odin39

Many thanks, got the Citroen DVD but the explanations on there often aren't very explicit (like it will say "remove X" but doesn't fully explain how or what is involved) which is why I asked. MOT was by a non-Citroen garage, so think I'll try the second opinion option first. If they still say it needs doing then methinks they can have the ball ache pleasure of doing it.

Ooops, here is the picture...

Many thanks for that, ok I have had a closer look and couldn't see any serious leakage - the bottom joint of the strut was stained (the dirt was a darker shade than the surrounding mud) but there was no liquid oil noticeable (and I have not seen any drips on the ground). Should that be a pass or fail? Attached photo shows the area once several year's mud was cleaned off. Strut is behind the wishbone (for easy maintenance - not!) Like you say, seems no way of getting it out without removing the driveshaft. Some more questions: To release the driveshaft, does the bottom ball joint have to be removed first? If so, does that have to be replaced as well? Looking at how close the wishbone is to the body, it seems even with the driveshaft off there will not be clearance to pull the top section through. Does this mean in effect you have got to dismantle most of the suspension so the wishbone is free hanging? This is looking increasing like one for a main stealer? :unsure:

Has anyone attempted front strut replacement on their (hydro suspension) C5 X7, if so are there any particular things to be aware of? Mine has just failed MOT due to leakage. The part (5217.L5 / L6) seems to be readily available on ebay. Looking at the CitroenDoc (which calls it a 'suspension leg') it suggests (amongst other things) the steering rack joint needs to be pulled off, is this really necessary? Any help/tips/watch-out points would be appreciated.

Hi, I have exactly this problem (perfect description btw) on my 2009 C5 2.0 petrol automatic. Did you get to the bottom of the root cause? I have already had a garage look at it who checked wheel bearings and couldn't find anything wrong, they suggested try tyres? I am now the proud owner of 4 new tyres and the noise is exactly the same. I saw on another thread it might be the bottom swivel (FRIP) joints are on the way out. Does this sound plausible?