Citroen C5 X7 2.0HDI Tourer - tie rod ends & suspension bushes

[Lqkas]

Hi there,
I have a 2014 Citroen C5 (X7) 2.0HDi (163bhp / DW10CTED4 /RHH) Exclusive Tourer that was purchased used in September 2022 with about 108000 km on it. It has now done 120000 km.
I took it in to a local mechanic shop last week to get an automatic gear box partial drain, throttle body replaced and a general check over suspension and steering and brake components.
Nothing really that evident when driving that I have noticed except for a bit of play in the front end (some unwanted feedback through steering over bumps when just off centre) although that could just be normal.
Anyway the service receipt mentioned a number of issues they picked up with suspension and steering.

Issues noted were:

"Slight play in steering rack ends"
"Rear radius rod bushes torn completely"

When I picked up the car they did not explain to me what these issues meant in terms of what parts need replacing, work involved, estimated cost involved for the required parts and labour.
I was hoping somebody here could elaborate further and provide me suggestions on the best way to rectify the issues.

I have gone through the parts catalogue with suspension diagrams, watched a few related DIY Citroen repair videos and searched through this forum, but I am struggling to identify what they meant by rear radius rod or arm. Which bushings should I have replaced?
Will a replacement of tie rod ends fix the "slight play in the steering rack ends"?

Context: Unfortunately the reliable trustworthy Citroen mechanic that had serviced and done work on the car previously recently had to move away and take up another occupation for personal reasons. This is why I took it to this place. There were a number of other issues with the service that I was quite displeased with (unrelated to the suspension issues). For $195 AUD an hour labour they charge I expected much better. Suffice to say I will be having the required steering and suspension work done elsewhere.

The car is on 245/45R18 tyres (Kuhmo ECSTA). Rear tread is low (maybe 10% wear left) and fronts are about 50% worn. I just going to replace them all with new Michelin Pilot Sport 5 next week.

Open to suggestions on what type and brand of bushings to use as replacement. Happy to pay a premium for better quality as I want to keep this car as long as possible.
Will non-rubber bushings degrade ride quality too much with the wheel/tyre set up, or will the compliance in the hyperactive suspension predominantly negate the extra firmness of the aftermarket non-rubber bushings?

[Stickyfinger]

maybe this helps you visualise the rear suspension.... YES, bad/split bushes will have a horrible effect on the suspension.

He could be talking about part 2 or 8....or both...

Steering....I assume Part 5

[Lqkas]

Thanks, this is useful. I have ordered a set of front drop links from a local specialist parts importer in Australia which seem simple enough to replace myself.
I know these are a common issue and figure that is likely to be what is causing the slight play in steering rack ends rather than the tie rod ends themselves. It could also be the lower front suspension ball joint (FRIP)?
I couldn't quite work out whether the term "rear radius rod" used refers to the rear suspension link (part 8 above) or the rear suspension arm (part 2). I figured it was more likely to be the rear suspension link. I haven't yet been able to find replacement a set of these in Australia but am still looking.
I am going to call up another allegedly reputable mechanic (recommended to me) to discuss getting the rear suspension links replaced as well as a thorough check of other commonly worn out bushes and the tie rod ends. I don't trust myself to do that job as it looks a little more complicated, particularly with the suspension auto adjustment bolts.

[PaulC5]

You can check for steering worn track rod ends by holding the joint in a hand whilst somebody waggles the steering wheel with the car on the ground. A lot of wear is obvious and is felt. Anti roll bar drop link joint wear I have found easiest to check by disconnecting one end and if worn the play can clearly be seen.

[Stickyfinger]

Yes, cannot be sure but 8 was my suspicion.....get a long bar in there and lever on them a bit, that should make it obvious.

[Lqkas]

Thanks for the suggestion I will try to isolate the steering play issue this afternoon. It is barely noticeable when driving at the moment.
I should also have time to look around with a pry bar and a mirror to confirm which of the bushes in the rear need replacing.

I talked to a local Citroen/Peugeot specialist mechanic today and have it booked in to get it properly checked out. He is booked solid for the next two weeks, as are most workshops around here.
The is a shortage of qualified mechanics and an even greater shortage of reliable trustworthy ones!

[Stickyfinger]

He is booked solid for the next two weeks, as are most workshops around here.
The is a shortage of qualified mechanics and an even greater shortage of reliable trustworthy ones!

Same in the UK......all trades are booked solid for weeks, builders/roofers..........over 6 months, a year for good ones !