Russ's 2.1 SED Auto now in Mandarin

[russ92xmsed]

Brilliant plan. Bl#*%y obvious really! I'm so cross for not paying attention to it. It looks in such good condition hence why I ignored it. But for some reason it just caught my eye today. Probably and unsurprisingly panicking over nothing.

[CitroJim]

I think it's very easy to have a paranoia attack over strut tops Russ. I know I do on both the XM and the Xantias....

Better to check them very carefully on a regular basis and be sure they're OK rather than have a tented bonnet!

[Dieselman]

if the wheel is on a raised bit of ground when the suspension settles, or the front wheels are turned to an angle then the spheres will move position.

[russ92xmsed]

Well I am going to keep a beady eye on them from now on...not that I didn't before, but I will be checking them every week until I'm satisfied. Which might be never in my case!! . I have taken pictures of both for reference and marked the spheres for a measuring point.

I was under the impression the spheres move about a bit, but the car is parked in the road that is quite flat. Wheels straight ahead. I am wondering if that strut top has been replaced before ( no record in service history) and for some reason has a slightly different height position. If that makes sense...
Anyway, I also measured the base of each strut top with the bottom of the collars ( as that part is wot shoots up when failure occurs) and both are the same.

I will try jacking the car up and see if it drops.

On other things fixed the ruddy bulb issue. Resulted in threading kite string through the contact holes and pulling with all my mite!
Success, new bulbs and refitted...but not so tight this time. Why do the most simple jobs turn into such a hassle.

[CitroJim]

Why do the most simple jobs turn into such a hassle.

As dear old Esther used to say Russ 'That's life...'

And never forget we're dealing with an XM here

Anyway, good news on the bulbs finally done

[russ92xmsed]

cheers Jim.

I really should not be surprised!

[russ92xmsed]

Does anyone know what the deal is with the cavities under the metal plugs in the engine bay. They are at the top of the inner wheel arch by each sphere.
Only my drivers side one decided to partly come adrift. No issue I thought. Stick it back!

So, I decided this afternoon ....right...sort this out. Took it off completely and to my surprise there was a small ocean in there!
I drained the clear water out and cleaned it up. Left it to dry at the mo. sorted the plug too removing surface rust ect. Now ready to go back on.
Anyway it isn't really corroded in there as there is a huge amount of wax or grease to stop that. Also it is solid. Otherwise it wouldn't have filled up.

So is it simply a pocket that serves no purpose and is meant to be sealed completely?
It seems far too forward to be part of the sunroof drain holes as they go down the A pillars and down the wings by the sills.
I assume the water was getting in via the plug not being properly sealed. Otherwise non the wiser how it turned into a swimming pool!

Also on a completely different matter, is it at all possible moderators, to move this thread/ blog into members cars, I think the time has come to move! No worries if not.
Thanks

[citroenxm]

Hi Russ,

Moved to "Members Cars" as requested and obviously where it should be..

If Imp_turbos goes on much more Ill move his to Members Cars aswell...

[russ92xmsed]

he is getting stuck in isn't he.

Thanks so much Paul. 13 pages on it seemed silly to be in the new members section!

[citroenxm]

He is Fair Play, getting it done quicker then I am my own....