Xantia X2 rear height corrector return pipe bursted

[Campeador]

Hi all! I was recently greeted by a puddle of green LHM on the rear axle of one of my Xantia X2 (HDi 90). After some inspection, I found a blue Y-shaped connector broken in half (see attached photo) on what I think is the return line of the rear height corrector.

Location of the pipe with broken connector

Detail of Y-shaped connector

I found some replacements for the connector online (OEM part number "5270.14"), but after some consideration, the plastic pipe itself seems very brittle and will break for sure if I try to manipulate it so I'd like to replace it if it's not unreasonably difficult while I'm at it instead of patching. Would some flexible fuel line work or does it need some specific part number to be attached to the height corrector? What inner diameter should it have?

I have not attempted to replace any return lines except for the ones on the suspension struts, so any help/instructions/tips is very much appreciated.

Thanks!

[admiral51]

someone on here did post a link for the 90 degree elbow and the Y connector i will need to do some digging but they are new parts but not OEM but was within the last 18 months sure someone will chip in.
They are push fit and to my eyes it is a low pressure return feed.

Colin

[admiral51]

Ok so done some digging and found Blue Y Joiner

From a reputable company i believe, has been recommended in numerous posts.

Read your post again it is the main pipe that you are concerned about being brittle not able to add anything to that in terms of replacement, sorry for going down the wrong path

Colin

[xantia_v6]

The plastic return pipes are made of hard plastic with limited flexibility. They will split if crushed or bent too sharply when cold. It is not obvious that there is anything wrong with yours.

In my experience the replacement Y connectors currently available are made of plastic which is much harder than the original rubber, and the holes are either too tight or too loose, making reassembly difficult.

[aerodynamica]

Fortunately that pipe is for the 'leakage return' of LHM that permeates out the inside of the valve. It's low pressure (as close to no pressure) so a repair could be made. It only leaks so much because it's at the lowest point and syphons out down from the LHM tank e.g when parked.
As for the pipe itself, these are hard kind of plastic but I don't think I ever saw one break - it's usually the softer black rubber parts such as the suspension gaiters that eventually split. I'm not saying it couldn't happen though! You could use a pipe like a fuel line but it would have to be very thin to connect the ends of the plastic pipe. Maybe about 4mm inner diameter? This could push over the ends of a broken plastic pipe.

[CitroJim]

You could use a pipe like a fuel line but it would have to be very thin to connect the ends of the plastic pipe. Maybe about 4mm inner diameter? This could push over the ends of a broken plastic pipe.

Also, if using if using any other kinds of pipe to effect a repair then be sure it's LHM-proof... You'd be amazed at what's not and what LHM can eat in short order...

Anything I ever planned to use I would leave it submerged in a jar of LHM for a week or so to check it was not attacked by the LHM.

Also, stuff like windscreen washer pipe, whilst LHM won't eat it, it will cause it to go very hard and brittle over quite a short time...

It can be a bit of a minefield to find the ideal stuff. Fuel pipe specified for use with unleaded petrol is good but as you say Graeme, it can be a bit bulky...

[Campeador]

Thank you for your suggestions! I have already ordered the Y-connector and will try to just replace it, and if some pipe breaks then I guess we'll see. I'll try to remember to post any results!