[Steering & Suspension] Things that go "Boing" in the night...

[ian432]

UTouring Europe in the stealth camper is proving fun.
Last night, nearby Stuttgart, I heard a strange noise and assumed that I had run over something. Car continued as normal, reaching our destination in Switzerland a couple of hours later.
This morning it is sitting very low at the back.
I'll take dog for a walk before investigating further.
Meanwhile , any ideas, things to consider ?

[ian432]

Looks like one of the rear shocks is no longer shocking, so I'll be trawling the motor factors in the morning.....

[DaveH]

Shock wont be the cause of it sitting low, methinks you have broken a spring or torsion bar (depending on the model)

[ian432]

Shock wont be the cause of it sitting low, methinks you have broken a spring or torsion bar (depending on the model)

Hmmmmm, oh dear, that'll be torsion bar then, uncharted territory now hindered by me jumping to conclusions. Only low on the one side. Luckily our hosts are very hospitable and kind, for the time being. Roadside repairs are frowned upon but this W reg full sun roof model is viewed as a classic by passers by..

[ian432]

After a proper look it is now clear that the torsion bar is broken.
After a proper look at this excellent forum it is clear that this isn't a roadside repair on a Swiss residential area.

Having driven a couple of hundred miles, without noticing anything untoward, on perfectly smooth roads mind, im wondering how far I can nurse it, for treatment by a Citroenologist...

[brodfather11]

Rather than try and change the broken torsion bar ( which it looks like ) you be better changing the whole sub frame assy. If you can get it back home safely you can get a reconditioned one for about £300 ish.   Easier than changing one torsion bar at the side of the road only for the other one to go later.  
Will it be worth it ?

[geoff]

How much more time are you planning to stay abroad ?
Do you have Euro Recovery ( AA RAC or some such ).

I'd imagine a Swiss repair would be a lot more expensive than a UK repair ....

.....is a bodge applicable to you ( yes I know I'm gonna get shot / called all sorts / abused for saying it ) .... depending on your access to facilities at the hosts you could jack the rear up, remove each damper and fit solid suspension by using a piece of scaffolding pipe cut to damper length and a hole drilled to take the damper mounting fixings. Use the non saggy side as a length guide.
Motorcycles had solid rear " suspension " for many years without issue.

Driving home carefully would be advisable as would avoidance of an accident as an insurance inspection would prove problematic ....

[Tomcat3]

Like your style Geoff.

[geoff]

Like your style Geoff.

 You need to be creative sometimes ..... beats being stuck and " bush " repairs always carry some extra kudos - just imagine recounting the story in the pub when you get back home ////

  

[Tomcat3]

Brings back memories of strapping axles on artics because suspension failed and miles from base.