Level Drop After A Couple Of Hours Parking

[nagy592]

Hi All

I have some recently developed issue with my 2003 2.0 Hdi C5 SX Estate. It started to lower itself when I parked up. It takes a couple of hours to be visible, mainly on the rear but probably on the front as well but that is not significant. I'm not sure if there any link but I had some suspension issue since I bought it last July. When the steering wheel is approximately halfway to one direction (when the car stationery and the engine is on) the level on the front moved up and down frequently. that was annoying but easy to avoid. I also have a broken level switch in the boot.

Back to the "new" problem, when I open the door or unlock the car with the remote the pump starts and bring the car up to the normal level. 

What I checked, oil level in the reservoir, OK, no leakage visible under the car. I just going to check with the Lexia, but I don't think it will show anything. I'll let you know anyway.

Is there anyone experienced similar problem, any solution for it?

All input would be appreciated.

Cheers

[paul.h]

The car going up/down when left with the steering partly turned is due to the anti roll bar twisting and the height sensor being on the anti roll bar. Maybe the sensor is sticking, or the drop links or anti roll bar bushes are the problem. The obvious fix is to leave the steering in the ahead position.

 

The level drop could be an internal leak in one of the rear struts.

[nagy592]

Thanks Paul, I read a couple of tread about the rear suspension, also I replaced the gaiter already as both was quite neglected so I have a bit of overview on this part of the car now. As the problem is still present I was thinking to take the chance and try to replace the internal seals. I hope I'll get seals locally, taking sample to the hydraulic specialist as the dealership has a ridiculous price and lead time to supply it in New Zealand.   You mentioned somewhere it is not consequently success can you tell me what why? Did you noticed any wear on the surface of the piston? Did you tried to restore the surface? Anyway I'll share the result.... once I have..

[paul.h]

When I replaced the gaiter on a rear strut I did not look at the seals or the piston since I did not remove them, so I do not know what condition they were in. The new gaiter still leaked though so in the end I had the strut replaced.

[nagy592]

Thanks Paul, i'll do it on the newt week so I keep you posted. 

[nagy592]

quick update, new gaiters on, passenger side started to dripping (possibly I snapped with the clamp, or just mispositioned) but stopped dropping the level.... anyway my auto gearbox gave up eventually so I'm on a hunt for a replacement. so I going to join to another topic if I found it ...

[coastline taxis]

change your lds fluid 1st because if it hasnt been changed it means its 14 years old. also depending on the spec level you might have a anti sink valve. when these go you get the symptoms your describing

[nagy592]

I'm in the middle of swapping the gearbox, I found a few issues and ended up to drain some lds (power steering hose was pretty wet-solved) and seemed to be a good time for a bit of "extensive maintenance". where is the anti sink valve? is it repairable? Probably dumb questions but I never heard about this. The car will be on the hoist for a while so I think I've got time to check a couple of things including engine oil leaks etc... So I would much appreciated if you could pointing me to the right direction with this valve.

Edited July 14, 2017 by nagy592