Rear Shock Absorber

[CylinderMan]

Hi All,

I have a problem with rear suspension on a Citroen C5 2003, 1.8 petrol.

There is an air leak in both left and right.

Parts are nearly impossible to find but I managed to find a shock absorber for (Cylinder, Sphere etc) for both left an right.

The only problem is that the left is for the same make model and year.. just the engine is a 2.0HDI rather than the 1.8 petrol I have.

Will the part be compatible? I can't see why the engine would cause a problem.

I was looking at rubber boot replacements and they are compatible with all engine sizes, so I'm hoping that indicates that the entire piece will be.

And advice before I buy them?

Is it just a case of getting them and then seeing how it goes?

A mechanic has agreed to fit part if I get them but generally most feedback is that I should just let the car go so I don't want to be asking too many questions because I feel like a bit of a pain.

Any help greatly appreciated.

[GiveMeABreak]

Have you actually bled the suspension system before doing all this?

Procedure here:

viewtopic.php?p=659698#p659698

[CylinderMan]

I'm not sure if they have tried that.

I'm fairly sure they have tried anything that doesn't involve replacing the parts. They are good coming up with fixes if they can, they aren't the type to just not be bothered. I actually moved to them after I was dealing with another outfit that only really seemed to be interested in doing basic repairs and services. I had a really good mechanic for years but he retired.

It's just reached the point where the part (cylinder) needs to be replaced or else it won't get through the MOT.

The mechanics position was to just get rid of the car and not to put any money into it. They also say they can't get the parts because Citroen don't make them any more.

I said that if I can find the parts will they replace them for me and they agreed.

I'm reluctant to push them, asking them if they have specifically bled the suspension, because they might just tell me to do one because they don't want to be dealing with this old car.

The specific parts they say need to be replaced are the cylinders located under the rubber boot.

I have been to breakers yards etc and every C5 they pull up has leaking suspension so this 2.0HDI one is my best shot. Otherwise I might have to let the car go. In fairness, I've done well to keep it on the road despite all the advice to let it go but it owes me nothing and I'd love to get it back on the road once again.

My gut says it will be a match but I could very easily be wrong.

[GiveMeABreak]

Some parts are cross MK I and MK II compatible. but some parts have different diameters for some models / Hydractive / Non-Hydractive etc. estates / saloons and build dates all come into play.

Some parts are no longer available from Citroen too but may be available from specialists.

If you require official parts data for your car we do provide this for donating members - see below - I can advise you what the correct parts for your vehicle are and you will at least have the official part numbers from which to try an aftermarket search.

If you need an original, genuine part number or part diagram, and can't already find the info you need on the Forum, we do ask for a membership upgrade for official parts data as we are in turn charged for this. It will cover you for future part number requests for up to 2 years, so excellent value.

If interested, links are below, then pop your VIN up.

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