X7 suspension stuck

[jgra1]

hi all, was getting the C5 out for an MOT this morning, and noticed it was a little low. I couldn't see much (any) LDS, so bought some and added 1L, now - with suspension on the deck - the fluid is visible in the filler neck. but still no joy getting the car to rise much really.. no warnings, the pump is making a noise, but I cant get the front to move up at all, and the back seems the same? Any quick fixes or diagnosis to let me know what's failed?
there is a surface of bubbles in fluid, so something must be working to a point.

many thanks
John

edit, just seen this from C16rkc, may try adding more fluid first !

viewtopic.php?t=61827&start=30

[KennyW]

John,
Worth repressurising the system again and see if rises up first before doing anything else.

Otherwise it will be checking all pipes and connections for seepages possibly causing loss of pressure. Obvious leaks.

Then Diagbox check for faults ie height sensor/s

Hopefully its loss of pressure.

Kenny

[jgra1]

thanks Kenny. I haven't depressurised it as such, how do I repressurise it? - i have left it running now for 20 mins, raising the hight to max and then back a level and repeat. turned steering carefully lock to lock 10 times
some more observations.

• The power steering seems fine, and the fluid level drops slightly when I turn the wheel side to side.

• I managed to get another 500 cc of LDS in the tank, just in hope, but that hasn't achieved anything except the level is now 1cm from the filler tube top.

• there is a bit of suspension in 3 corners, it's not flat. the front passenger side is completely down though?

[Sloppysod]

is a surface of bubbles in fluid? , so something must be working to a point.

Are there alot of bubbles, as you have added 1.5 litres of fluid it must have been really low and now it may need bleading, which means adding a little positive pressure 3-5 psi (max 7.4psi) to the reservoir and turning the steering lock to lock.

See......
posting.php?mode=quote&p=774399

[jgra1]

thanks Stu, I saw about pressurising the system slightly.. however,

some errors are in..
if anyone see's anything interesting in the list that isn't related to the suspension, let me know! I have looked at the descriptions for them so have half an idea of what they are about. As for the suspension ones, I cant see how both HC's have become dud, maybe there is a wire/device that sits higher in the hierarchy that is causing them... also, my vehicles do have history of mouse attacks!

BSI
F5FF

DCM 3.5 (Injection etc)
P0603
P0215
P1445

Suspension
C1141
C1146
U1118
U1118
U2118
U2005 (he's always around)

GEP (power Steering)
C1178

DSG (Tyre Pressure monitors)
U1108
U1213

edit.
just had a look about under the front, nothing amiss.. HC is still there and wiring ok. poked about in the engine bay, again nothing obvious.

Marc, any thoughts on a wiring issue that could cause both HC's to not communicate (if I have read the DTC's correctly)?

edit 2:
If my pump is running but now useless, somehow, could this cause the errors to front and rear HC ?

[KennyW]

John,

If I remember correctly when front HC went both codes appeared. But when I checked my front HC it was solid and wouldn't move at all. The dog bone was solid but loosened but the lever was rusted together.

Before touching or moving HC mark it against ARB with tipex or something similar or metal scribe. As it is a PITA to get the height set again (speaking from experience)

The pump won't cause the errors but be careful not to blow the big 40amp fuse.

Kenny

[jgra1]

thanks Kenny I had a glimmer of hope then when you said 'when front HC went both codes appeared'
I went back under, both front and back, all is fine with the HC's, they move freely and the bones are in place.

So, at a loss.. managed to get the car back into it's barn using many bits of timber.. the pump is clearly running often, and nothing is happening with raising the car, I can only surmise that the pump is on but no longer pumping usefully, i cant explain the power steering working!

I guess it's time to remove the unit and have a look.. wish me luck, not done this before.. will read up now

[Hell Razor5543]

The power steering is driven by a different pump, sited below and in front of the BHi system. If you take off the front right wheel arch lining you will see it.

Are you CERTAIN there is enough LDS fluid in the reservoir? A new member had problems with his C5 X7, and he was also certain there was enough. However, he added some more, and when the level in the neck of the reservoir did not change, he carried on. Eventually he added about 5l LDS and the suspension was working properly. This is on the second page of this thread;

https://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/ ... 76#p780976

[jgra1]

Thanks James. Yep re fluid , I added 1.5 l yesterday and now its overflowing on occasions. I will try pressurising first then remove it all.

[jgra1]

Of course you can just.blow into the tank and the car works !

Idiot

[KennyW]

John,

Since the car is on its low setting, can you depressurise it and remove the LDS fluid from the system via the tank. This will confirm the amount in the system,refill and top if necessary.

Forgot you were planning to remove the suspension pump so you will have to this anyway

I have fitted a car valve to a spare cap and repressuirse with a bicycle pump.

Kenny

[jgra1]

Thanks Kenny

Just to recap, I was taking car for mot but this suspension issue meant I had to cancel. I haven't used car for a year! (But have started it occasionally and moved it)

Update, the car now goes up and down, once upon a time it was near instant, but now it takes 7 mins ! The fluid is frothy. Something isn't right, I did up a few times (about an hours worth lol)

Have I got an airleak somewhere? Interestingly, the pump was switching on and off a few times whilst rasing the car.. something I don't recall from the past . Ideas welcome. No stress my end

[jgra1]

hi all, before I start dismantling the car in the middle of winter, just after more thoughts really.

Fluid level : after adding 1.5L on Saturday, and now the car appears to very slowly rise and fall (8 mins! one way), the fluid level is correct on lowest setting, with engine running, after the tank spewed about 250cc's out. Are we happy that the fluid level is ok?

Froth : is this actually normal? I cant see how a hydraulic system could operate with aeration? or to put it a different way, is the froth causing the slow raise of the car?

assuming the car does lose some LDS, is a leak the cause of my isses this weekend do we think? could it cause the frothing? where on earth do I start for a leak in this system? (I haven't seen any evidence on the underside of the car anywhere)

Could my pump be poorly, causing all the issues found? is it a good idea to remove it and have a look on the bench, could a leak occur somewhere in the pump, reservoir?

as always, any ideas appreciated, my knowledge of the hydractive system is lacking as you can tell, it's just always worked before on all my citroens!

John

[GiveMeABreak]

Don't forget to bleed the system John here:

viewtopic.php?p=693447#p693447

and repeat the turns a few times slowly.

If you see some 'fizz', allow this to dissipate and repeat operation until you get rid of it or it pretty much does straight away.

[jgra1]

many thanks Marc

I did that yesterday, (but may give it one more shot). now the car finally managed to rise, but it's taking too long.. maybe my LDS tank is fractured.. I will keep you posted .. as of now I think the whole pump should be dismantled for fun ..