lhm leak....

[amatuerbx]

Hi guys,

I have just purchased a Citroen bx 1.7 turbo diesel. 1988. I have a lhm leak just behing the front suspension. I am a novice with cars but from what I can see I can't determine a leak. It was a mini puddle. No high pressure leak after driving.

Whata the best way to find this leak and how can I repair it?

I am in Loughborough if there are any bx owners here...

Cheers

[citsncycles]

Sounds like a low pressure return leaking. You need to clean everything off if you can, then it's a case of hunting. There's a few things it could be so a more exact location of the puddle (which side etc.) would be helpful.

[KevR]

I'm in Loughborough - sometimes....
Used to live there, still have friends there and usually stay at Mountsorrel when I'm back working – my wife still works part time at the university.
If by 'behind the suspension' you mean behind one of the frot suspension legs, then the first thing to look at is the return pipes from the bottom of the leg, just above where the leg is clamped into the hub. Hard to see with the wheel on as the pipes are at the back of the leg, but easy to get at with the wheel removed. You'll find a rubber block clamped on the back of the leg, with two rubber pipes leading to steel pipes on the inner wing. If one or both of those pipes is broken you will indeed get a low pressure weep. If you're lucky you might be able to splice the pipes with bits of solid brake pipe as a temporary measure, otherwise a new pipe assembly is cheap enough and not hard to fit.
If you don't want to do it yourself I can point you at a good, fairly cheap mechanic near Loughborough who specialises in Citroens.

[mike st gilles]

Make sure you don't get under it without it being supported.....they can and do go down to the floor f...ing quick.......

[Defender110]

Well warned their Mike to a new BX enthusiast who may not have known

[Tim Leech]

Welcome!

Im from Ashby De La Zouch and spend quite some time in Loughborough although I admit to not being THAT technically minded.

Charnwood Car Company in Duke Street was once a Citroen Dealer but now runs a small workshop.

There is also http://www.eurocars-loughborough.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[rutter123]

if its passemger side i would suspect a leaky/perished return pipe, this can be traced by the plastic tube which sits across the gearbox bell housing and joins to a rubber pipe just above the subframe, these can perish causing a slow drip whilst stood, it has no real pressure inside it as its just a return pipe, you may get away with snipping the end off the rubber pipe and re fitting as a temporary repair but well worth replacing any return pipes all the way back to the reservoir as after 20 odd years they start to crack/leak and quite cheap to do just buy a roll of suitable rubber pipe and do them all at same time. easier to check if you can get the front end up on some ramps. read up on safety aspects when working with hydraulic system if in any doubt ask.

[nige]

as above them perished return pipes are often a cause, cut back half an inch and slide back on

[Defender110]

as above them perished return pipes are often a cause, cut back half an inch and slide back on

In my experience this is a very temporary solution which doesn't last and they will need replacing to cure if this is the problem.

[MULLEY]

Once the pipe starts to split its a sign of old age. Sometimes it can last a while, but you're only putting off the inveitable, so time to replace them with some new one's which are still available for sensible money while the temporary solution is in play.

[amatuerbx]

The source of the leak is behind the oil tank. I haven't the knowledge or skills to do this myself
A friend mentioned Pleiades but was hoping to find someone closer. I want the spheres and hydraulics checked too. Can anyone recommend any in the east mids? Those of you near Loughborough. I live in barrow upon soar. Near mountsorrel and quorn.

Another thing I notice. It has an annoying squeaking noise whilst in motion....any ideas? Cam belt, water pump AMD alternator all been replaced. At 270k it still drives well but needs abit of work.

I am after some panels and fittings for the car also if anyone can point me in the right direction.

Cheers Bx-ERS.

CHRIS

[mat_fenwick]

It has an annoying squeaking noise whilst in motion....any ideas?

Is it road or engine speed related? Or neither? Front or back of the car?

[amatuerbx]

I think its speed related....being deaf its hard to tell....

[Way2go]

HP Belt slipping?

If so it needs tensioning (and they need to be bloody tight). You may find if it does this while driving that backing off the revs a bit allows it to "catch" and be quiet for a while. But in any event easy to check this tension and access is reasonably OK for the adjustment procedure.

[Tim Leech]

hi Chris

I could drop over and see you one eves if you like and take look, im no mechanic but know what to lok out for.

Theres another BX'er in Mountsorrell who posts on here from time to time!