout its life

The new sphere's you fitted, do you have the make and model of them? I'm wondering whether they are of the correct spec.

[Deanxm]

It's been rather cosseted throughout its life

It shows Richard, it feels, looks and smells like a new car, stunning example.

D