C5 x7 Quick question - do I need to depressurise the suspension to do a droplink?

[Jay-Bruce]

Daft question, but would I need to depressurise the suspension to do a front droplink on our C5 x7 with hydractive 3+? Normally I'd have thought not, however, I'm aware that the front drop link is also the hub to strut retaining bolt, so with suspension pressure that could be pinching the bolt.

[MattBLancs]

I did it without, suspension on high (which I think worked against me!) Used a socket extension as a podger which allowed me to realign strut and hub carrier - tapped podger out the way with the bolt (on the drop link ball joint)

Because I was enjoying myself so much doing the above, I completely overlooked that I'd put the wrong side new drop link in place - becomes very obvious when you go to align the other end of it!

[GiveMeABreak]

Put the suspension on high and remove the LDS cap if lifting the vehicle off the ground where more than one wheel will be suspended freely.

[MattBLancs]

Put the suspension on high and remove the LDS cap if lifting the vehicle off the ground where more than one wheel will be suspended freely.

On that note Marc, is there anything stopping you from doing it like so:

Suspension on high,
Jack up and onto axle stands,
Suspension on low, or even normal likely enough,
(Compression on struts relieved)
Drop link swapped.
Suspension on high (and LDE cap loose)
Off axle stands and back on the floor

Just an idea

[GiveMeABreak]

No Matt, it's just to prevent the wheels extending when they are hanging under the weight of the wheels, that when the vehicle is later lowered suddenly can cause a rush of fluid back through to the reservoir with the added weight of the car, which can lead to the tank weakening / bursting.

Chris and I did put some stickers here for members to print off and use especially for garages to be aware of the procedure:

viewtopic.php?t=62058

[Jay-Bruce]

Cool - thanks for the replies guys. The reason I was asking is that my diagnostics laptop needs a new keyboard, so I don't have access to my OBD tools (Delphi & Lexia), but I've got a premature failure on a droplink, (October 2021 fitted <5,000 miles ago) that's knocking about. So I was wondering could I do the droplink without the laptop? I guess I know what I'm doing this weekend (if the duchess will let me ground her car)