Suspension On C1

[Guest citroenc1owner]

I bought my C1 at the end of November and have done just over 1000 miles in it. I was pleased with it in the beginning - small, easy to park, cheap to tax and so on but now I think I have made a big mistake. The car seems to be getting bumpier and bumpier. I had the air pressure checked and then had one of the tyres taken off and checked. I have read a few of the posts here and gather that the suspension is not one of the strongest points of the car but it really is so bumpy that I find it hard to believe that it is normal. I feel like I am damaging the car when I drive it and am becoming increasingly nervous driving it around. I bought a new car because I was fed up with the stress and hassle of an old car but this is no better! I am taking it in for its first service in just over a week and I have already mentioned this problem to them when I booked the appointment. Unfortunately I bought it on one of these finance deals so am stuck with it unless I can prove that it is a manufacturing fault. Has anyone else had problems like this with the C1. Thanks.

[downsman]

My C1 has a firm ride and can get a bit jiggly on certain roads. However, it never feels like it is being damaged and the ride is a lot better than my last car :rolleyes: The handling in corners and stability at speed are much better than I expected of such a tiny car :blink:

 

I have heard stories of cars where the garage failed to remove packing pieces which are used to stop the car moving during transit! It may be that this could explain your problems.

[ColinC1]

I like the suspension, had no problems with it, feels fine, not to hard or soft.

 

I would check all your tyre pressures, should be 32PSI all round for the standard tyre. You will likely have to take your wheel trims off to get at the air valve (stupid design of trim).

 

In fact I have owned my C1 now for a year and a half and the air pressure has never went down in any tyre, amazing :rolleyes:

[downsman]

You will likely have to take your wheel trims off to get at the air valve (stupid design of trim).

 

Yes it's stupid isn't it! I picked my C1 up this week and couldn't believe that my 30 year old pressure gauge wouldn't fit :rolleyes:

 

I've ordered one from Amazon, because I don't fancy removing trims just to check the pressure.

 

If it fits OK, I'll post a link on here :blink:

[750Nig]

Our view is that the suspension is firm (but fair ?). The only issue we have is the racket when a stone rattles around in the wheel arch.

 

Quite like the firm ride (ooh er mrs), quite unusual for a Citroen don't you think?

[ColinC1]

Yeh, when a stone hits underneath its makes one massive bang, and thats due to a lack of thick tar underseal, like most other cars.

 

Another cutback for an economy car :huh:

[Martin_1973_uk]

I like the firm ride as it means it can corner better and has far more stability at speeds unlike a lot of small cars. You'll be hard pressed to damage a car by going over bumps.....

 

On another note I have noticed when turning left on junctions that I get a chinky rattle coming from the front wheel. You can only hear it with the window open and the stereo off so it could have been their all the time. Anyone else have this? I guess these cars have a lot of these charecteristics as called by manufacturers!!!!!!!

[ColinC1]

On another note I have noticed when turning left on junctions that I get a chinky rattle coming from the front wheel

 

Yeh, its a rare occurance, but I actually got this today in a supermarket car park, was doing a tight turning circle anticlockwise, ie, turning leftwards, and got that chinky ratlle for a split second.

 

The sound is from the front pads, I assume sometimes there must be just enough slack between pad and disk, or pad and holder, to make a slight noise.

 

Once you hit the brakes it will tighten the gap up.

 

(PS.... i suppose it can make the noise going hard left or right )

[Martin_1973_uk]

I tried hitting the brakes as I turned left but the noise stayed, even if it was out of gear. It has its first 10K service soon so I'll mention it then. I get the impression after 10K miles it is not as well built as I first thought and I'll be surprised if it makes old bones. Still a great car though for the price, I would totally recommend it.

[Martin_1973_uk]

I went down to the Main Dealer in Colchester Friday, who are excellent for service by the way, and they fixed the noise. It was the tiny plate that hangs down between the ball joint and the brake disc. It just had to be bent slighty away from the brake disc, simple as that.

The mechanic said he very rarely sees these cars as they just don't often go wrong. I mentioned it was probably because it was built by Toyota rather than Citroen!!!!!!

[downsman]

I'm glad it turned out to be a quick fix :(

[Guest C1millstone]

I bought my C1 at the end of November and have done just over 1000 miles in it. I was pleased with it in the beginning - small, easy to park, cheap to tax and so on but now I think I have made a big mistake. The car seems to be getting bumpier and bumpier. I had the air pressure checked and then had one of the tyres taken off and checked. I have read a few of the posts here and gather that the suspension is not one of the strongest points of the car but it really is so bumpy that I find it hard to believe that it is normal. I feel like I am damaging the car when I drive it and am becoming increasingly nervous driving it around. I bought a new car because I was fed up with the stress and hassle of an old car but this is no better! I am taking it in for its first service in just over a week and I have already mentioned this problem to them when I booked the appointment. Unfortunately I bought it on one of these finance deals so am stuck with it unless I can prove that it is a manufacturing fault. Has anyone else had problems like this with the C1. Thanks.

[Guest C1millstone]

Hi there! I am just replying to what you have said, if this was a game of cards it would be "SNAP"! I bought a C1 September 2006 it is a Diesel Rhythm has got 13,000 miles on the clock and has just had it's 12,000 mile service with the complaint of the bumping. This to Citroen Technical is called engine hesitation and we have had a so called download on the engine but surprise! it has not cured the problem. Also on mine there is a terrible rattling in the engine compartment and the thrust bearing is noisy and the clutch keeps slipping we have returned our vehicle several times and all they say is that it is CRAP and get rid.We have been through Citroen Uk as well as the dealer. All with no joy so far but they have picked on the wrong team this time.I did ask for a buy back but was refused (to many faults).Since owning the car all the rubbers have been changed through leaks,finally the two back windows were changed,distorted glass!!curred the leaks there!!.The fight goes on.

C1millstone

[Guest C1millstone]

I bought my C1 at the end of November and have done just over 1000 miles in it. I was pleased with it in the beginning - small, easy to park, cheap to tax and so on but now I think I have made a big mistake. The car seems to be getting bumpier and bumpier. I had the air pressure checked and then had one of the tyres taken off and checked. I have read a few of the posts here and gather that the suspension is not one of the strongest points of the car but it really is so bumpy that I find it hard to believe that it is normal. I feel like I am damaging the car when I drive it and am becoming increasingly nervous driving it around. I bought a new car because I was fed up with the stress and hassle of an old car but this is no better! I am taking it in for its first service in just over a week and I have already mentioned this problem to them when I booked the appointment. Unfortunately I bought it on one of these finance deals so am stuck with it unless I can prove that it is a manufacturing fault. Has anyone else had problems like this with the C1. Thanks.

[Martin_1973_uk]

Your problem is that Toyota make most of the car, except the lights and the diesel engine which is made by Citroen. What they make is rubbish so I would warn people of the diesel, especially as the petrol can manage 60MPG and is far cheaper. What are you going to do, sell it on E-Bay?

[downsman]

I have to take issue with Martin 1973s comments about the Citroen parts of the C1. I have owned an AX, 2CV, BX and two Berlingos as well as my C1. All of those cars proved very reliable over many years of ownership, and the BX is still owned by my father and has done 145000 miles on its original engine so far (the first clutch lasted 130000!).

 

I admit they don't have Toyotas enviable reputation for reliabilty, but they are no where near as bad as some would believe.

 

You are correct that the petrol C1 is the way to go though. It's cheaper, faster sounds nicer and so economical that one review said it would take 250000 miles to save enough fuel to cover the extra money the diesel costs :angry:

[Martin_1973_uk]

The thousands who respond to JD Power Surveys can't be wrong? Citroen tend to make and build terrible cars. I'm surprised your Dads BX hasn't had the hydraulic suspension failure? It just strikes me when people moan about their Citroen going wrong, especially the C2, and complain, if you buy rubbish, you get rubbish. Sorry if it is upsetting but some car makers should have gone years ago, like Rover, who I would have to say were even worse.........

Agree not all cars will be of poor quality but makes like Citroen will have a higher number than Toyota etc.

[Guest C1millstone]

No get a solicitor involved and go for the Dealer under the trades description Act.It doesn't matter who makes what.All have a duty to produce and repair their goods to a standard expected by the consumer.Yes your right even the lights have been crap.Both rear lights replaced through condensation problems!!!.For your information Engine cover broke, front drivers footwell leaking froze up in winter and I nearly crashed. Back window glass has been changed and the seals around them changed three times. Front door seals changed. Engine noisy and rattling also we have serious engine juddering but they call it hesitation. Central locking acting up, rear nearside door sticking. You know what, do you know anyone wanting to throw themselves off a cliff would they PLEASE take my car with them.