C5 X7 Rear Suspension Pipe Advice Needed please!

[HelioMV]

Apologies for my serial posting here recently.

You know when things are going a little too well and you're too proud on the forum ...

My biggest anxiety was that the suspenion on my C5 wouldn't raise when she came off the sleepers, it was perfect, until 5 comfortable miles later, an incredibly rusty rear HP LDS hardline pipe went bang, or hisssssss more aptly:

_______________________________________________________________________________________


I believe its 5270 VG - a pipe that runs between the spheres and the interconnector to the long pipe to the engine bay n pump, see picture below (note haven't actually had time to get under and diagnose properly yet so may not be that):


I'll spare you the bitching & complaining etc, but effectively car had a fake NCT (MOT) when I bought it but the rust around the rear spheres and Anti-Roll Bar has worsened especially with sitting.

She's not my main road car so waiting a little = OK! She's a passion, interest and understanding project now!

Assuming this pipe is at fault, I will need to either buy one (for €250 it ain't happening), get a breaker one (a possibility) or try and make one or modify one. I know a good hydraulics place to get tubing and fittings where at all applicable, and there might even be some bits at work (marine hydraulics), I am also happy to 3D print, cut, lathe and whatever is required. I have seen coiled hardline tubing being used as well as custom-machined bits which are giving me ideas. I have also read posts on here discussing it and have seen what can be done, but can I ask please:

(1) I gather that the ends are custom and the seals too, any dimensions/CAD models/compatibility with existing hydraulic fittings known? Can they be bought/cross-referenced at all?

(2) If I am to join it (which isn't amazing I know) - what kind of pipe would be suitable and what dimensions? What Flare tool (custom?) would I need. I gather it's not as simple as the oldies.

(3) Any specs on the original hard pipe RE diameter, material, flare-ability etc.

Any help appreciated, I WILL fix this, just trying to do it the best way possible

Thanks all in Advance!

[Sloppysod]

Firstly £250 for a replacement front to rear main suspension pipe - not a chance! more like £500+ for a 2nd hand one from France.

Have a read through this, hardest part of the job is getting the car in the air and safe, as you will need to work under the car.

Good luck.

viewtopic.php?t=81884

[HelioMV]

Brilliant. Thank you!!

It's not the main pipe *I don't think*. I won't even entertain that YET

It's the one that goes between that union and the spheres hence the £250 price.

Just need to get hold of ends and seals (or at least their sizes) then can make one.

[KennyW]

You can make your own by recycling your fittings and making your own flare end. I can't remember the flare type but a close examination of the originals will give you an idea.

Obviously be careful removing the flare ends.

IMPORTANT to have hydraulic system depressuised before ANY work is done. As the pipe has burst under pressure but still check and depressuise.

Kenny

[HelioMV]

You can make your own by recycling your fittings and making your own flare end. I can't remember the flare type but a close examination of the originals will give you an idea.

Obviously be careful removing the flare ends.

IMPORTANT to have hydraulic system depressuised before ANY work is done. As the pipe has burst under pressure but still check and depressuise.

Kenny

Will absolutely be depressurising!

Recycling sounds good, but anxious that even the part I can flare from may be corroded. Ideally of course this is what I'd do. If I was to use this method, is it 3.5 CuNiFe pipe I'm using? Just flare the old and new and join with a union?

Have read all of Jay Bruce's posts, would I be annoying him if I was asking things I wonder. Happy to pay good money for parts or designs (although I doubt that'd happen). Just want to cover my bases if its as corroded as I fear. It looks terrible that's for sure

Apologies if I'm rehashing questions already answered.

[HelioMV]

OK I clearly need to stop talking and start learning about EXACTLY what pipe sizes and pipes to use and what flare types are suitable!

[Sloppysod]

I'm sure @JayBruce will be happy to have a chat, I chatted with him last year to get the parts for my repair.

Just remember, he has a busy day job a it maybe a few days before he can get back to you. Send him a message, he will tell you if he can help or not.

[Lenny]

https://przewodyhamulcowe.com/przewod-h ... p-678.html

I've had one of these fitted for a few months so far with no problems

400 Polish Zloty is about €97.
He doesn't post to the UK but of you're in Ireland then you won't have all the Brexit b011ocks to battle with presumably, so you might be lucky.

[HelioMV]

https://przewodyhamulcowe.com/przewod-h ... p-678.html

I've had one of these fitted for a few months so far with no problems

400 Polish Zloty is about €97.
He doesn't post to the UK but of you're in Ireland then you won't have all the Brexit b011ocks to battle with presumably, so you might be lucky.

Hello mate thanks for the advice, already saw that! Sadly won't post to ireland either by the looks of it. Still seeing how I should play this!

[HelioMV]

I'm sure @JayBruce will be happy to have a chat, I chatted with him last year to get the parts for my repair.

Just remember, he has a busy day job a it maybe a few days before he can get back to you. Send him a message, he will tell you if he can help or not.

Yeah I'll message him.

I'm not expecting or needing fast replies. I totally understand. Got uni, job, rust and rain to compete with and I'm not even a real adult