C5 hydraulic tank exploded

[crapday69]

I also had a goto with a work colleague over built up pressure. He wasn't happy when my relief valve opened to let some built up pressure escape.

[GiveMeABreak]

I think to be honest the C6 owners have suffered considerably with this issue and of course the same system (bar AMVAR) has been implemented in the X7, for both 4 and 6 cylinder engines suspension systems.

I may put up some further info later.

[Hell Razor5543]

Realistically the LDS system has flaws (across the whole of the C5 and C6 range), although it does address the issue that (when you have a leak) you don't lose all of the fluid. The fact that (regardless of which LDS vehicle you have) you have to loosen the LDS cap if the wheels are going to be suspended is (as I think we can all agree on) stupid, and should have either been properly addressed, or owners should have been clearly advised (and not, as it appears, just passed around Citroen and their dealerships). I know that I was not aware of this danger until I read it on this forum, and I had (up to that point) lifted her up off her wheels without loosening the cap.

By the way, I was under the impression that the braking system was separate from the hydropneumatics system. On my Mk1 C5 she has a separate reservoir for DOT4 brake fluid.

[GiveMeABreak]

The braking system is separate from the suspension James, as is the steering, apart from sharing the same fluid reservoir (steering, not braking) - so not sure why you were under the impression that it wasn't? All variations of the C5 and C6 have always had separate braking systems from the suspension.

If one is to go by the book, then in C5 (all versions) and C6 owner manuals, it does state quite clearly:

Before positioning the jack, always adjust the vehicle's ground clearance to the "maximum height" position and retain this adjustment for as long as the jack is under the vehicle (do not use the hydraulic adjustments).

I think this is where people may assume that just because a garage uses in effect a 4 post 'jack' that can lift the vehicle off the ground to do all 4 wheels at the same time, that they should ignore this advice....

It is something I have always done, regardless if using a jack on a single wheel or having it done at a tyre station. Having it on HIGH will simply limit the travel of the struts and prevent the sudden uncontrolled return of the fluid to the tank.

It may not mention the removal of or slackening of the LDS tank cap (this instruction was issued later and independently to garages I assume, as a result of the tank explosions reported), but it would certainly allow pressure out of the tank in the event that a garage did not raise the suspension up. But in any case it has to be down to the owner to make sure they make sure the garage are aware and more importantly comply with your wishes, when not taking it to a main service dealer.

[myglaren]

I have always put mine on the highest setting as it makes jacking it up simpler - only needs a couple of inches more to remove a wheel or change the oil.

[rmunns]

I have just read this post because I have got myself into a bit of a tizz regarding changing LDS fluid in X7 car. My question is; my tank cap has written on it: POWER STEERING (plus DIRECTION ASSISTEE in french), with a steering wheel and a small hole. If I suck onto the little hole from the outside of the cap, no air comes through. Is that right?

[GiveMeABreak]

It is a sealed system, and that valve is really only to allow internal pressure to release - BUT at a far higher pressure than you could suck out Roger.

It’s another reason why the cap is recommended to be released as in the event of a high pressure return event, it would not be able to cope and hence burst tank.