Suspension fluid reservoir

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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

5.3 Litres :-D

But you can get LDS or Fluide DA from other suppliers for a lot less - as long as it meets PSA specifications (which it should do if it says LDS).
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

GSF are showing LDS fluid at a far more reasonable price;

https://www.gsfcarparts.com/980aa0720

However, because of the lockdown GSF are operating a 'click and collect' service.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Paul-R »

That's still nowhere near as good a price as the Ebay advert I linked to.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Come to think of it, I seem to remember buying a quantity of LDS half expecting my third rack to go on the C5, but now she has moved on I have no use for it.

I must get out in the shed once it gets above -10 to see how much I have. :geek:
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by benedusi »

Hello everyone, and sorry about hijacking the post, but I have a related questions.

I bought an old and poorly maintained C5 break, it`s a 2.0 petrol mk1 (2001), I'm trying to solve all the problems and now I'm looking into the suspension, it works fine, raises and lower as it should, but it feels weird, the back seems to hard on one of the sides, I did some research and found some reports of excess pressure and excess LDS fluid, so I decided to depressurize the suspension and then check the fluid level. After the depressurization process I opened the reservoir and a lot of fluid came out, about 500ml, but when I checked before with the car in the lower position it was in the right level.

So, what is the proper method to check the level, lower the car or depressurize de suspension?

After it I removed a little bit of the fluid until it was on the level, turned the car back on and raised the suspension to its normal height and I cant see any fluid on the reservoir, is it normal? Or now the car has to little fluid?

Its worth to mention that the car was probably raised during some maintenance without the proper procedure.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Hi

The info above in this thread was for a MK III C5.

For a MK I, the checking and filling of the LDS level is done with the vehicle on the LOW suspension setting (make sure you are on level ground).

There are different level markings for Hydractive 3 and for Hydractive 3+ systems:
C5 MK I Susp Lev A.PNG
" a" : LDS fluid minimum level.
If the level is below the " a" mark, add 1 litre of LDS fluid.

C5 MK I Susp Lev B.PNG
MAXI mark on the LDS fluid reservoir.
LDS fluid maximum level:
  • Hydractive suspension 3 : Reference BASE
  • Hydractive suspension 3+ : Reference HYD
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by benedusi »

Thanks Marc, that is very helpful, so with the suspension on the lower settings the fluid need to be between base and max marks. I'll check this tomorrow, and about the Hydractive 3 vs 3+, I read somewhere that if the car has the sport button the system is a 3+, is that right?
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Yes if you have a SPORT button it will be H3+.

Just don't overfill the system.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by benedusi »

Thanks, I couldn't wait and went check the level in the dark, and with the suspension on the lowest position the level is just below the base mark, and just a little above the little "basket" inside the reservoir. I'll let it settle until tomorrow and check it again.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by citroen since 1973 »

As usual, really interesting info on this forum. I've had a Mk 3 2.2 Tourer, since 2009 (now passed on to my son) and I had no idea about the routine required when putting the car on a ramp. I've now printed off the useful warnings and added them to the car file. Thanks for all of the amazing help you enthusiasts give to us Citroen owners.

I started checking the suspension threads a couple of days ago, when my son called in and started querying changes to his suspension, coupled with a "don't drive over 55 mph" warning. When I checked the car, I found that the front was almost on the ground and there was no trace of LDS fluid in the tank! I've checked the best I can for leaks, but can't see much - I guess until I try filling the system, 5l LDS arriving tomorrow. There is evidence of some kind of fluid on the engine undertray, below the steering rack and I'm praying that it's not the rack that has failed. I haven't read much about this, but I have got an idea that it's expensive and difficult to rectify.

My son did have a nasty experience on a really busy M6 a few weeks ago, when he was pinned in the middle lane and forced to run over a stray sack truck. The car did go over it and it was a very frightening experience, but the garage he asked to check the car over reported that they could see no major damage to the underside. I'm now thinking that he may have damaged some pipework, or joints - hopefully tomorrow will give me a bit more of an idea. Cheers for now, Paul.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

Sadly that does sound like the infamous steering track leak. :(

There's plenty on this on my thread here: viewtopic.php?t=60155&hilit=steering+rack and others.

The leak is generally from a rusted pinion which over time distorts the o rings causing the eventual leaks. Unfortunately, once the rust gets into the rack, the other seals can start to perish, so a refurbished and treated rack is the best way to go. I wouldn't bother with a new Citroen rack, as not only is this expensive, but can go the same way in a few years as happened to me.

A good refurb that has been rebuilt and with new internal seals and then treated and coated externally is the way to go and lastly, the boot modification, where many of us have used a CV boot gaiter and put this over the pinion of the new rack, along with copious amounts of marine grease on the pinion has seemed to be the solution.
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by citroen since 1973 »

Thanks Mark for the very swift and informative reply. I'll take a look at the link shortly. Is there a particular supplier ued recommend for a refurbed rack please?
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by GiveMeABreak »

I would of course make sure it is the rack leaking - usually a bit of cardboard under the pinion area overnight will usually give it away.

I got mine from Autosteer I think - but a few points:

1) The racks for the C5 X7 are in short supply at times - probably due to the demand for them! I got mine from Autosteer.
2) Make sure you get the exact rack for the vehicle - there are different versions depending on engines and other factors and some have different steering angles.

If you do need the exact Citroen part numbers in future should this turn out to be the rack - or for any other parts, we do ask for a £10 forum donation as we are charged by PSA for this info now - but it will at least cover you for parts requests and parts diagrams for up to 2 years. If you feel this would be useful, or in the future, details below with links to upgrade your membership:
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Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by Hell Razor5543 »

Do check out the thread that Marc posted up. I believe that somebody in that thread had found a refurbishment company who (when they refurbished racks) chrome plated the pinion, thereby giving it a high degree of protection (although applying marine grease and the boot takes this protection much further).

Apart from the fact it has less storage capacity, the steering rack issue has put me off from ever getting a C5 X7 (not that I have had much luck with the earlier models!).
Last edited by Hell Razor5543 on 05 Aug 2021, 21:40, edited 1 time in total.
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Posts: 53
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My Cars: C4 2.0 C4 Grand Space Tourer - beginning to love it, but still miss the original GS and, of course, the Diane!
VW Eos - 2nd car (all shared with mbh) another bit of fun!
C5 2.2 mk 3 exclusive tourer - beaut, lux car, now my son's
C5 2.2 mk 1 exclusive estate - a fine car, still a Citroen
XM 2.1 estate
XM 2.1 estate - big, full of elec gremlins
BX 1.7 turbo GT estate
BX 1.9 RD estate
BX saloon - I liked the BX range
Visa GT - great fun, a bit hairy
Visa - mundane
Dyane - fantastic fun
GS 1220 estate - 1st Citroen 1973, a great car!
x 9

Re: Suspension fluid reservoir

Post by citroen since 1973 »

Thanks guys, I'll report back in due course.
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