The ride of my Xantia has gradually worsened and is now very harsh, almost locked. Each corner is the same - i.e. equally hard.
A while back I had to add some LHM as the warning light was coming on. Yet there were no visible leaks, which puzzled me - where did the fluid go? I added around 1/2 a bottle and everything seemed fine after that.
Could it be that one or more of the spheres have gone flat? How can I tell? Do these have a life span?
I've checked the fluid in the reservoir and it is clean so I'm not sure a flush is required. What is the recommended service interval of LHM, anyway?
I've also done the CITAEROBICS (http://citroenz.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=42) but nothing changed.
In terms of the age of the components the front center sphere was leaking and replaced under guarantee just after buying the car (29k). The rear height corrector was replaced about a year ago. I believe everything else is original.
As far as suspension behavior is concerned a couple of things are worth a mention:
The hydraulic system does not behave the same as it used to. When I first got the car, on starting the engine, the STOP light remained on whilst the pressure built up and the suspension would rise a little. Now the pressure light is out immediately and the suspension LOWERS a little. I've no idea what this means but I mention it as it may help someone out there diagnose the problem.
The suspension rises and lowers ok on the lever to the highest, lowest and normal ride height positions. However, in the intermediate position the car rises to the highest position.
I get a fair amount of clicking on startup but this settles down after a time.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Harsh Riding Xantia
Moderator: RichardW
from the stiffness test at rear corners it seems clear to me the rear suspension spheres are flat.
Life expectany on spheres is not an accurate figure as it depends on usage of car, road conditions, climate etc. They don't last forever - and was never designed to.
But should at least outlast a standard shocker on any other car.
If the spheres has never been replaced with car's mileage & age - it's likely they are flat now.
Note that the use of "economy" spheres may be disappointing. These are "re-newed" spheres - tested, cleaned & re-gassed.
The problem is the internal membrane that ruptures if the sphere is allowed to go near - or completely - flat.
You may have a look on this fluid replacement procedure for details :
LHM fluid service
Life expectany on spheres is not an accurate figure as it depends on usage of car, road conditions, climate etc. They don't last forever - and was never designed to.
But should at least outlast a standard shocker on any other car.
If the spheres has never been replaced with car's mileage & age - it's likely they are flat now.
Note that the use of "economy" spheres may be disappointing. These are "re-newed" spheres - tested, cleaned & re-gassed.
The problem is the internal membrane that ruptures if the sphere is allowed to go near - or completely - flat.
You may have a look on this fluid replacement procedure for details :
LHM fluid service
I agree with Anders.
The reason for the change in behaviour of the warning light is a good indication the the accumulator sphere has failed. With the accumulator correctly charged the gas will retain pressure when the engine is stopped. Gradually this will leak away and when you start the car there will be insufficient residual pressure to keep the warning light out. The pump then compresses the accumulator sphere gas and the light stays on while it does this. Flat sphere - no gas expansion, so no fluid forced out and the light goes out nearly staright away.
Jeremy
The reason for the change in behaviour of the warning light is a good indication the the accumulator sphere has failed. With the accumulator correctly charged the gas will retain pressure when the engine is stopped. Gradually this will leak away and when you start the car there will be insufficient residual pressure to keep the warning light out. The pump then compresses the accumulator sphere gas and the light stays on while it does this. Flat sphere - no gas expansion, so no fluid forced out and the light goes out nearly staright away.
Jeremy
Thanks everyone for your input.
Given the consensus I'll order complete set of OEM spheres and replace the lot.
Kev,
Your signature shows that your car is performance boosted - what did you do? I like the ecenomy and cruise performance of the 1.9 TD Xantia but find that the acceleration makes overtaking on A & B roads 'challenging'.
Thanks and regards,
Given the consensus I'll order complete set of OEM spheres and replace the lot.
Kev,
Your signature shows that your car is performance boosted - what did you do? I like the ecenomy and cruise performance of the 1.9 TD Xantia but find that the acceleration makes overtaking on A & B roads 'challenging'.
Thanks and regards,
-
KevMayer
- Posts: 1051
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I had it done by Allard diesel sport in Monmouth. They charged 80 quid.
Basically he increased the boost pressure from 0.8 bar to 1.15 bar then increased fuelling to match.
It doesn't smoke, It is slightly more economical and it has around 110 Bhp which makes it drive much better.
I'm very pleased I had it done and it was achieved without adding anything. Allard just optimised what was already there.
Basically he increased the boost pressure from 0.8 bar to 1.15 bar then increased fuelling to match.
It doesn't smoke, It is slightly more economical and it has around 110 Bhp which makes it drive much better.
I'm very pleased I had it done and it was achieved without adding anything. Allard just optimised what was already there.