Rear Suspension 2Ltr Hdi Estate

[dunc.alba]

hi I own a C5 estate that had a leaking suspension gaiter so I thought i would replace it for the dreaded MOT ! however I also discovered that the seals that are original and 11 years old are worn! I got new seals and thought it cannt be that difficult boy was I wrong! the inner oil seal was easy but can any one tell me how you get the slip seal in as it is larger than the cylinder bore and the new oil seal fills the locating recess ! all tips would be greatly appreciated ! thanks

[Johndouglas]

This information may help. It comes from the lips of Moderator Steve (Coastline)

 

Its not the seals as such that leak it the aluminium lip around the seal that fails and the fluid gets past it.

 

 

 

Jack and prop up the rear of the car.

 

Remove wheel ( Just to let a bit more light in)

 

Depressurise the hydraulic suspension a diagnostic tool is required for this. If you don't have a Diagnostic tool then there is a bleed nipple next to the ride height adjuster. Put a pipe over the nipple and crack the nipple open till the fluid starts to come out. remember its under pressure so just a little bit or you'll end up covered in fluid. Wait until all fluid is out.

 

So starting from the rear of the shocker (sphere end)

 

Remove sphere (sphere removal tool or oil filter strap required)

 

Undo the suspension pipe its the one that goes to the rear shocker !3mm

 

Now remove the 2 black plastic pipes that go into the rubber gaiter they just pull out.

 

Now remove the 2 torx bolts ( t20 or 25) that hold the shocker onto the axle pay attention to which way the metal collar comes out as it needs to go back the same way

 

Now go to the end of the rubber gaiter and you'll see a r clip this is supposed to just pulls out can sometimes be a bit of a pig so get plenty wd into it. Once the clip is out the piece of metal that it secures need to be removed. Again this is sometimes a right pain but twisting with mole grips and tapping with a hammer will bring it out.

 

Tap the shocker lightly with a hammer and it should break away if not then tap it harder.

 

 

 

Fitting is the reversal of the above.

 

 

 

To repressurize the suspension system.

 

Make sure the bleed nipple is tightened up

 

take car of stand and let it sit on the ground you probably wont be able to get the jack out at this stage

 

fill reservoir with lds fluid and start the engine and let it idle and you'll hear the pump working and the car will lift itself up.

 

give the suspension a good work out with the height adjuster button.

 

check fluid.

 

 

 

Tools required

 

Axle stands

 

Jack

 

pliers/mole grips

 

Sphere removal tool or device

 

T20 or t25 male torx bit

 

Diagnostic tool or tubing and a 10mm socket or spanner

 

2 litres of lds fluid

[dunc.alba]

thanks John but the seals were damaged! and the R clip was a total Pig to get out as was separating the pushrod to the trailing arm! I know the seals are designed to allow fluid through for lubrication but the piston had slack ! the piston and cylinder diameter are perfect ! but it's trying to get the new slip seal in that's being a right pain ! as I'm not wanting to pay £200 for a new strut for a £3 part !