LDS Levels

[StevieOMG]

Can anyone tell me how to check the LDS level in my C5 estate

[Clogzz]

At normal suspension setting, you rock the car sideways and look for LDS sloshing around just above the tank seam.
The level isn’t critical.
If it’s too high, it will spill through the cap at low setting.
If it’s low, the steering will shudder near full lock when parking.

Picture of maximum level at low suspension setting.

[dnsey]

On mine, there's a scale of sorts on the sloping shoulder of the container, but you have to remove the black plastic cover to see it.

[Clogzz]

No scale on mine, and I drive without covers to see what’s happening, and also to let the heat out.
Probably that my car was made after yours, when the makers decreed that it was no good for the commoners to preoccupy themselves with peculiarities that differentiate the Citroen from very ordinary cars.
The C5 II has a black tank to make it impossible to see anything.

There’s also the pretence that the suspension doesn’t need attending to until the car goes to the crusher for suspension failures.

Gerry Freed’s C5 goes to the crusher:
http://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81502

[myglaren]

No scale on mine either (2002 model). It is translucent plastic but not translucent enough to actually see through

From what I have read, on low the LDS should just show at the bottom of the strainer.

I chucked a litre in mine which was a bit too much but no ill-effects observed.

[cachaciero]

No scale on mine either (2002 model). It is translucent plastic but not translucent enough to actually see through

From what I have read, on low the LDS should just show at the bottom of the strainer.

I chucked a litre in mine which was a bit too much but no ill-effects observed.

Basically that is the only correct practical measure, Citroen actually say that it should be at this level when the suspension had been depressurized (using a Lexia).
The difference is not as minor as it sounds, if topped up to the bottom of the filler cap on low setting and then depressurized quite a lot of fluid will spill over the top of the filler

cachaciero

[Charliedog7]

Sorry but what is a Lexia, is it a diagnostics tool, can u buy it, if so where and how much.

Is the fluid still called LDS? My steering when I start up without moving is very stiff (no power steering)?? If required how much fluid do I put in and what is the proper fluid level.

any help would be appreciated

Thank you
Bob

[Hell Razor5543]

The Lexia is a PDA specific diagnostic tool. It is far more powerful (where Citroen/Peugeot vehicles are concerned) than a generic diagnostic read. They can cost around £100, and need a laptop running a 32b version of Windows (NOT Windows 10) to use them.

To see roughly how much LDS fluid you need you will need to lower the car to her lowest setting, and then take a look in the LDS reservoir. There is a grating, with slots running up the sides. The LDS level should be between the lowest and highest slots.

[GiveMeABreak]

Sorry but what is a Lexia, is it a diagnostics tool, can u buy it, if so where and how much.

Is the fluid still called LDS? My steering when I start up without moving is very stiff (no power steering)?? If required how much fluid do I put in and what is the proper fluid level.

any help would be appreciated

Thank you
Bob

Bob, the levels should be between the 'A' & 'B' marks on this diagram and no higher.

Have you got any leaks anywhere under the vehicle? Leave a piece of cardboard underneath, centre to, but forward of the dash on the ground and see if there is any fluid there in the morning. The steering may just need bleeding.

Raise the vehicle to the highest setting, then to the lowest, remove the LDS tank cap (but do not let anything get into the tank).
With the engine still running, very slowly, move the steering full lock to lock about 10 times.
Then check the level of LDS and top up to the max level 'B' as shown.
Check to make sure there are no air bubbles or 'Fizz' in the fluid.
If there are, repeat the lock to lock another 5 times and check the level again.
Raise the car to normal and put the cap on.

[Charliedog7]

Thanks Marc once again. I will check tomorrow and let you know the outcome.

Bob

[Charliedog7]

Hellrazor5543,

Many thanks for your advice

Bob