C5 Suspension Problems

[3001pv]

Hi,

 

I have a 2008 C5 1.6HDi estate it is one of the last of the old model.  I recently spotted a leak around the o/s/r suspension and subsequently the 40amp maxi fuse blew leaving me with no suspension.

 

I dismantled the rear suspension cylinder, the was a split in the gaiter, water had got in and the internal piston had rusted causing the leak.  I have replaced the gaiter, piston and seal and all was well for a couple of days.

 

Yesterday morning I went to the car and the rear suspension had deflated, the front was still okay.  I started the car in the evening and the pump was working and it worked fine moving between the lowest and highest settings.  Again this morning the rear was on the ground, started the car and drove it around the block no problem but don't want to risk going any further incase of further problems.

 

Any idea what the cause may be.

 

Thanks in advance

 

¯\(°_°)/¯

 

 

[Johndouglas]

Can we take it that the LDS fluid level is correct?

[3001pv]

Hi,

 

Thanks for your reply, and yes the LDS level is correct and I have topped up using the correct fluid.

 

I have also been thinking about it.  I carried out the repair to the rear suspension on Saturday morning.  The car was drving fine, no further problems.  On Tuesday evening I decided to check to make sure that the leak was clear so I raised the suspension to full height, checked the gaiter wasn't leaking and then lowered the suspension.  I think that I may have removed turned off the ignistion before it reached its normal suspension level.  I then left the car parked overnight.  Next morning the rear suspension was down.  I didn't drive the car that day (for obvious reasons) but that evening I checked the LDS level and started it and the suspension raised to its normal level and worked through all the three levels. 

 

Again the following morning it was down at the rear.  Today I drove the car (saving me a 2 mile walk to get to work), it drives fine but it is like owning a BX again, in that the suspension deflates when it is left overnight.

 

I have had no warning lights at all and my universal OBDII code reader won't connect with the car.

 

I'm going to try a BSI reset to see if that helps

 

Cheers

[Johndouglas]

Have you tried giving it a Citrobics session?

[coastline taxis]

How did you depresurize the system ?.

[DaveHerns]

I'm wondering if the seal is leaking

[3001pv]

Thank you for the various responses, I tried a Citrobics session but no success.   Although I replace all three seals in the cylinder I am wondering if the sliding seal has become dislodged and is leaking internally thus allowing the fluid to return to the reservoir.    

 

I've got a spare set of seals so will have another go at fixing it at the weekend.

[paul.h]

Whilst the piston is out, I am sure you know to examine the piston and cylinder bore and seal location for any damage and  scouring as well as the seals. If you end up needing a new strut they are about £150 at a dealer.