Damage to Rear Ram Bellows

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Tue Mar 27, 2012 6:44 pm

Thought this may be of interest.

I noticed a small LHM leak from the near side rear suspension ram bellows today.
On investigation, it seems that the metal brace under the ram was bent.
I am 99% sure that was not the case before the MOT test.
Not able to see the car while being tested I think the tester must use this area to jack up the rear of the car.

To remove the bend in the metal bracing plate, I used a metal angle with a bolt and washer that just goes through the existing hole, and tightened the nut, till the plate was straight again.

May be a good idea to check this area after your MOT test, as this has happened twice now.

MULLEY · Post by **MULLEY** » Tue Mar 27, 2012 8:26 pm

Thats a bit unfortunate, luckily my mot tester uses a 4 post lift & i know exactly where he lifts the car up from & its not as per your's above. You mention that this has happened before, was that at the same mot station?

Philip Chidlow · Post by **Philip Chidlow** » Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:04 pm

This is a fairly common issue. I've found evidence of such misjudged jacking in a few of my BXs.

Post by **docchevron** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 12:36 am

that exact same thing happened to my valver! And I used the exact same repair method!
Shame boots aint so easy to come by...

toddao · Post by **toddao** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 6:21 pm

The rear cylinder boots are still available from Citroen here in Sausage land, or were end of last year. €15 or something, I bought a couple. Can look it up if anyone's interested?

Brian · Post by **Brian** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 5:14 pm

Mulley Wrote:
Was that at the same mot station?

Was the same MOT station, but a different tester

Update:
Phoned GSF. not available - Doh.

So phoned local Citroen Dealer, he asked for my phone number in case of any problems.

So, in the light of this, had a go at repairing the hole and a split in the return line stub using a combination of silicon sealant, bicycle puncture repair patch and super glue.

Holding fine at the moment!!!

Phoned the dealer. boot was in.....£9.53 inc VAT....Made in France.
Part Number 95577323

Mike E (uk) · Post by **Mike E (uk)** » Fri Mar 30, 2012 8:34 pm

super glue (the quality loctite stuff) works very well on rubber.

if you clean it up with IPA first (the solvant, not the beer,) you can probably make a permanent repair.