Age related problems with the ’99 2.0 HDi Exclusive

[Edhertz]

Can anyone please advise me, or had experience of, age related problems on the S2 hydraulic system? I am thinking in terms of lines and connections cracking and hardening due to heat and time. I had a BX Gti for 16 years and although it was a great car, I was plagued with leaks from the hydraulic return lines and connections as it got older. I never went anywhere without rubber tubing of various diameters (from the breakers), jubilee clips, LHM and a pair of overalls. The front strut flexible returns have been renewed, is there something else, hidden and probably hard to get at that’s worth a look at?
Thanks for looking

[CitroJim]

generally speaking Ed the Xantia is doing well in this respect and is nowhere near how bad the BX was with its octopi...

I've seen a few rubber lines get hard now, principally those on the LHM reservoir, the power steering functional return where it changes from metal to rubber and the functional return from the regulator to the reservoir. Most I've seen on a V6 which should be a comfort to you.

I've also seen a failure of the rubber return pipe shaped like an 'F' that carries the front strut returns to the reservoir. That one is right under the reservoir.

And occasionally Activas rot their four way leakage return junction blocks on top of the rear subframe.

The front anti-sink valve can leak but this is a simple new O ring job. Ditto the pump itself.

So that's it. If you have neither an Activa nor a V6 you can be content that leaks are rare..

[addo]

I've replaced nearly every "rubber" return line and seal on my car, leaving the only ones as yet untouched as the antisink O-rings. The result - a worry-free, leak-free car once again.

I also renewed the PAS flex hose from engine front to chassis.

[Mandrake]

Most I've seen on a V6 which should be a comfort to you.

But not to me!

[CitroJim]

Most I've seen on a V6 which should be a comfort to you.

But not to me!

But at least you don't have an Activa Simon!!!

In fairness, the pipes in question aren't hard to fix, even on a V6 or Activa...