Relay (1900d) Steering Problem & Crunching Clutch

[Guest Vinny the Painter]

Hi all I'm new here,

I have just bought a citroen relay van 1900D which is a 2000 reg model.

I have noticed the steering has a fault,

which ever way I turn either right or left the van then wants to keep going that way.

As I use the van daily for work I need to sort it out a.s.a.p.

Do any of you think the power steering rack needs replacing and how easy is it to do?

I used to do most of my own van / car repairs so will have an idea of what I am told on here.

Also the clutch crunch's going into 2nd & 4th gears any idea's about what is needed to sort that out as well?

Thanks in advance for any help any of you can give with these problems.

This is the first Citroen van I have had & I love driving it so want the get it legal or safe. (well both, you know what I mean) lol

Cheers Vinny.

[vinnythepainter]

Just an update, I have had 2 ball joints replaced on the van and a trackrod arm.

The steering seems a lot better but still pulls a bit so I'll check tyre pressure next,

Once thats done if it's still no better I'll get them to change the power steering rack.

I'll keep you up dated.

And the gearbox still crunch's going into 2nd and 4th gear anyone got any idea's what that could be?

[argoose]

Lo, if you have changed the track rod ends you'll need the steering tracked. Before you change the rack check your bottom suspension ball joints for ware and if they are seized. With the gear box change the oil and I've heard molyslip is quite good. But if that fails sounds like worn synchros, which means recon box soz

[kfk]

The steering pull as you describe it is 99% certain to be the top suspension mounts that are seized....they are suposed to have bearings in them to allow the steering to centre.....hope that helps you

[vinnythepainter]

Thanks for the replies, I did ask about the tracking they said it had been done after they did the first lot of work.

I'll have a word with the garage and tell them your suggestions and get it booked in.

For a 11 year old van there seems to be plenty of life in the engine but with the steering the way it is

I would not want to go to fast for the moment lol

As regards to the gearbox any idea where the drain / filler plug is ?

As this is a job I could do myself, oh yeah how much fluid does it hold?

I have been told these vans are known for the crunching gear boxes but everyone I talked to seems to just let them crunch away (I can't be doing with that) lol

I'm quite lucky as there is a guy near me who breaks these vans and has most of the parts I'll need, there is also VanParts which is quite close as well.

Thanks again for replying and I'll keep you updated.

[argoose]

the gearboxes on most of the cars I have seen, if you take the passenger side wheel off you should see two plugs (bolts with square holes) the filler/Level plug is the normally close to the drive shaft. The drain plug is on the main part of the gearbox housing at the lowest point. Both mine have magnets on them to catch swarf in the oil, give these a wipe over.

As for the amount of oil that's what the filler/level is for, add oil until it starts to dribble out, make sure the car is as level as possible, 2 ltr sounds about right. Most car shops sell the square ended wrench. It,s not a hard job just fiddly

[vinnythepainter]

Just an update about my steering problem:

I have been off work (I broke my arm and wrist) they were both bad breaks so I have not been doing much to the van lately.

 

I took the van to the garage and they replaced the Strut bearing at the top of the suspension leg on both sides. The van drives perfect now.

One down two to go lol

Now I'll get the leaking oil seal sorted out on the gearbox / drive shaft, then once that's done I'll have the engine oil leak done which I think is the gasket of the sump.

I know it's an old van but the way the engine runs it seems a pity not to do the work on it.

Now that I'm back in some sort of motion I'll keep you updated.

[vinnythepainter]

You have been reported to the site adim with regards to all the shite you have put on this page, stop now your I.P. address will be tracked

Tossers....

[vinnythepainter]

To whichever Admin: Thanks for sorting out the spam in this posting.