Londoner returning to Citroën via second XM

[slimlavud]

Hello all

I am returning to Citroën, having owned one XM, five CX, two GS and a DS in the past. I am on the verge of buying a 2nd series XM that has a hydraulic pipe burst. I am not scared of Citroën hydraulics, having been a mechanic and car restorer (Lancia in particular) in the past and having rebuilt all the suspension on two of my CX. But I do need a little help with the XM: does anyone know if a metal pipe that is described by the owner as "under the car, just ahead of the rear wheel on the nearside" that I am pretty sure is a suspension pipe as it loses fluid all the time, not just under braking, is the standard 3.5 mm?
Also, where can I hire/borrow a flaring tool to make the Citroën 'bulge' in the pipe and join it up again with a double-ended joiner? I think they are available from Pleiades but don't really have the £50 or so that they cost?
Thanks and I am in Islington/Holloway - Chiswick in the daytime - if anyone should need to borrow any tools, get a jump start etc. Any reasonable time on 07896 921115.

[Peter.N.]

Hi and welcome to the club

Pleiades are the only source I know that supply the parts you need and even they are cutting back on what they supply. There may be someone near you who has a flaring tool but I dont personally know of anyone. There are a whole host of pipes under the rear n/s of different sizes but mostly the very thin stuff. Failures very often occur above the rear subframe but its quite easy to drop one side to give you access.

Peter

[xmexclusive]

Hi Slimlavud

Many XM's suffer a regular age problem with corrosion of the hydraulic pipes running on top of the rear subframe cross tube.
The subframe is fairly tight under the chassis so leaking LHM often runs back along the feed pipes.
The 4 feed pipes run along the nearside of the car then onto the subframe.
Access is usually from the back by removing the exhaust and lowering the subframe on its bolts.
Pipes are typically short and need replacing rather than joining.
Pipe tools are getting difficult to source and are at least twice the price you mention.
Getting a pipe made up to length is the easiest option.
Pipe size will most likely be 3.5mm but a few sections are in 4.5mm, not easy to check without dissmantaling.
You may be lucky and the leak is in the main pipe runs under the car but this is less common.

John

[slimlavud]

Thanks all, looks like I shall have to get my Citroën mate to make me a selection of pipes and as you say, it is most likely the awkward pipes over the subframe... If I find a tool cheaply, would be happy to lend it out to members etc, perhaps a tool hire scheme would be a good idea. Not wishing to start new ideas 10 minutes after joining I assure you...

[Dieselman]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought all pipes on an XM, apart from the doseur valve and the ones mounted on the rear subframe are 4.5mm or larger sizes, which means if it's an under-car leak the pipe should be 4.5mm.

[robert_e_smart]

Nope, its mostly 3.5mm.

[citroenxm]

Nope, its mostly 3.5mm.

Ditto,

Theres 3x 3.5 and a 4.5 IIRC.... Same on the Xantias... The Brake feeding pipe is the 4.5, all the suspension ones are 3.5..

Paul

[slimlavud]

Dear All
Thank you, so, I will need to take a troleey jack with me to support the car while I possibly have to drop one side of the rear subframe, a selection of sockets and spanners, anything else essential please?
And can I hire/borrow a 4.5 and a 3.5 flaring tool - Pleiades call/called them their TYPE A tool I understand - the handheld type?
or perhaps someone who has replaced all the hard pipes (four I understand) that run to the rear could make me a set of cupro-nickel/copper ones?
Or shall I just crimp the pipe and drive the car home (200 miles or so) on the bump stops, avoiding any speed humps etc?

[xmexclusive]

Do not want to sound too pessimistic but if the pipes are corroded enough to leak then there is a good chance the flare nuts are rusted up as well.
You will also need a few ltrs of LHM to top up after the repair or temporary fix.
In my experience XM rear leaks can easily drop half the tank contents.
On flare tools I chased Pliaedes for well over a year trying unsuccessfuly to obtain one from them.
No stock and it seems doubtful that any further batches will be made.
Even a visit and leaving a list of the pipe fittings I wanted to buy has produced no response.
Not aware of anyone who rents the pipe tools out.

John

[Dieselman]

Where is this car located?