Hydroflush worth a go?

[cc101]

Hi all, I'm still trying to get my xantia to ride better, as previous threads, literally everything has been done but still getting a hard ride even after setting the ride height properly with measurements and tape measure so it's spot on.

Is hydroflush worth a shot as the lhm was changed only a few weeks ago!

Cheers, Chris.

[Hell Razor5543]

I would have to say yes to this. Citroen themselves advise changing the LHM every 36000 miles, and every third change to do a hydraflush cycle (about 108,000 miles). They have accepted that, even with the best will in the world, crud will build up in the pipework. The hydraflush is designed to break this loose, so it allows the fluid to pass through more easily. This crud should then end up in the reservior (and suspended in the fluid) so that at the end of the cycle the pipes, valves, etc. will be clear and moving freely, ready for LHM fluid again.

Imagine, if you will, a central heating system. Over time, limescale builds up, restricting the flow, and clogging and jamming moving parts. A Fernox cycle counters this. The hydraflush cycle is the same thing.

GSF do hydraflush for under £32. I know, as I have just started Gracie on a hydraflush cyle today. You can get it from them on ebay, or they will order it in for you at your nearest branch. I doubt Citroen carry it, as they don't use LHM any more, but a different fluid, LDS. After I ran my previous Xantia on a cycle, and changed the spheres (they needed it, they were rock hard) the ride (and steering) was much smoother.

Don't expect a miraculous change. As the hydraflush takes time (it specifies 500KM to 5000KM), you may not feel the difference yourself, unless others drive it more than you. When I did my BX (a very long time ago), I couldn't tell the difference. However, my mother did. She had been in the car before I did the cycle, and the next time was after the cycle was completed. She commented on how much nicer the ride was, comparing the difference as between a camping bed and a feather mattress.

[cc101]

Thanks for the info I'll give it a go.

Cheers, Chris.

[xantia_v6]

I am a bit skeptical. For a non-hydroactive system, once the height has settled, there is no flow of LHM through any pipes in normal operation, as the spheres are screwed directly onto the hydraulic RAMS.

[Mandrake]

I am a bit skeptical. For a non-hydroactive system, once the height has settled, there is no flow of LHM through any pipes in normal operation, as the spheres are screwed directly onto the hydraulic RAMS.

I'm a bit skeptical of ride improvements from hydraflushing on a non Hydractive car as well, for the same reason.

Fresh LHM may ride slightly better than old dirty LHM though as the anti frothing agents in the oil deteriorate over time, allowing certain parts of the system (like the power steering) to froth the oil up more allowing more air into the system...fresh LHM with good anti-frothing qualities will allow any air bubbles in the return line to disperse more easily in the tank.

On a Hydractive system though I can see the potential for ride improvements, as I think intermittently sticking Hydractive control block valves is probably getting quite common with the age Xantia's are now at...

[Xaccers]

Hydroflush should help clean out some of the gunk from the height corrector valves (not the turrets). After cleaning Cassy's not only were they more responsive but her ride improved.

[Hell Razor5543]

Something to remember (and I only just thought of) is that the pneumatic system doesn't just drive the suspension, it also works the steering and the brakes. The hydraflush has got to help these as well.