squealing and desperate-hydraulic pump problem

[B-Hive]

Hello BXers

Been having really bad hydraulic pump belt squealing issues. The belt always looked fine so was (until recently) reinstalled. Tightened again and again, i finally decided to eliminate variables by replacing the belt for a newy.

Installed it and set out on a day road trip today with a friend with great confidence the BX would do what was required. No turning back we had to endure 4 hours of almost not stop very loud belt squealing, even after roadside tightening.

Everytime the pump kicked in the noise was ear piercing, and because it was slipping it stayed on for an almost indefinite period until the pressure built sufficiently to cut out.

Its no longer a belt issue. The belt is new . The belt is TIGHT

The pump is slightly rattly but ok with pressure.

Questions : do these pumps/bearings fail to the point that internal resistance locks them up/creates to much friction for the pump to operate normally when required to kick in.

Is the pump on the way out?

Thanks and may you all have a happy new year.

[ken newbold]

I don't see how it can be anything but the pump.

I've known them to snap the belts due to seizing up.

[kiwi]

My thought is you stilll have not tightened the belt correctly.

Those belts can be tricky to tighten correctly and remove any squel because you have to disturb the alternator belt to get access.

[Way2go]

My thought is you stilll have not tightened the belt correctly.

Agreed, a new belt stretches initially anyway and probably needs re-tightening twice before it stays "quiet" without occasional bursts of squealing.

[LiverMatt]

I had a similar sounding problem last year. Pump belt change, and when it was started up, the pump wouldn't turn at all. Ended up taking it to a local Citroen specialist (Double S Motors Liverpool), who told me that the issue was the pressure regulator, which had seized. This was causing the pump to stop because of the high pressure within the system, evidently..

Matt.

[B-Hive]

After a quick visit to local fellow enthusiast's place, and with the use of handy sized crowbar we tightened the be-jeebers out of the belt. Its now not only passively tight but almost under tension. ROCK HARD.

This method/fix has cured the problem..FANTASTIC

Thanks guys. It was nice to get some help on the old girl, and compare the obvious differences between my Floaty Nanna box 16 auto and your respective pinned down valvers.

Had my first drive in a valver too, and was mighty impressed. Nice machine

Thanks everyone else for your input and it was sorta encouraging to know that it is a reasonably well known issue with the BX.

[kiwi]

Your welcome

[citronut]

these belts do need to be exsecivly tight, you should try turnning a hydraulic pump pully by hand once its up to presure, with engine switched off of course

regards malcolm