Citroen XM Forum

Well the good news is it's passed the MOT. But it had work done first to get it through the MOT.

It had a new track rod end. No surprise there. Got an exhaust leak on the back box flange. It's been bandaged or sealed up at the mo.
Steering rack gaiter needed sorting too. Headlights were adjusted properly after my lame attempt! And I think that's it. Will find out more tomorrow, no doubt with a huge bill.

As for the oil leak, still no idea. I suggested the injector leak of pipes, which I think will be checked. This weekends job I think trying to trace it.

Bravo Russ and another year of XMing looks assured!! Regards, Matthew T.

Hopefully Matthew,.. Thanks very much! Just need to trace this leak, fix it or get it fixed and then get going on other jobs with it. Needs a service next month.
I'm really keen to get the front bumper properly fitted too.

Russ, excellent news

Told you

Thanks Jim, it actually went through with no advisories. Just picked it up this morning.

However it isn't all rosy....

Tony Weston had a poke about with a camera around the fuel pump, and thinks it could be the Pump drive seal. Oh Joy!, basically confirming my research I did last night. It technically needs to be properly confirmed, but it is looking like it is.
the way the leak is running down the side of the engine down the sump, and cross referencing it with a pic of a slightly stripped down engine from the side, it strongly suggests it is this. The fluid smells like diesel and it seems slacker than oil. So of course check leak off pipes first, but I doubt it is them.

So a new seal needs to be found. Can anyone suggest where to go to find one?

The second annoyance, is the large rubber connection on the steering column to rack is cracked and perished. I have noticed the steering has been getting slack recently, thought it was down to a dodgy track rod end. Anyway it isn't.

So for anyone who knows, what is the situation with parts for this. I bet totally unobtainable or extremely expensive. Not even sure what it is called!!

Well it was about time something nasty cropped up!

Always a nice feeling when you get that ticket.

Yes Neil, but laced with two nasties!

Steering coupling.... I needs one! Do BX ones fit XM's?

I had a peek around the fuel pump this afternoon, and it is definitely fuel dripping off the sump, it IS getting worse and I think it is coming from the driveshaft seal on the pump. The injector leak off pipes are bone dry and look new. There is no moisture around the main pump seals, so this all strongly suggests the main drive seal is leaking. There is moisture creeping from that area on the pump side too, but not as obviously wet. Hate to think about the cambelt. I'll get a new one fitted incase. A diesel doused belt is not good news.
So the car is officially off the road for now until the part arrives, next week hopefully. Jim very kindly pointed me in the direction of a new seal, at only £2. A complete contrast to the cost of fitting it mind you.

The steering rack coupling is ongoing. I contacted Malcolm Lockwood to see if he could shed some light on this part, he said no parts in the country, he hasn't any, but a BX one might fit. I have Rob Moss at Chevronics looking into wether a BX coupling would fit too.
As I understand it, the XM one are the following sizes.
PCD 60mm,
Middle hole 11mm
Four other holes 8.5mm
Thickness 11mm
If I could find the BX measurements, that would no doubt confirm it. The reason why I am thinking BX, is this part was used in a whole range of different Peugeots, so just maybe they used the same part.

I don't know, if water isn't trying to get in this car, then vital fluids are trying to get out. Typical!

Sorry to hear about your woes Russ but I might be able to help with the steering coupling if a second-hand part would do. I have a couple of spare racks in the garage!! With regards, Matthew T.