C5 suspension grump

[myglaren]

I mentioned previously that there was a slight leak of fluid a few days ago.
Tried to see the source and couldn't. Decided not to risk the Chevrons rally due to the distance but went to Teesside yesterday - 80 miles round trip.
By the time we got back here the power steering had packed up.
I decided to buy some LDS and top up the reservoir and investigate the leak.
Went out this morning to find the car squatted down at the rear.

Reservoir empty.
Had to walk for almost two hours to my motorists shop, only to find it had shut down
A further walk to an industrial estate drew a blank too so a further walk to Halfords netted me 2L of Comma MVCHF which is touted as an alternative and is light green, which made me think of Citroenmad's (Chris) experience with his first C5.
That did nothing so returned to Halfords and bought their last 2L of the MVCHF and dumped that in - still no rising of the rear and a respectable pool under the car.

I suspect that the new and vicious speed bumps installed near work may be responsible.
Contacted my mechanic and awaiting advice - problem is it can't be moved until it gets up off it's arse.

[GiveMeABreak]

Bad news Steve.

I'm suspecting either the dreaded steering rack or a leak from one of the suspension pipes (crack / split), As the BHI handles the anti-sink from the exhaust electrovalves, I'm wondering if the leak is rearwards. Where abouts is / was the pool of fluid accumulating?

[myglaren]

Initially it seemed to be the front offside - naturally suspected a detached return pipe but no confirmation.
Now it appears to be further rearwards, around the rear axle sort of area, very difficult to see and with the suspension right down can't check piping.

I'm reluctant to suspect corrosion as I only had it MOT'd a couple of weeks back, no advisories.

I did get an advisory on light corrosion of brake pipes a couple of years ago and had the lot replaced. I think they would have seen anything untoward with the suspension pipes.

[GiveMeABreak]

I had an issue with one of the rear suspension pipes on the X7 - it turned out the rear nearside pipe was weak around one of the bends made in the manufacturing process and had it had weakened and started to leak, possibly aided by a little corrosion.

[myglaren]

Just had a closer look and took some more photo's - just in time as it is now chucking it down again.

I think I was wrong about it being rearwards, it seems as though it is running down the sills and dripping off due to the rear end being so low.

[GiveMeABreak]

So the front seems to be stabilised, so possibly one of the pipes feeding the rear. Very little you can do as you say until it's lifted off the ground. I hope you don't have to wait too long for the mechanic. Has he got a flat-bed to get it to the garage?

[myglaren]

I'm assuming that it is those silly McPherson struts shoving the front up while the trailing arms allow the rear to settle lower.

[lexi]

Arggh! Something all C5 owners dread that. Pipe or union possibly. I carry 4 liters of Lds in the boot. If I have a big leak it won't do much good mind.
Even on a good driveway with good jacking and axle stands, it wouldn't be easy Steve. Best on the ramp. Get some pics please, as I would like to see where it has gone. Mine runs over rough ground at the lochside, but always on high. It will go bang one day.

[myglaren]

He hasn't responded yet but the Polish bloke I use will be the one to scratch his head over this one.

My ramps have disappeared

[GiveMeABreak]

Any news Steve - what's the verdict?

[myglaren]

No progress at all. I will try and get a look over the weekend but Daniel is in Poland until Monday.

Using Annika's C3 at the moment

[GiveMeABreak]

It'll make appreciate the C5 even more when you get her back!

[myglaren]

There is certainly a disparity although the C3 isn't bad.

[myglaren]

Was able to jack up the front a bit and shove a light and a mirror under - even crawl under a bit but still none the wiser as to the source of the leak.
At least it doesn't appear to be the rack and is probably a suspension pipe out of sight without the car on a lift.

[GiveMeABreak]

Yep, hard to tell if it's leaking in one place and pooling in another because of the angle. Good news if not the rack - fingers crossed it might just be a split pipe.