My BX14 RE- Sold.

[white exec]

Front subframe: strongest part is where the securing bolts are, at towards the rear of the subframe, or (just as good) use the two large flat areas of the subframe under the lower wishbones, a little further forward.

Rear: Immediately under the rear hydraulic ram gaiters is a metal cross-piece with a central hole. You can jack up under this point, spreading the load across the metal frame that surrounds the ram. A good secure place for axle stands is under the heavy cross-tube linking the two units.

[Fumbler]

Front subframe: strongest part is where the securing bolts are, at towards the rear of the subframe, or (just as good) use the two large flat areas of the subframe under the lower wishbones, a little further forward.

Rear: Immediately under the rear hydraulic ram gaiters is a metal cross-piece with a central hole. You can jack up under this point, spreading the load across the metal frame that surrounds the ram. A good secure place for axle stands is under the heavy cross-tube linking the two units.

Out of curiousity, would it be easy to lower the car onto axle stands if I placed them under the rear beam? I can see that being very useful for quickly removing and reinstalling the rear wheels.

[white exec]

Good solid place for axle stands.

[Fumbler]

https://autoshite.com/topic/36188-fumbl ... nt-2341461
Replaced the gaiter. Oh how much fun that was.

[panky]

Looks a lovely job, I think you need to buy some overalls ready for the other side

[Fumbler]

Looks a lovely job, I think you need to buy some overalls ready for the other side

Stupid thing is that I have two sets and I didn't bring a single one! I even forgot to bring my packed lunch!

The other side is alright for now but it'll need doing next year. My go-to place for tyres and anything wheel related also does alignments, they might think differently and if they want to replace it, I may give them the pleasure of doing it

I'm taking it easy today as I woke up stiff as a board and aching all over. I've washed the front wheel trims (as I took them off yesterday) in preparation for painting later on today. I'll get the rears off tomorrow hopefully. I've also got paint and other stuff to make the boot floor look nice and shiny, but that'll have to wait as the Micra needs a patch let into the sill and I only have limited days off from work.

[Fumbler]

From this:

PXL_20210814_165032420.jpg

To this:

PXL_20210814_165941005.jpg

Now to get the rears off.

[Fumbler]

PXL_20210824_110238278.jpg

Oh dear.

PXL_20210824_110358550.jpg

A hose on the strut has finally had enough and has widdled fluid overnight as the car sank down onto the bump stops. Busted return line or something?

[Jaba]

Yup, strut return pipes. Either patch in some silicone hose or get new from Chevronics.

[Fumbler]

Yup, strut return pipes. Either patch in some silicone hose or get new from Chevronics.

That's good to know. What size hose should I be looking for and what do the clips look like in case I need a replacement?

[white exec]

Both parts (clamp-on return hose and the special securing clip) still available from Citroen:

BX front strut return hoses.JPG

Take a look to see where one of the hoses has split. Should be easy to spot with the wheel off.
You may be able to insert a short length of stiff nylon tube into the hose where the split is.
If not, just replace with new parts.

[Fumbler]

How generous of them!

As an aside, how drivable is the car with this leak? I understand it'll widdle everywhere I park it for extended periods of time. I need to get petrol but that's the only essential journey I've got to do in it. The Micra can take me to work this week without any fuss.

[RobC]

It’s perfectly drivable as is, safety wise. the pair of strut returns are not even proper return hoses: it’s a “leak back” and a vent pipe if I recall. If the struts are worn then there’ll be more leakage back, but the lhm certainly won’t be gushing out. Obv a good idea to fix fairly soon mind you, as you’ll have to keep topping up the fluid!

[Fumbler]

It’s perfectly drivable as is, safety wise. the pair of strut returns are not even proper return hoses: it’s a “leak back” and a vent pipe if I recall. If the struts are worn then there’ll be more leakage back, but the lhm certainly won’t be gushing out. Obv a good idea to fix fairly soon mind you, as you’ll have to keep topping up the fluid!

Great! I've devised a repair I can do at the end of the week. I'm rather glad it's not absolutely the end of the world but the fact it'll mark its territory won't bode well with the carpark at work. I'll dump it at the unit with a drip tray underneath to catch anything that comes out.

[Fumbler]

PXL_20210824_151547503.jpg

Ah! The vent has been broken for a long while it seems. Firstly, the pipe is way too short to meet up with the rubber block and secondly, it's very dusty. The return must have snapped when I started the car yesterday. Repairable fortunately.