Citroen Xantia 1.8 16v 1999 LHM leak

[Dolmenman]

My partner's daughter's '99 Xantia has LHM dripping from underneath. I'm in Brittany, France, and the leak seems to be coming from a plastic white "T" connection, just below the universal joint of the steering column. The car is a lefthander. There appears to be a black plastic pipe disconnected from the "T"...
The mechanics here are useless (either won't touch it or too busy, which is surprising as they have a two hour lunch break and are closed up on Mondays).

I'm fairly adept at mechanical stuff (I'm Irish btw), and have put a clutch in my partner's 205 two years ago.

I'm pretty sure the leak is some kind of low pressure return pipe from the height corrector. I've a few questions though.

Too access it would it be easier through the LHS front arch with wheel removed, or from underneath?

Would black plastic fuel pipe do as a replacement pipe if needed?

If the end looks fatigued (of the black pipe) could I cut a cm of the existing pipe and push it onto the "T"?

I'd be greatful for any advice as I'm a complete novice with Citroens....thanks in advance.
The T

The T seems to be missing a pipe

Where it is situated.

[xantia_v6]

The white T fitting does not look original, perhaps it is already a replacement. If the rubber hose is not split, then I would just push it back on, and put a small cable tie around the end of the hose to stop it slipping off again.

I don't know if there is any easier access, but you have to take what you are given when working on Xantia plumbing... Maybe you can reach it better with long-nose pliers?

[Dolmenman]

Many thanks for the reply. I hope it is just a matter of pushing it on. Access will be the problem.

[Dolmenman]

Just to add, I've just found out thtat the car had a clutch and gearbox replaced last year, so it's possible the original connections where damaged then and replaced with this white "T"...

[Stickyfinger]

100% a "LeBodge" 3-way....there is a 3-way in that area and it "drips" when apart (rather than "dumps a lot")....you should find the pipe to reconnect.

The trouble [may be] that the rubber tubing has been split by the type of connector/tubing they have used (to fat, sharp barb) so you may need to cut it back a cm or so.

Access from the side will really not be possible as the rack/heat shield etc will be in the way.

The only way is from under the car on your back.....it is very possible to get both hands in there to re-connect.

You WILL NEED RAMPS or AXLE STANDS....Citroen can drop and kill you ! SAFETY FIRST

[Dolmenman]

Thanks....I have came to the conclusion that the "mechanic" (), who replaced the clutch, must have dislodged pipes when removing the gearbox. His "bodge" lasted a few months (mechanics here are a disgrace and I've had many friends fleeced by them, with improper repairs)

I will need the car well up into the air and will probably remove LHS wheel too (car is LHD) for observation. Hopefully I can find the disconnected pipe but will need to secure it out of the way of the steering column, rack. Also would need some kind of jubilee clip to stop it popping off again. It is allegedly going to be dry on Saturday so hopefully will tackle it then. Will update afterwards.

[Armidillo]

For a small diameter rubber return line, a cable tie should be all you need to hold the pipe on.

[Dolmenman]

Thanks...yes, as it is (I think) a return pipe to the reservoir, it shouldn't be pressurised. Hopefully the disconnected pipe will be obvious and I can get my mits onto it. I think access will be my main problem as I'll be working outside in a gravel yard in the Breton weather.

[brianj24240]

Thanks....I have came to the conclusion that the "mechanic" (), who replaced the clutch, must have dislodged pipes when removing the gearbox. His "bodge" lasted a few months (mechanics here are a disgrace and I've had many friends fleeced by them, with improper repairs)

I will need the car well up into the air and will probably remove LHS wheel too (car is LHD) for observation. Hopefully I can find the disconnected pipe but will need to secure it out of the way of the steering column, rack. Also would need some kind of jubilee clip to stop it popping off again. It is allegedly going to be dry on Saturday so hopefully will tackle it then. Will update afterwards.

I have lived here in France for 22 years and had several models of Citroen during that time. I have had nothing but help, respect and excellent service from both my local Citroen 'Concessionnaire' and the two main dealers in the area. Posting a derogatory generalisation that "(mechanics here are a disgrace and I've had many friends fleeced by them, with improper repairs)" based on your one experience, is ridiculous, and I am surprised the Admins have allowed it. Forming a relationship with your local garage, accepting that this is not the UK and the culture of 2 hour lunch breaks is normal here, is the key, as is 'attitude', perhaps that's the reason you don't get better service.

[HansH]

Well I can relate to both postings above… off course the way French garages work from the topic starter, but surely also the reply from brianj24240.
As far as the connection goes: it needs to be a material that is resistant to LHM! a copper or messing (brass) piece will do for sure.

[Dolmenman]

Perhaps I've generalised too much and I'm sure there are many good mechanics here....however, I can only tell you about personal experience.

Before the Xantia, my partner's daughter had a Peugeot 306, estate, which the clutch gave up on. I was in Ireland at the time but from what she described it sounded like the spring in the pedal. She took it too a Garage which charged her €700 to replace the clutch, and then found it was only the return spring. This was in Bordeaux.

The same car stopped with her in Coreze....it sounded fuel related to me. The insurance paid for the car to be transported to a main Peugeot dealer, charged her €170 to replace a fuel pipe and the car broke down again, the next day, with the same problem.
I'm sure the problem with the Xantia has arisen due to carelessness on the behalf of the mechanic who replaced the gearbox, but he won't answer the phone. I could list other examples

She has took the Xantia to 3 local Garages. One said he wouldn't touch it, as it was a specialist job, the other two said they were too busy, hence im going to have to tackle it myself

Perhaps we've been unlucky, and you've been lucky, but I have witnessed them taking advantage/bodging especially young girls. As for the cultural differences, it's true....2 HR lunch breaks and Mondays off are alien to me.

I apologise though, as I came here for help, not to insult or offend anyone, and will refrain from passing judgement in the future.

[Dolmenman]

HansH, thanks....I'm hoping to get a look tomorrow as it is too wet here at the moment. I will first have to identify which pipe has dislodged and if it is still present. Hopefully the subframe doesn't have to be dropped...

[xantia_v6]

This diagram of Xantia return lines may help:


I think that you are looking at item 9 which was originally a 3 way rubber connector with steel and nylon lines pushed into it.

A common repair when the rubber connector perishes is to replace it with a hard plastic connector and rubber stub pipes to connect to the hard lines.

The item connected by line 8 is the height corrector.

[Dolmenman]

Thanks XantiaV6.....I think your correct but it looks like a bodge on top of a bodge as the pipes seem to be black plastic fuel line. The diagram is very helpful.

[Stickyfinger]

Item No9 is a "soft" plastic 3 way which should have the thin plastic return lines (with a small moulded bubble 1cm in) going in as a push fit.

The images posted looks like these have been replaced at some time with thick heavy rubber lines into a ridiculously short (and sharp barb) plastic joiner.
That "fix" was/is a cr@p "Le-Bodge" no question about it........

TBH, France is not unique for rubbish garages who carry out rubbish work and rip off people left right and center (Women/Old People/Foreigners/Gullible Yoofs etc etc).....it is common the world over and not a "French problem".

As for "old Citroens"....they take more time, more of a chance of a secondary problem and parts are hard to find now. Quicker money fixing a DS3 or a Golf.....hence the turn away/"specialist only/no call backs etc.