suspension problem 16v

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marcdublin37
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suspension problem 16v

Post by marcdublin37 »

Hi all just gettinng my H reg 16v back on road after several years parked, however having fixed water leak and fluid issues ie was not holding any liquids. I have another issue with the rear suspension been stuck on one side it refuses to even out. I am not technically minded in relation to the working of the system. Presume it may be a problem with the sphere or something. Any help appreciated.
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by citronut »

i have never seen a hydraulic citroen with a stuck cylinder,

i would be inclined to raise it up fully then lower it fully several times

how long was she parked up for

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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by Vanny »

Terminal arm bearing failure stopping the arm rotating perhaps?
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by Kitch »

Very odd. Anti roll bar would try to lift .v slightly. I'd jack it up and cycle it a few times, but I've never seen one jammed.
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marcdublin37
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by marcdublin37 »

It has been parked a couple of years but was turned over frequently. Cheers for advice will try later.
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by Stinkwheel »

Im confused by this, even with a non working suspension cylinder hydraulic citroens would still get up both sides by virtue of self levelling right?

We have all seen the GS and DS and even BX and CX do the 3 wheel driving trick, so im going for terminally failed and seized rear arm bearing also, as this, i think, would be the only way it wouldnt get up on one side even with no hydraulic assistance to that corner.
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mat_fenwick
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by mat_fenwick »

I doubt very much whether it's the case in this instance, but problems with the front suspension can appear to be affecting the rear. I had a front drop link pop out last year (accompanied by a loud bang, and annoyingly only a month after fitting) which meant that the front suspension on that side was trying to raise to full height. Consequently the diagonally opposite rear appeared to be very low.

I really can't see how the cylinder would seize and even if the pushrod snapped the piston would extend and you'd have a noticeable high pressure leak. So another vote for seized bearing here but even so the two arms are (should be?) linked by the anti roll bar as Kitch stated. So any difference in the two sides will be limited by the twist the ARB is capable of. What happens when you put it on high - is there any movement at all from the problem side?
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marcdublin37
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by marcdublin37 »

It is currently on the back of a pick up. I will be at it tomo afternoon so will let you know, appreciate the thoughts though.
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by marcdublin37 »

Well just had interesting call from friend who has the bx, apparently it has levelled off with one hell of a bang like a shot gun. Appears to have Solved itself, hope so anyway, looking forward to taking her for a spin later. Prayerscare being said been a long time.
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by RobC »

If it fixed itself with a shotgun esque bang I'd be careful when you take it for a spin!
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by rutter123 »

if the rear bearings are shot you will hear a pinging or knocking/grinding/squeaking when bounced up and down, it could be an internally shattered sphere, uncommon but does happen, also worth checking the condition of the rear hydraulic cylinders as these can stick due to rust on the rams and ultimately causing a leak.
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by MULLEY »

Shotgun sound, erm, that sounds bad, please check underneath before driving & take it bloody steady, something may have broken & you could suddenly find yourself going off the road or heading into oncoming traffic.
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marcdublin37
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by marcdublin37 »

Well took the beloved bx out for a spin all is well with the suspension, however despite fixing 2 water leaks it appears not to be holding any still. It is fine when not driving, no visible leaks but once driving it overheats almost immediately. Looks like another weekend under her. The perils of leaving her sitting for so long.

Perished pipes maybe to blame as both replaced pipes where very bad.
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by MULLEY »

Does the suspension appear to be reasonably soft on all 4 corners?
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Re: suspension problem 16v

Post by Tinkley »

Do not let her overheat! As they say on this Forum the red lamp of death! If the 16v has sleeved in liners like a lot of the other petrols there are sealing 'O' rings under the liner head and these 'cook' within only a few degrees of the red light coming on, and then require replacement...... you get the picture. Hopefully the leak is not a head gasket, check for steam in the exhaust when warm if poss.

My old 1.6 after 4 years rose up fine, a bit groany on the front struts but otherwise almost like normal. Mind you that was to full height :D . Also I'd done complete new trailing arm kit (bearings, seals etc) on her a few years back and put in better grease than Citroen.

Rear arm bearings if truly disintegrated ie needles rusted in place might just make that 'bang' or maybe a bladder in a sphere, but I've not witnessed the latter. Hell of a creaking with dry disintegrated arm bearings but usually you can see the splay / \ of the wheels. Check the photo of Caffiends new green hatch!
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