C5 - issues resolved and some questions

[hayabusa1300r]

Hi Everyone,

C5 2.2hdi estate 2002, 112k - I've previously posted questions and had some great support, so an update on what was my "last" real bummer - no speedo or odo. I swapped the abs module and block as there was no communication, and despite searching in the UK and the rest of the world in many languages it seemed I was on my own with this one. As I had no comms with the abs Lexia couldn't help. It was suggested on here as I had no comms with it then maybe a supply / earth - bingo, no supply, alternative switched supply provided and now I have no warning lights showing, ABS / ESR / tyre pressure etc have all gone out and a working speedo and odometer, result!

I'm having an mot next week, and based on the cars history am fingers crossed not expecting anything horrific, which if so will see me invest some more time and money, here's a question which seems to have conflicting views on:

spheres and fluid, replace every 50k or leave forever? I'm not happy with the ride and handling, its not majic carpet, wallowy and loose, so thinking after the years and mileage its probably ready - I do all my own spannering so its parts cost only. i'd want to the rear trailing arm bushes at the same time

Thoughts appreciated.

ta John

[Peter.N.]

Sphere life on the C5 is generally much longer than on the previous models, I had a 2.2 estate briefly and the spheres were fine on that at 100k+ but I also had a 2.0. estate with about 180k and the spheres were pretty poor so you best do your own evaluation, bounce each corner in soft mode and you should get around 4" of movement on the rears and 2"+ on the fronts.

I had to do the trailing arm bushes on mine, not to bad providing the pins holding the push rods come out.

Peter

[hayabusa1300r]

Thanks Peter, i'm presuming with engine running? What about suspension fluid change, does that need doing periodically?

cheers John

[myglaren]

If you can make it to the Chevrons 2016 rally in Little Horwood - 9th ~ 11th of September you should be able to compare with other C5s - including mine as long as nothing prevents me from attending.
The Recreation Ground
Church St.
Little Horwood.
Milton Keynes
Bucks MK17 0PF.

I have never been terribly pleased with mine, nor the previous one*. In comparison to the GS, BX and Xantia (sinker) it isn't that great.
That said it is better than the competition and surprisingly 'sticky'.

*Estate - once I loaded it up to the gills with MDF - overloaded actually. Only travelled a short distance but over many a speed bump.
For the next three days the suspension was much, much softer and more compliant. It then gradually reverted to 'normal'.




Click image for larger ones.

[chinkostu]

I know LHM is about 70k but not sure on LDS, plus the electric nature of the c5 makes changing it a lexia job doesnt it?

Are the rear arms stiff? As they dont seem to have a lifespan as such and as far as i know they seem to wear out gradually. If you have the tools, time and parts its worth doing as long as everything comes loose!

[hayabusa1300r]

Thanks, will put the rally in my diary! I don't know if the rear arms are stiff, however the car wonders and I'm just starting to get a clonk ergo bushes? don't think you need a lexia for a fluid change, however if it doesn't get slaughtered on the mot i'll be getting a lexia anyhows


cheers

[myglaren]

As far as I am aware there is no time/distance specified for LDS replacement, merely that it is inspected after five years.
There are (I'm told) bleed points at the front and rear.

Can be done without a Lexia but only a Lexia can completely depressurise the system - drops the car lower than the lowest selectable height - right to the bump stops I believe.

I may well be deluding myself but do frequent 'Citroebics', partly to exercise the rams and trailing arm bearings and also the pump motor to help keep it free from corrosion.

I do have a bad rattle from the rear but no 'cracking' sounds that speed bumps will often produce when the trailing arm bearings are failing.
Having asked the mechanic and the MOT station to do their worst there was/is no problem with the bearings - it is the brake pads clattering around - no anti-rattle springs.
May fix that one day