REAR TRAILING ARM BEARINGS

Few budget cars combine space, ride comfort and economy as well as Citroën’s C5. Produced from 2000, it was facelifted heavily in 2004, prior to ceasing production in 2008, but the original model circulates in surprisingly high numbers. While the high-pressure hydraulics are slightly different to those of past models, which integrates electronics deeply and divorces the suspension from the braking system, it retains the same trailing-arm rear set-up as the BX and Xantia. This means that the C5 inherits the same problem of the arm’s pivot taper bearings seizing and collapsing. The post-2008 C5 (X7) and C6 models have a different rear suspension arrangement, based upon that of the Peugeot 508, and do not suffer from the same foibles.

Identifying the problem

While the C5 Haynes manual declares repair as a main dealer/specialist task, repair kits are now both available and inexpensive. The same part also fits both saloon and estates. As with past models, a taper bearing sits at either end of the hollow cast iron rear trailing arms to support the weight of the car. They were greased during production and protected by press-fit end seals. Ultimately, moisture enters and the resultant corrosion seizes the bearings.

While uneven tyre wear can result, due to the changes in suspension geometry, as the arm yields under cornering and braking forces, squeaking, creaking, or cracking sounds are more obvious signs that all is not well. In advanced cases of decay, the bearings