Ride height

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morningglory
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Ride height

Post by morningglory »

Hi all,

Would there be an issue with driving in between lowest and normal ride height settings?

Just a thought. Driving a bit lower might make it a bit more aerodynamic for motorways and eek out an extra mile per gallon (also looks a bit cooler).

Obviously smooth roads only so the suspension doesn't bottom-out, but could this potentially damage the height correctors, mess with the the braking circuits or anything else?

Ta,

Joe
1994 TZD Estate in 'Canal-Boat Green'

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Tinkley
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Re: Ride height

Post by Tinkley »

I'd check your 'normal' setting is correct first!. My last car is definitely too high at standard and will be corrected, the last one was a tad out at the rear. So do not assume yours is correct. Unfortunately the setting (twisting te control on the ARBs'. is best done on a ramp where you can measure it and adjust without the car falling on you.... :wink:

The whole point of the hydraulics was to give better aerodynamics by the car remaining more stable to oncoming air and not wasting energy pushing air upwards and downwards. Keeps the drag factor down to a reasonable 0.32/34. Note the best Audi of the period was 0.30.. The C5 (last type) had a special automatic adjustment which would loewr it by 15mm on a motorway/dual carriageway above about 65 if I remeber correctly.
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morningglory
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Re: Ride height

Post by morningglory »

But can I drive with the hockey stick in between settings or does that cause a problem?
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Defender110
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Re: Ride height

Post by Defender110 »

morningglory wrote:But can I drive with the hockey stick in between settings or does that cause a problem?
Very dangerous, your suspension / handling of the car could dramatically change without notice. Is this a wind up?
Kevan
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Re: Ride height

Post by mds141 »

The BX, unlike the XM and Xantia has only three height settings :- Low, Normal ie middle setting and High. On the XM and Xantia the height lever has several 'steps' to it's movement through the full range, but even so, driving in between the height settings isn't to be recommended.
Mark Smith

Is it just me or is everything shit?

1989 BX GTi 16 valve. Blanc Alpine. Completed the Citroen Classic Challenge Ecosse and 1337 miles without a hitch.
2000 XM VSX 2.1 td Auto. Rouge Magenta.
TGD saloon many years ago.

1990 Swift 'Corniche' 12/2 aka BXClub HQ.
Honda Firestorm. Gone, but not forgotten.
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morningglory
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Re: Ride height

Post by morningglory »

No wind up! I might be looking at 100+ miles/day commute on motorways so every little bit of mpg helps. It was just an idea for certain steady slogs of smooth road I knew well, then put it back to normal ride height for the rest of the journey.

I don't understand why the handling would change without notice if it was me that set the ride height. I'm just seeing what problems people might foresee so any thoughts welcome. Might be a total non-starter but might be worth trying.

I imagine the hockey stick would get in the way of the handbrake if it wasn't in one of its grooves. Not a problem until you want to stop. Mainly worried about knackering the suspension or it affecting the brakes.
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Re: Ride height

Post by Defender110 »

morningglory wrote: I don't understand why the handling would change without notice if it was me that set the ride height. I'm just seeing what problems people might foresee so any thoughts welcome. Might be a total non-starter but might be worth trying.
Because if it is not locked into one of the slots the linkage could move on its own without you touching it?
Kevan
1997 Mercedes C230 W202
2003 Land Rover Discovery Series 2 Facelift TD5 - Daily driver / hobby days and camping.
1993 Land Rover Discovery 200tdi Series 1 3 door - in need of TLC
2020 Fiat Panda 4x4 Cross Twin Air.
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mat_fenwick
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Re: Ride height

Post by mat_fenwick »

I've heard of people who have filed in an extra notch to lock the lever in position so that would be an option although friction *tends* to hold it in place. Wouldn't count on it though and dropping into low at speed isn't much fun...
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Re: Ride height

Post by mds141 »

Might be worthwhile buying a C5/6 with Hydractive 3 suspension, as this automatically lowers at motorway speeds.
Mark Smith

Is it just me or is everything shit?

1989 BX GTi 16 valve. Blanc Alpine. Completed the Citroen Classic Challenge Ecosse and 1337 miles without a hitch.
2000 XM VSX 2.1 td Auto. Rouge Magenta.
TGD saloon many years ago.

1990 Swift 'Corniche' 12/2 aka BXClub HQ.
Honda Firestorm. Gone, but not forgotten.
2015 Triumph Tiger Explorer XC.
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mat_fenwick
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Re: Ride height

Post by mat_fenwick »

More expensive than a round file though :lol:
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1993 1.9 TZD Turbo Estate
1996 3.9 V8 Discovery
1993 VW LT35 campervan
1985 Hyundai Stellar V8
2016 Hyundai iLoad
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Re: Ride height

Post by mds141 »

:D
Mark Smith

Is it just me or is everything shit?

1989 BX GTi 16 valve. Blanc Alpine. Completed the Citroen Classic Challenge Ecosse and 1337 miles without a hitch.
2000 XM VSX 2.1 td Auto. Rouge Magenta.
TGD saloon many years ago.

1990 Swift 'Corniche' 12/2 aka BXClub HQ.
Honda Firestorm. Gone, but not forgotten.
2015 Triumph Tiger Explorer XC.
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