Accidental XM - Rust photos, page 4

[cort16]

I'm in Troon so about 10 minutes away. If you need picked up or need a shove then let me know.

[myglaren]

It's not that obscure, but you do have to know where to hunt for it. We have been running into issues getting hold of the flushing fluid. Citroen no longer seems to supply it. I'm sure LHM will head the same way at some point, but there are still plenty of cars out there that use it.

Rolls Royce dealers stock it I believe 

And JCB/Catterpillar dealers.

 

Hydraurincage from Citroen Classics

[Matt]

Is this the right LHM stuff and how much would it be wise for me to carry?

http://www.gsfcarparts.com/980aa0701

 

 

I'm in Troon so about 10 minutes away. If you need picked up or need a shove then let me know.

 

Thanks for the offer, do you want to PM me your number in case I run into bother?

[vulgalour]

the most recent estate one of these I saw was in Maidstone earlier this year.  The car was wearing the slightly brighter green and seeing it in modern traffic only highlighted how bizarre a bit of a design they are.  It looked like it had escaped from a concept car stand, it looked so strange and still managed to look large.  Like the BX, the XM is definitely a head turner now and most don't even know what they are.

[dollywobbler]

Yes, that is the right stuff. You want to try and find it for a good deal less than that though! I keep 1 litre in the car, and 5 litres in my garage - which I think I got when Mat_the_cat scored some cheaply from a factor local to him. I've only had to top mine up when I've done work - ie bleeding the brakes or swapping spheres. 

[Matt]

Yes, that is the right stuff. You want to try and find it for a good deal less than that though! I keep 1 litre in the car, and 5 litres in my garage - which I think I got when Mat_the_cat scored some cheaply from a factor local to him. I've only had to top mine up when I've done work - ie bleeding the brakes or swapping spheres. 

 

The GSF 'Easter43' code brings it down to £5.22 per litre which I'm fine with. The owners forum you linked me to on page one has been handy as they've told me that the rear spheres are dead and that the brake pedal is stiff because it needs bled. The seller says that the suspension works fine but I think he means that it goes up and down on the lever and doesn't know that it won't dampen. They've suggested AEP in Glasgow for the spheres and their prices seem reasonable (£20 each).

[myglaren]

AEP are a very good source of spheres, lower cost than most, very quick delivery and they will ask that you phone them and will get the exact details of your car from you to ensure you get the right spheres as there are a million variations.

 

Many French Car Forum members swear by them.

[Matt]

AEP are a very good source of spheres, lower cost than most, very quick delivery and they will ask that you phone them and will get the exact details of your car from you to ensure you get the right spheres as there are a million variations.

 

Many French Car Forum members swear by them.

 

They were suggested by the other forum too, ordered a pair a few minutes ago

[dollywobbler]

Be aware that rear spheres can be an utter sod. Because they get covered in road muck, they have a nasty habit of seizing in place. If you can borrow a sphere removal tool off someone, so much the better. I've got one and use of that and a hammer got my outers off. The middle one was still shagged though, and I needed a specialist to unleash some suitable brutality to crack that one off. I hope your middle is ok, though it's worth pointing out that I spent over six months driving mine around with tired rear spheres. It isn't the end of the world. 

 

Captain Obvious warning - never reach or crawl under an XM raised on its suspension. To remove the rear spheres, you need the back end up on ramps. Gets a bit tight under the car even then, but can be done.EDIT - suspension on high, crack the spheres so they just start turning. Then drop the suspension while the engine is ticking over, then leave it ticking over for a bit. I like to undo the pressure regulator too, but there seems some debate about whether this is necessary.

 

There is a bit of me wondering whether the stiff suspension is just because it's on maximum height, as per the photos...

[myglaren]

The rear centre, if it is the same as the Xantia, you need to carefully remove the feed pipe - 9mm flare spanner IIRC, before attempting to remove the sphere.

Tears will ensue otherwise.

 

I think you are right with the pressure release Ian.

Only open it one turn and do not over tighten when you do re tighten it - otherwise more tears.

 

The safety advice needs to be heeded too.  I have had a few close calls.

[Matt]

Be aware that rear spheres can be an utter sod. Because they get covered in road muck, they have a nasty habit of seizing in place. If you can borrow a sphere removal tool off someone, so much the better. I've got one and use of that and a hammer got my outers off. The middle one was still shagged though, and I needed a specialist to unleash some suitable brutality to crack that one off. I hope your middle is ok, though it's worth pointing out that I spent over six months driving mine around with tired rear spheres. It isn't the end of the world. 

 

Captain Obvious warning - never reach or crawl under an XM raised on its suspension. To remove the rear spheres, you need the back end up on ramps. Gets a bit tight under the car even then, but can be done.EDIT - suspension on high, crack the spheres so they just start turning. Then drop the suspension while the engine is ticking over, then leave it ticking over for a bit. I like to undo the pressure regulator too, but there seems some debate about whether this is necessary.

 

There is a bit of me wondering whether the stiff suspension is just because it's on maximum height, as per the photos...

 

Do you know if there is a reliable source for the tools? I found literally nothing on Ebay and there are no Citroen specialists around here (but two Volkswagen specialists!). I've seen a few places that say you have to use ramps which is fine, I've got a pair and I much prefer them to jack stands.

 

I don't think it's because it's raised as the seller says the suspension "works" so I don't think he's clueless. I'll cycle it a few times before heading out anyway, because novelty.

[320touring]

Good effort on getting this- you can join my citroen owners support network:)

[Lacquer Peel]

You can borrow my sphere removal tool if you send it on to my Xantia-owning friend.

[Matt]

Good effort on getting this- you can join my citroen owners support network:)

I think the network will be supporting me though!

 

You can borrow my sphere removal tool if you send it on to my Xantia-owning friend.

That would be very, very handy indeed and of course I will. It'll be at least a week before I get to use it though.

[myglaren]

There are instructions here for an home-made removal tool.

[dollywobbler]

Didn't touch the feed pipes with mine, and nor did the specialist. With the suspension on high, things should remain solid enough to crack it off. Though I have heard of one's so stubborn that folk have had to remove the whole unit so they could get it all in a vice. Thankfully not needed in my case.

[Matt]

Can anyone suggest another good source for spheres? AEP don't have any in stock and it'll take 6-8 weeks before they can get any.

[omegod]

Can anyone suggest another good source for spheres? AEP don't have any in stock and it'll take 6-8 weeks before they can get any.

 

You could try a Rolls/Bentley dealer or specialist 

[Lacquer Peel]

I just checked, Euro Car Parts and GSF stock them, try GSF35 for bargains.

[myglaren]

All hearsay unfortunately but if it can be believed then ECP or their eBay shop CarPartsForLess will send out the first thing they come to on the shelf and there is a good chance it will be snidy parts anyway.

 

GSF seem to be much better at getting the right stuff to you, although a little more expensive.

[dollywobbler]

I'm aware of this lot, though I've no idea who they are or where they are. http://www.sphere-shop.co.uk/

[eifion]

Pleiades are worth trying as a source of spheres. They don't seem to have a website but can be contacted at [email protected] or on 01487 831239. I keep meaning to treat my XM to a new set, having recently acquired the correct tool to help me (snigger) crack one off.

[Matt]

Thanks guys. The link that Mr Wobbler posted has them a wee bit cheaper (before postage) but I'll drop Pleiades an email to see what they can do.  

[dollywobbler]

Westreon in Manchester is another one that I've just remembered.

[beko1987]

Ooof, beautiful! Will be very interested to see if you get more than 28mpg out of it, I always thought mine would have been better if a manual.

 

Envious now, 4 randoms when the time comes please!

[beko1987]

Do you know if there is a reliable source for the tools? I found literally nothing on Ebay and there are no Citroen specialists around here (but two Volkswagen specialists!). I've seen a few places that say you have to use ramps which is fine, I've got a pair and I much prefer them to jack stands.

 

I don't think it's because it's raised as the seller says the suspension "works" so I don't think he's clueless. I'll cycle it a few times before heading out anyway, because novelty.

Regular citrobatics are the key. Mine would stiffen up a tad if used for weeks on end. Good 30 mins of up and down loosened it up, the key is to raise it up to high, then I found holding the brake to pressurise the system a bit, then dumping the lever down to lo made it drop suddenly, but this loosened off the movey bits.

 

Grease up the rod that activates the rear spheres too, it sits under the back seats under the car. Its doable on high, with a can of plusgas and only your arm under there.

 

Then theres the lhm filters. utterly imperative to remove and clean those. What shade of green is the current lhm?

 

Does the sport light come on then go out like an abs light on startup?

[dollywobbler]

I need to sort out the filters on mine. Notchy steering has started happening. I'm hoping mucky filters is the reason. Could be belt tension. Was going to clean the filters the other day, but unlike a BX, it seems you cannot remove the tank lid without first disconnecting all the bloody hoses. Decided to leave it for another day and was rewarded with notchy steering all the way through Snowdonia. Fortunately it self-healed before my drive back with the caravan.

 

My sport light has never come on at start up and it still rides fine. 

[beko1987]

I coukd remove my lid with the pipes connected, wasn't much slack though, and I think I loosened the pipes routing a bit to provide the travel needed to lift the lid off.

 

A 4 pint milk bottle cut in half lengthways and resting on the side of the gearbox makes resting the dripping lid easier too.. Getting to the depressurising bolt with the car on low is fun though, I could just about do it wwith the ratchet in the tips of my fingers laying on the floor

 

My steering never went notchy, so cant comment on that I'm afraid.

 

Another trick mine did was if you open the drivers door, then drop the lever it won't move as the doors open. Wait a few secs, then close the door and bang, down she drops! Again, a bit extreme but it'll get things moving again (and possibly fuck your strut tops too if you do it too much...)

 

Traffic night bingo was always fun, down to the floor and back uo again before it goes green... Light flooding waa nae bother too as the intermediate setting raised it up a tad but kept it driveable

[dollywobbler]

On mine, I can just about reach the regulator from above. Saves scrabbling around underneath (the real trick is to put the front wheels on ramps before you drop it. Learnt that one with BXs!)

 

Like the milk bottle tip. I'll remember that one.

[Matt]

Behold, my first pez station shot. Haven't used a pump with rolling numbers for ages.

 
Somewhere along the way


 
And at the MOT garage I found a little sister (which will probably be for sale by the way. I heard it's mint with low miles)

 
It certainly needs work:

• Power steering is heavy and notchy
• Brake pedal is a bit hard and the pressure doesn't stay consistent
• Left hand rear suspension seemed a bit intermittent
• The "hand" brake pedal goes really very high when I let it off. If I was lanky, I'd be fucked.
• Drivers window doesn't work
• I think the rear drivers side door lock might be intermittent
• Passenger window seems intermittent in the up direction 
• Blower doesn't work (apparently intermittent) 
• Sunroof retracts slowly (comes forward fine)
• The gears are in there somewhere. Stick is quite vague and so is the clutch
• Front bumper is sagging on drivers side (scrapes one one corner at least too)

I was apprehensive at first because of the steering and brakes but the more I drove it the more I liked it. It's cool as and proper comfy too. It's got both dealer plates, dealer key tag, all four keys and history up to 2001 too so it was certainly looked after by it's first owner. Had about 80k miles in 2001 which is when I suspect the first owner sold it. I'm the fifth and the guy I bought it from probably didn't do much with it so I'll try and find the second and third owners to see what they did with it.