Still have front height corrector issues

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Russ
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Still have front height corrector issues

Post by Russ »

Does any body know if a Citroen specialist within the midlands area please?

I'm still having lots of issues with my front height corrector! The only way that I can raise and fall the car is by prodding the front or the back of the HC its self, it's either flat or right up high and I'm loosing my mind.

The leavers are all free,
Lots of fluid in res
I've blead the system a few times

Should I be looking at accumulator sphere or pressure valve? Although it seems odd that it's since the HC has been changed.

I've had 2 HC's on from the same garage now and they claim that their both seized however they are refurbished items supplied by a guy call Neil at Vantage Citroen car parts. Anyone heard of him?

I've just brought another new one not from him which I may as well fit myself.

Can anyone tell me if its a straightforward job to do over an inspection pit? And do I need to remove the drive shaft? As its a TZD

Thanks all

Russ
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ken newbold
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by ken newbold »

No, its a nasty arkward little job to say the least.

First question. Are you certain they've actually changed it? They seldom fail in my experiance. The total movement from full height to bottom is very little, yes they can sieze up but I've never known one because they live in an oily enviroment. The usual problem is with the linkage and I suspect this is your problem too.
Question two, does the lever in the cab feel tight or hard to push?
Question three, are you familiar with the workings and linkages of the height corrector? If not you need help or it'll be difficult learning process. However, if you have the time and can safely block the car up enough, why not have a go! you can't make it any worse and it won't cost you £££ per hour to pay someone else who doesn't understand them either.
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Russ
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by Russ »

Hi Ken,
I figured it was going to be a pain although the Haynes book makes it sound quite simple ish, it's the drive shaft that bothers me as I want to tackle the job with it in place ideally.

Yes there defiantly changed it as I have been supplied with the old and I'm told that the linkage is all free.

On closer inspection it's as if the linkage its self isn't actually moving the HC however I haven't a second person at the mo to wiggle while I look.

The leaver doesn't seem too hard to push and pull but I think there is more resistance than should be.

No not really familiar with the workings of the linkages unfortunately. I assume it's either forward for high mode or back for low mode with the whole thing only moving about 5mm or so.

I'm really head scratching with the whole problem to be honest and pretty fed up with the garage. I only booked it in so it would be fixed fast :( I'm reasonably handy on cars so I will attempt it Saturday.

Is there anything specific that I need to know about the job I.e tools? It seems to me like a couple of sockets job, I've changed spheres before so I understand the pressure etc and I guess the pipes are free as its been off and on twice before! Plus I have an inspection pit.

Thanks

Russ
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Russ
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by Russ »

I also will defiantly be checking the linkage joints behind the HC unit too
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ken newbold
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by ken newbold »

Don't remove the HC itself untill you are 100% certain it's no good.

I'm working from memory heare and it's been a long time but; if the lever moves the car up and down, it's probably the clamp and lever that's clamped around the anti-roll bar that's not, a, set correctly or b, located correctly.
This clamp also locates/passes through a flat bracket in which there is/should be a small brass bush to prevent wear on the arm itself, this could be worn away or lost, in which case there would be too much movement on the arm and not enough on the HC.

No special tools required, just something to lever with, flat bar or big screwdriver and lots of patience.

Have the engine running and use your lever (screwdriver) in the arm and get used to lifting the car up n down to see how it all works.

When you've got it sorted, press the car up n down by hand to get it to settle at it's own ride height and then adjust it on the anti-roll bar clamp until your happy with it. Once you're used to it, they're really quite simple. Then go back to the garage and show them how it works. :lol:
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Russ
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by Russ »

Thanks once again that's fantastic and just what I was after. I will give it a go on Saturday when I can get underneath it properly without being squashed!

If I do end up changing the HC its self am I right in thinking there's no real adjustment on the HC? It either works or doesn't.

Will keep you posted unless I go mad in the mean time

Thanks

Russ
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ken newbold
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by ken newbold »

No adjustment whatsoever. it should be securely bolted with two 10 or 11mm bolts. There are at least 2 metal hydraulic pipes to it, maybe 3, cant remember, and two rubber/plastic ones, easy to get off, bugger to get on! all of em, cos of limited access and muck.
One of the rubber ones is just a leak off/return pipe, very tight access and it's very short, joins the octopus almost immediately through a 180' bend. This is usually the first to go when the octopus starts to leak, stay away from it if possible.
The other rubber pipe is the HC exhaust vent. When you lower the car manually and you hear the hissing, it's the fluid venting from the system up this pipe and back to the reservior. These pipe should have a tiny jubilee or similar clip to hold them on, difficult to get back on if you change the HC. BE WARNED!
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Russ
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by Russ »

Hi Ken, just thought I'd give you a quick update on the old height corrector saga as you gave me so much useful advise. I fitted the new genuine HC at the weekend that I found on eBay and while fitting it I discovered that the garage didn't actually connect the linkages properly so they did nothing! So after a little fiddling and new HC it's sorted finally (no thanks to the so called "classic Citroen garage") I wish I'd just done it originally but I just didn't have the time but hey.
It wasn't actually as daunting as I thought it would be in the end although I do think I need to raise the height about 10mm as at the mo it's about 3 fingers from wheel to arch but it works!

Thanks again for all your help your a legend! Cheers
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ken newbold
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by ken newbold »

So now you've learned two things. 1, The ins and outs of height correctors (rears are much easier) and 2, Half the garages know bugger all about BX's
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Russ
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Re: Still have front height corrector issues

Post by Russ »

Hahah yep I sure have! Thanks again
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