C3 1.7 Hdi Steering Problem

[BarryK]

Hi all

 

After not using the car for a couple of weeks, I got it out of the garage on Saturday and found that steering is partially jammed.

 

The steering motor is working OK but something in the suspension has partially seized, there's some very harsh 'graunching' noises.

 

I drove the car around the block, 3-400 yards and by the time I got back I could smell something very hot - I'd guess it's the steering motor being very over worked.

 

My guess is that one of the swivel joints has seized, but it's seems odd that there was no prior warning of anything amiss.

 

I've ordered a Haynes manual and once I've had a good look at the layout I'll probably drop the steering rack ends and try to move each wheel by hand.

 

If anyone has had this fault (or similar) and can point me in the right direction it would be greatly appreciated.

 

The car is a 2004 C3 hdi (7o bhp) and has only done 20,000 mile - I've had it from new.

 

Many Thanks and Kind Regards

Barry

[paul.h]

Have you checked for a broken front coil spring ? You do not need to be moving for this to happen and a broken end could be rubbing against a tyre giving the smell.

[BarryK]

Have you checked for a broken front coil spring ? You do not need to be moving for this to happen and a broken end could be rubbing against a tyre giving the smell.

 

Good thought Paul - I'll take a look later

 

Many Thanks

[BarryK]

Spot on Paul, RH (drivers) side coil spring broken close to the spring cup - and it was was rubbing on the tyre.

 

Anyone know if this is an expensive repair and could it be repaired by the average mobile mechanic?

 

Would it be worth having both font springs replaced? I'd have thought it was very bad luck to have one go at less than 20,00 miles....

 

Good thought Paul - I'll take a look later

 

Many Thanks

[smokescreen]

Hi Barry,

 

Front spring failure a known fault with C3s. Citroen have been known to replace them free of charge so I suggest you contact them and tell them your woes, how you could have been killed or seriously injured if it had happened at speed and see what they say.

 

regards

Mark aka smokescreen