Suspension failure max speed 55mph

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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by myglaren »

Have you checked the gaiters on the rear struts?
Common failure point.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by Estately »

Not sure if you have this sorted yet, we have the facelift model.
It sprung a leak from one of the power steering (half inch dia. aluminium) pipes that run around the sub frame under the engine, where it fits in a clamping arrangement. The clamp can also create corrosion.
Our leak arose when the engine under tray hit the pipe as it became dislodged. When fitted correctly I think the under tray provides protection to these pipes etc.

Only problem was that we lost count of the number of incorrect pipes that were delivered before the correct one turned up.

Hope that helps.

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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

Did it affect the suspension?
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by Estately »

Fortunately it did not, I noticed the leakage when inspecting the missing undertray, if you can inspect something that is missing.
Just kept topping up until the correct pipes arrived, if it had not been noticed I suspect that I would have been in a similar position to your good self.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

I thought steering and suspension were independent systems?
Last edited by osx on 26 Apr 2015, 23:32, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by Estately »

I believe that the steering and suspension share the same reservoir, Old'uns reply would seem to confirm that, given that he got the same message caused by a steering pinion failure.
I think hydraulic Citroens cunningly allow the suspension to fail before brakes and steering if the fluid level falls too low.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by RichardW »

The systems are separate in an X7.....
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

Unfortunately the leak is from the steering rack so quite an expensive repair. Not sure if Halfords will be up to the task with this one (mechanical warranty is with them)
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

old'uns wrote:had the same message on mine 2 yrs ago coming back from France fully laden, was a bit bumpy to say the least with no or little front suspension :shock:

3l of LDS later and normal service resumed, well until it leaked out again, as it turns out through the leaking steering rack pinion.

have a poke around underneath, mine was soaked in oil everywhere and even turned the side sill cover plastic wavey.

may not be same as yours but not too sure which i'd prefer, mechanical leak or electrical gremlins :?
Mechanical leak it is. Got to carry with me plenty of LDS from now on :)
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

Waiting for the part to arrive but interestingly there is no leak now!?! Haven't tried to change suspension ride height as they had to suspend all 4 wheels to get the suspension working again.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

Back on the road again with new steering rack, new pipes (couldn't believe that one of the aluminium pipes going to the steering rack had a hole until I saw it myself!) and new gators. Cost me just under £500 so hope there wont be any more expensive repairs until 120k
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by Gibbo2286 »

I have to ask, if one of the pipes had a hole in it did it really need a rack?
Man is, by nature, a lazy beast, he does not need twice encouraging to do nothing.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by old'uns »

it's an X7.......…leaking pinion shaft seal included as standard, cars in pieces so might as well sort out.
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Re: Suspension failure max speed 55mph

Post by osx »

Gibbo2286 wrote:I have to ask, if one of the pipes had a hole in it did it really need a rack?
One of the leaks was from the power steering pipe that runs around the sub frame under the engine. The clamp caused the problem and corrosion (steel clamp and aluminium pipe - guess which one will give in first).

Seen the rack myself and it was corroded but not much - looked like an easy refurbishment job.
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