Using the BX now....

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Sun May 03, 2009 11:58 am

Well I taxed the BX on the 1st and now its my daily drive, I must be mad because I have an 07 Grande Punto Sporting aswell but I guess I just prefer older cars....I have ordered new rear spheres and a removal tool from eBay because they really need doing, the front end goes over speedbumps like magic but as you all know the rear end is bouncy as hell. I do have an annoying rattle from the front suspension/steering though...maybe a track rod as there is some movement at the inner end of the O/S, bushes and balljoints seem fine (it has just passed MOT)

But....I have neglected it because my Dad and I just bought a Rover 620 SDi as a work car (a surprisingly nice car) so I have been tinkering with that and getting it up to scratch.

I have also put in 2 retro rear speakers, the stand alone type in their own boxes, and ordered a new Kenwood MP3 cd player.

Also still to do...cambelt, rear discs and pads and LHM change, not much then!

Post by **Tim Leech** » Sun May 03, 2009 2:00 pm

Keep it up matey, wuold be nice to see the beast in the flesh sometime if your passing. There is a convoy from this way to the wetherby show in a few weeks if your up for it.

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Sun May 03, 2009 8:34 pm

the knocking is quite often the anti roll bar drop links

regards malcolm

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Sun May 03, 2009 8:49 pm

Well im heading upto Notts in a few days so I could drop in and show you the motor (now apparently called Edith.....) I will also be trying to make it to some shows and events where possible too.

Malcolm, thats what I was thinking it is that sort of noise, its quite hard to test the Citroen suspension properly IMO! I was also thinking top mountings as the steering feels a bit corrupted by road bumps, although I have no PAS and have never driven another BX so I dont know how it should feel at the moment.

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Mon May 04, 2009 12:19 am

If the droplinks are on the way out you WILL hear them knock on going over speed bumps. I once had to regularly drive along 1/2 a mile of very closely-spaced sleeping policeman if heading in a particular direction. Ideal test track for that particular problem.

Would also suggest an experiment. If your TGS has the original push-on wheel trims with oval indents, try driving over speed bumps without them fitted and see if the same noise recurs. They don't half clonk over bumps. At one time I could identify earlier Mks 2 BXs by that sound alone.

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Mon May 04, 2009 9:46 am

Some good tips! I will try that as im back to running on original steels now (dumped the alloys, didnt like the drive on them)

citronut · Post by **citronut** » Mon May 04, 2009 11:02 am

i agree with DLM on wheel trim noise

steering faults/problems are qiute offten caused by a hydraulic issue,

other than that it is probably your lower swivle joints, as BX's dont have a top mount bearing like other cars have

regards malcolm

CitroXim · Post by **CitroXim** » Mon May 04, 2009 7:01 pm

retrodriver wrote:I must be mad because I have an 07 Grande Punto Sporting aswell but I guess I just prefer older cars....

Not mad at all...

I expect you find the BX a far more enjoyable, interesting, involving and pleasant drive than the Grand Punto. Quite what is one of those anyway? Some sort of boat-like people carrier (Big Punt)? I'm not good on modern cars at all. I car-share to work with a lady who runs a mauve car and I honestly have no idea what it is except it's nearly new and vile

My experience with each and every new/modern car I've driven or ridden in recently is a wish to be back in one of my Xantias as soon as possible.

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Mon May 04, 2009 7:27 pm

well this is my Punto...to be honest I have never stuck to 1 brand of car, I have had allsorts so I know what I like and what I dont, and I love the BX, but im never going to say its as 'good' to drive as a modern hatchback, more interesting yes definately, more fun also yes in my opinion, but cornering, steering, roadholding and refinement are all of course better in the Punto. Plus with modern cars you get safety, reliability, toys to play with but unfortunately no character to speak of, although im going out on a limb and saying the Punto is better in that respect than a Fiesta, Corsa, Clio etc etc.

P.S, I still think the F.ord Sierra Sapphire is the best car ever made lol

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Tue May 05, 2009 12:31 am

reliability

I'm not totally convinced of that, either, I'm afraid. Since electronics went into cars in a big way, there seems to have been a lot more scope for "sillies" which require a recovery. Less problems on petrol cars perhaps, but more down time when they do go wrong.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:10 am

Hi Alex,

Let me know when you passing up this way next and I will get the TRS out and we can get a pic of them together.

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Tue May 05, 2009 10:39 am

DLM wrote:
reliability
I'm not totally convinced of that, either, I'm afraid. Since electronics went into cars in a big way, there seems to have been a lot more scope for "sillies" which require a recovery. Less problems on petrol cars perhaps, but more down time when they do go wrong.

Yes I must agree to a point, I see alot of Audis in particular around here being recovered. But my little Punto has done 39k miles in 2 years and has never missed a beat, taking me all around this country and into Europe with no troubles at all.

Tim, I think I will be passing by tomorrow afternoon if thats any use?

Post by **Tim Leech** » Tue May 05, 2009 11:19 am

Finish work around 6pm tomorrow and need to be out at 7pm as I have to go out, so probably make it another time?

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Tue May 05, 2009 11:31 pm

Yes I must agree to a point, I see alot of Audis in particular around here being recovered. But my little Punto has done 39k miles in 2 years and has never missed a beat, taking me all around this country and into Europe with no troubles at all.

Quite contrary to the stereotypes - I often wonder how many faults go unpublicised on "status" cars. Glad to hear you have a modern car that you're happy with and proves reliable.

retrodriver · Post by **retrodriver** » Wed May 06, 2009 6:25 pm

Sorry Tim I couldnt make it up today anyway, had to mend a mates BMW....again!

Well a couple of updates, found the exhaust was hitting the rear bumper so adjusted that, still cant really find anything to explain suspension noises, but the car seems quieter with the exhaust sorted and no wheeltrims on, they do rattle a bit!

Got underneath and lubricated the height control mechs etc and my new rear spheres arrived today so I will do them tomorrow, along with the accumulator. They are eBay spheres cheap so we shall see if they are any good, if not I will have to order some pukka ones but I was told they are IFHS or whatever they are called.

Also ordered a new clutch today, its pretty high and a bit sticky feeling so its on its way out, still spins up in 1st though! Loving the BX still, gets some looks, be it good or bad but it gets attention.

Also a nod to the naff, an I Love Speedbumps bumper sticker my mum found me!

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