Suspension Problem

[bobw]

My C5 HDi 2.0 has developed a suspension problem. I had four people in it at the weekend, and every 2-3 miles the green ride height light went out. If I pressed the button to raise the suspension height, the orange ride height light flashed for a few seconds(because I was exceeding 40kph), then the green light came back on. I have checked the fluid level and it is spot on. Also, if I brake when the ride height light has gone out, I get a grinding sound from the rear - almost as if the brake pads werre worn to metal - but they are fine and I never get the noise when the ride height is ok.

[paul.h]

Welcome to the forum.

 

What year is your car and is it a hatch or estate ?

 

When did you last have the corrosion removed from the rear brake cailpers where they join the suspension arms ? A common problem is galvanic corrosion between the alloy calipers and steel arms which causes the calipers to push out slightly to the extent they can catch the wheels and it could be giving the grinding noise you are hearing. This also gives more wear on the inner brake pads so this needs to be checked as well as the outer pads.

 

Another member may be able to comment on the green and orange ride height lights.

[coastline taxis]

You cant adjust the suspension height when the car is traveling at that speed thats why your lights are flashing. so your system is fine and will work perfect when standing still. and go with pauls answer regarding the grinding

[bobw]

Hi Paul, My car is a 2002 Saloon. I haven't had the corrosion removed from the rear brake calipers - will get it done.

With regard to the ride height lights, the green ride height light is going out every 2-3 miles when driving the car. I've had the car for four years now, and it has never done that before. Pressing the button to raise the suspension restores the green light again for another 2-3 miles. It's as though the system is losing pressure somewhere - or thinks it is.

[paul.h]

There is a pinned post on doing the rear brakes http://www.citroen-owners-club.co.uk/citroen/topic/6881-removal-of-rear-brake-calipers-c5-to-2008/

 

If it is sinking whilst driving, maybe one of the rear suspension struts is leaking - have a look at them for damp/dripping lds fluid from the rubber gaiters. Or possibly the height sensor on the anti roll bar is sticking - try raising and lowering the suspension a few times to see if it helps.

[bobw]

Thanks Paul. Have tried raising and lowering the suspension to no avail. Will check the rear suspension strut for leaks and the height sensor for sticking. 

[paul.h]

If you intend to go under the car you must use axle stands or a ramp since if a height sensor is touched the suspension may drop to a very low level of only a few inches above the ground. If you are going to jack the car up it is in the handbook to raise the suspension to max height first (and then use the axle stands).