LDS Tank Bursting Warning Labels

[GiveMeABreak]

Attention C5 and C6 Owners

Another member of the Forum recently had his C5 X7 LDS tank explode at a recent tyre fitting session, when the vehicle was lowered back to the ground.

For those unaware, the C5 and C6 should have the suspension raised to the highest position and the LDS tank cap removed whenever the vehicle will be lifted off the ground with the wheels hanging freely and unsupported. Not doing so will allow uncontrolled fluid to be drawn from the tank into the suspension circuit under the weight of the wheels hanging. When the car is lowered the weight of the car will force all the fluid back into the tank in an uncontrolled manner, putting huge pressure on the system - but especially on the seam of the LDS tank. Over time this can weaken, where it will eventually burst with all the inevitable consequences.

Chris (white exec) has very kindly created some labels specifically for owners of the C5 and C6. Members may like to download and attach these somewhere appropriately on their LDS tank or Engine Bay, as a reminder to service personnel or fitters (or self!).

There is a larger one with more detailed wording that you may decide to put on the tank or in the engine bay. There is a smaller one that points to the larger label, which could for example be kept with the locking wheel nut which is needed for alloy wheel changes - or handed to the fitter / mechanic.

The PDF can be printed directly, or the images can be downloaded and imported into a document where you can have several laid out on a page for more copies. The printout can then be laminated and then cut to size for fixing onto your LDS tank or other suitable location.

The file is available as a PDF that contains both images, or you can download the images independently by clicking the links in the table.

Link to PDF Document Containing Both Labels

LDS Label Image Direct Downloads

Link for LDS Warning Small Label	Link for LDS Engine Bay / Tank Label

[Skull]

Thanks Chris and Marc

[broomie]

superb effort many thanks printing now!

[Hell Razor5543]

Nice job, Gentlemen. Might I make a suggestion though? On the C5 Mk1 the LDS reservoir is under a cover (off side, on a UK car). Would it be worth designing a label explaining that (and that the cap, if legible, indicates this is for the power steering)? I don't know if this would be the case for the facelift C5.

[GiveMeABreak]

Just stick it on the plastic cover James, it still says “Citroen Hydractive” engraved on the plastic LDS cover on C5 MK I & IIs, so should be easy enough to work out.

[Gibbo2286]

This is a good idea but the problem is that the tyre fitters rarely open the bonnet or the boot before jacking the car up, maybe I could stick one on my forehead when meeting the fitter.

[white exec]

Did think about that.
If printed on some peelable labels, you could always whack one of the small ones on the wheel arch(es), for the duration of the job.

Did initially think of the small one as an alternative to one of the tiny Michelin tyre-pressure stickers once used on trucks and buses...

[rmunns]

Thanks.

[mmatin]

Is this also procedure (highest position, LDS tank cap removed) if I want to change one wheel or if I lift just one side of the car (what my mechanic usually do).

Thanks for info in advance!

[GiveMeABreak]

One wheel should be fine, it is usually where all 4 wheels will be hanging freely that you need to be concerned, but I would always raise to high prior to jacking it up, and the same for 2 wheels.

[mmatin]

Thanks for info Marc!

[admiral51]

Has anyone reached out to the Major Tyre Fitting Companies to see if they are aware of this issue.

Just an idle thought as i guess there are many Citroen owners that are not members of this forum or any other ?

[myglaren]

I did mention it to the MOT/tyre fitter when I went for tracking adjustment and they were well aware of it.
Not a national chain though.

[Stickyfinger]

It is on the MoT testers "Opening Notes" as they sign a C5 into the system.

Tyre "shops"......NEVER leave a C5 with any of them.

[Jay-Bruce]

I am glad I read this, I've got my own workshop and was going to lift our c5 (x7) to take the wheels off and balance them, Had I not read this thread I'd have most likely eploded our cars tank.