Citroen XM Forum

The return pipe from the hydractive regulator valve (centre sphere mount) sprouts from the end of the Electrovalve. The EV is the small cylindrical item (about 2cm diameter, and 6cm long) that has a 2-pin electrical connector attaching to it (a sort of side-arm to the cylinder). The 4mm return pipe takes off at a short snout on the end of the cylinder. This where the rubber elbow attaches the nylon pipe to the EV.

Each time the EV switches off, a very small amount of fluid leaves via the return pipe, and returns to the reservoir. If the EV snout is shifting anything other than a tiny bit of fluid each time it operates, there is an internal leak in the EV (usually just a tired small spring), which would need looking at.

Thanks an you give me a picture of that part?

So the spring is inside that cylinder? How would I get to it and what would I do to it?

You need to unscrew the electro valve from the hydraulic block. After removing the plug connector and leak off pipe..

Once you remove the plug and leak off pipe. Use a deep socket over the leak spigot and undo the valve with the next nut you see on the end of the valve body.

Great picture thanks. Yep I see all that. What I don’t understand is, how the spring could cause a leak from, presumably, that part? If it is the return pipe Union, where is that in relation to the diagram you posted? Sorry to appear so ignorant but I’m happy to try to sort it, but learning all the time. I suppose I could do both jobs but I’m intrigued re the spring in the ev causing a leak to appear outside of that part.

The rubber elbow plugs onto the spigot sticking out of the back of the electrovalve (item 4).

I can't see the leak being anything to do with the internals of the valve.
If a return pipe leaks the suspension still functions but initially there is a fair quantity of fluid leakage, as all the pipes are inter-connected, so the complete return system to the reservoir empties.
Subsequently, only a small volume leaks as each return operates.

Don't overcomplicate the issue, just have a look.
You might need to wiggle the return pipes a bit to make the split open enough to see it.

A '92 Xm will have Hydractive 1 fitted, of which the electrovalves are very reliable.
H2 systems can suffer corrosion to the rear electrovalve body, so leak, but that's not an issue on H1 systems as there is no rear electrovalve. The rear stiffness regulator is operated by hydraulic pressure from the front regulator.

A ''92 diesel estate is a very rare Xm, what trim level is it?

Dieselman wrote: ↑

Sun Dec 19, 2021 8:04 am

A ''92 diesel estate is a very rare Xm, what trim level is it?

I know of so far 2x 92 derv estates and a 92 petrol estate..

1x is the sed spec one that we bantered about..
1x is a standard ad I think 92 estate where the owner swears the thromostat is in the water top outlet like 1.9td engines..

And the petrol estate is a 2.oi base spec..

All on fb page..

Thanks both of you. Yes I ll look in the cold light of day, after Christmas, I’m a bit bewildered atm that we found a leak, worked hard but still didn’t seal it. I’m sure we ll find it next time and I ll get some pipes and elbows to be ready. I really love the XM and I don’t want to get rid, don’t have endless money but will try to keep going. It’s 92 diesel estate sed. It had a two spoke steering wheel but I have a donor car so I swapped it for a one spoke, I still have the two spoke which I believe are rare. The heating controls etc are manual not electric which I prefer. 120000 miles, spent eight years in a dry garage on the death of the owner so it’s very sound, no rust at all. Had the diesel pump refurbished, it’s beautiful. Done other bits inc some paintwork, it’s not brilliant but will pass. So how many of these left? How many estates per se left?

Cont. it has leather seats electric driven but not heated. Electric windows and sunroof. Electric mirrors.