Rear Suspension Problem

[Guest danny]

I've just got an R reg 1.8 16v xantia but i'm having problems with the rear suspension.

It is stuck at maximum height and won't budge. The anti-roll bar link had broken, this was changed and the height corrector was aswell. The previous owner said it had new spheres recently (they do look new). The front goes up and down just as it should so i'm at a loss as to what it could be.

Any help with this would be much appreciated. Cheers.

[Ronin]

It could be a couple of things.

 

The metal rod that runs under the centre line of the car is to adjust the hieght adjustment and relevent pumps etc, check the rod hasn't dropped off its links, also check the rear height pump lever( the rod connects to it) this can often sieze and is quite easy to free with penetrating fluid and patience. Try adjusting the ride height lever now.... if that still doesn't work....

 

You could try to de-pressurise the system by releasing the nut (one full turn only on the accumulator pump housing) "engine off and the car on axle stands/ ramps for safety" you will here a hiss, let the car settle for about 5-10 minutes. tighten up the nut again and re-start the engine. take it off the ramps/ axle stands

Turn the steering from lock to lock a few times (expels any trapped air) and select the different height settings. keep an eye on the lhm fluid level.

If that doesn't sort it out im sure KFK can give you some more advice on other ideas to try lol

 

One thing to remember is that once you get the problem sorted, use the ride height adjuster once a week... It needs to be used to prevent these problems.

;)

[Guest danny]

It could be a couple of things.

 

The metal rod that runs under the centre line of the car is to adjust the hieght adjustment and relevent pumps etc, check the rod hasn't dropped off its links, also check the rear height pump lever( the rod connects to it) this can often sieze and is quite easy to free with penetrating fluid and patience. Try adjusting the ride height lever now.... if that still doesn't work....

 

You could try to de-pressurise the system by releasing the nut (one full turn only on the accumulator pump housing) "engine off and the car on axle stands/ ramps for safety" you will here a hiss, let the car settle for about 5-10 minutes. tighten up the nut again and re-start the engine. take it off the ramps/ axle stands

Turn the steering from lock to lock a few times (expels any trapped air) and select the different height settings. keep an eye on the lhm fluid level.

If that doesn't sort it out im sure KFK can give you some more advice on other ideas to try lol

 

One thing to remember is that once you get the problem sorted, use the ride height adjuster once a week... It needs to be used to prevent these problems.

;)

 

 

Thanks for replying.

 

I've already checked all the linkage and all seems to be in place and moving fine. Will try de-pressurising the system this afternoon though and see if that helps.

 

Also this may be a silly question (i'm new to this) but what or who is KFK?