C5 & LHM

[Smarty2]

Does anyone know what the damage would be to the suspension system if LHM is used? Seems my friendly mot station has put it in using information from autodata! I have told them to drain it out and put the specified LDS in a couple of times, but according to citroen the system could well already be damaged badly, is this scaremongering by citroen? Got to say I am very concerned.

[Stickyfinger]

I would say the MOT Station should give the car to a Citroen dealer for them to work on...

[RichardW]

Whilst there was much talk when the C5 came out of incompatibility of LHM and LDS, in fact certain parts are the same (eg the front strut return hoses). This shows there is no seal material incompatibility (eg as there is between LHM and brake fluid). LDS does have somewhat different properties though, so I would get it drained and refilled. Twice - to make sure the LHM has been flushed out.

[Stickyfinger]

To cover everybody's backside, (avoids arguments later.... big time)

[Smarty2]

Thanks, I am dropping it in tomorrow for a change and I have "requested" it be done again. What do you think, a few days or give it a week?
Not sure they would go for Citroen doing it because they insist (Citroen) that the extent of the damage needs to be assessed?

[citroenxm]

The c5 does not actually have seals like the ones we know and love on xantias for pipe connections..



That is an actual c5 pipe.. its a rear strut feed pipe connection...

[Stickyfinger]

Thanks, I am dropping it in tomorrow for a change and I have "requested" it be done again. What do you think, a few days or give it a week?
Not sure they would go for Citroen doing it because they insist (Citroen) that the extent of the damage needs to be assessed?

You Sir are a very fair man, I do hope the Garage UNDERSTANDS that.

Many would of gone to town on that, as soon as you "Claim" from them, their Liability Insurance would take the matter off their hands and would of been thinking of ways of paying you off. They have to legally "go by the manufactures book" and that is with Citroen, the dealership I am sure would over price it ......your garages premium would of raised I suspect.

Barvo Sir, you show great fairness and I salute you for that.

[Smarty2]

Thank you, I try. As for this whole debacle it turned out to be LDS in the end, what threw the Citroen technician was the colour, apparently Febi the manufacturer do not colour code the fluid so therefore it looks the same as LHM, you can tell the difference between the two by smell, LHM has a sickly sweet smell whereas LDS smells like engine oil! Anyways the garage took it to Citroen in Stafford and they flushed the system and refilled with Total LDS.

[Stickyfinger]

Seems like all have been fair and careful with your car, good.

[SaabC5]

Thank you, I try. As for this whole debacle it turned out to be LDS in the end, what threw the Citroen technician was the colour, apparently Febi the manufacturer do not colour code the fluid so therefore it looks the same as LHM,

Ah, the same as Comma LDS. My 09 Exclusive had what appeared to be LHM in the reservoir, but before panicking i contacted the previous owner as to what fluid was used. Luckily enough he had half a bottle of Comma LDS in the garage still. Problem is my suspension fluid looks like engine oil now with a mixture of Comma green LDS and Total Quartz orange LDS. I will at some point when i have some extra funds get the system drained down and flushed and then filled with the proper orange stuff.