Rear Strut Gaiter Leak In Warm Weather

[paul.h]

This is an odd one. 2007 2.2 hdi estate. Last summer a rear strut gaiter was weeping lds fluid at the narrow end. It passed the MOT so in October I replaced just the gaiter. The old gaiter and the rod that it fastens over seemed ok and there was not any leakage from the piston seals so the oil being lost was probably just the small amount put in the gaiter when fitting. Now this week the new gaiter has similarly started to weep lds fluid. Regular checks show it has started recently. In both cases, the car had not been used for a few weeks and the weather was warm.

 

To stop it a jubilee clip may work (or just colder weather) but the strut may need replacing long term. Dealer labour cost is only an hour and I may let them do it at the next MOT but if diy I will need a tool to remove the sphere. To help:

 

- is there enough clearance to remove the strut sphere with the car just on axle stands ?

- can anyone recommend a sphere removal tool ?

[Johndouglas]

I used to have a Pleiades tool when I had a BX and Xantia, but sold it on when I got a C5.   Meanwhile, this may be of interest:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Citroen-sphere-removal-tool-/111120820464?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item19df5128f0

[paul.h]

The ebay tool one looks good and at £17.50 may order one whether or not I do the job.

[paul.h]

The ebay tool is now ordered and the timing was good. After today the seller will not be around for a few weeks so the tool will be temporarily unavailable.

[paul.h]

The tool has arrived, only 1½ days from the order, it still smells of paint so it may have been made to order - this is about the best service I have had on ebay. The tool has a large metal ring which goes over the sphere and 2 bolts which clamp it to the sphere by tightening against the sphere. A 24 cm handle is welded to the ring to give the leverage and if needed I could extend it by putting a pipe over it. I will report back once used but this could be a few months.

[Johndouglas]

If it works OK it appears to be remarkably good value for the price.

[paul.h]

In the end I let the dealer replace the rear strut at MOT time so I have not yet used the sphere tool. The cylinder seals may have been leaking rather than just the gaiter since once replaced I have noticed the rear no longer pumps up about an inch when the locks are opened with the remote. Using a small tie wrap did not stop the leak from the gaiter and the leak must have been small since oil did not come out of the gaiter vent pipe.