C5 Suspension Gaiter?

[delart]

Hi my C5 exclusive has started creaking from the N/S/R had a look and the gaiter is ripped virtually through. Will this cause any problems and can you just buy the gaiter it is the one on the bottom of the suspected strut that has the clip around it and clips on to the radius arm with an R clip. Have picture.

[paul.h]

The gaiter can be bought separately plus you will also need a new wire clip that goes at the top of the gaiter. If the R clip is rusted in, you may need a new one. Also some LDS fluid will be needed since the rear suspension needs to be depressurised. The procedure to replace the gaiter is in the Haynes manual. 2 years ago, a gaiter was £7.30, the wire clip £9.50, the R clip £1.40 and you can get LDS fluid for about £11 a litre. 

[delart]

Thanks any recommended Citroen dealers that post? Is the LDS level in the Haynes manual?

[delart]

Struggling to find a Haynes manual for a 2.2 HDI?

[paul.h]

The Haynes manual covers all of the C5 2001 to 2008 but does not include the 2.2 hdi engines. So it is worth having. To cover the 2.2 hdi engines you would need to get the Citroen service box which is available on ebay as 3 dvds. For the odd thing on the engine you can ask on here. There is also the French RTA manual which covers the 2001 to 2004 2.2 hdi 136 hp and is available from Amazon. It is similar to a Haynes manual but is in French.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/2726865410/sr=8-2-fkmr0/qid=1409520621/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&qid=1409520621&sr=8-2-fkmr0

 

citroencarparts.net will post items but to get the right part you need to use the Citroen part no. which can be gained from the parts diagrams on service.citroen - you need to register as another professional and a member of the Citroen Owners Club. Then use your VIN (VIS) to get your car. http://www.citroencarparts.net/

 http://service.citroen.com/do/changerParametres

 

The LDS level should be just at the bottom of the tank filler neck filter with the suspension on the low setting.

[delart]

Thanks again parts ordered, but can't see what's making the creak/squeak?

[paul.h]

When you fit the new gaiter, check the strut piston for any damage/scratches/rust/leaks and at the suspension arm socket use a bit of grease since it may be rusty. Creaking though could be a worn radius arm bearing.

 

A couple of years ago I replaced a gaiter following the Haynes manual but leaving the strut in place on the car so no need to remove the sphere either (noted in Haynes under the overhaul section 6). In the Haynes manual it says to lever the strut end out of the radius arm (12.7b) but I found it easier to have the rear drain screw open to release fluid whilst jacking up the wheel hub, then tighten the drain screw and lower the hub which allowed the strut end to be moved out of the radius arm by hand without any levers. Note that on the gaiter there is a square bit at the strut body end which goes over an oil hole in the strut body.

[delart]

Thanks, did have a look today and it stopped creaking before I found the source of the creak I could get it to creak by sitting in the boot the suspension would lift up then when I shut the boot it would drop and creak but when I got in the right position to try find it, it stopped.Also the LDS fluid is about 20 mm below the seam?

[delart]

Hi got car up and most ready to go but knuckle that is held into radius arm by r clip is solid?

[delart]

Hi can anybody help got the end of ram out now,the knuckle out (ball joint) and the is about 3mm end float does that sound normal?

[paul.h]

I am not quite sure what you mean - is it the free play in the ball joint, if so when I changed the gaiter there was quite a bit of play but it is always in contact with oil in the gaiter so would not wear too much and mine had only done 16000 miles.

[delart]

Hi yes play in ball joint tried other side and other car but both with gaiter on and they seem the same, and no creaking today although only did a few miles. But seemed a definate improvement time will tell.