C5 X7 - what is this and why is it oily?

[steveclv]

As per the title - should it be cleaned/replaced?

Also, I noticed that one of the front struts has some sort of a leak - it's just covered in LDS that doesn't look fresh and isn't dripping - is this an urgent issue or something that I can get around to?

[citroenguy]

That oil residue is normal for an old diesel. It is the intake air flap.
Unless the suspension struts are dripping with LDS there is no point changing them. There is no leak off return on C5 X7

[steveclv]

Thanks, any point in cleaning it?
As for the struts, I think I'll leave it until it gets worse.

[citroenguy]

I'd just leave it as is

[PaulC5]

I would wipe the oil off the strut to keep it clean and stop any possibility of it getting on the brakes. By cleaning it will allow better monitoring of how bad it is. Definitely clean it before your equivalent of the UK annual MOT to avoid the risk of it failing the test. I do this on our 2007 C5 which can get a small amount of oil on the front struts over the year.

[steveclv]

Thanks Paul - sounds like a plan!

[Stickyfinger]

Yep, "most" MOT testers would think "leaking shock absorber" and fail it....silly boys (or girls, or non-binary)

[steveclv]

Fortunately I live in France so the CT testers (MOT) are familiar with Citroen idiosyncrasies