It was used for lots of European family holidays, but for the last 12 years it had stood unused on the owner’s driveway.
When the car arrived, it was low on suspension, covered in green algae and wouldn’t run. It was very difficult to estimate the cost of getting it going again, but our client was realistic and understood that not many people would take on the job.
Worryingly, being an Activa, parts are now very rare for these models, which added to our concerns.
We chatted between ourselves and agreed that the first priority was to get the car running and rebuild the wiring loom in the areas where it had been damaged.
After many hours spent working out what was wrong, the car eventually started and tried to rise.
Sadly, there were many LHM leaks, with metal pipes bursting and rubber return hoses split and leaking. We worked through the burst pipes and return lines, some of which were extremely difficult to fit due to the lack of access.
For now, we didn’t want to replace all of the lines, as this would be costly and you simply don’t know what other potential problems you may uncover.
With the car now running, it was time to replace the timing belt. With no history of a previous timing belt replacement, it was vital to replace it to prevent potential damage to the valves.
Along with the timing belt, the water pump and coolant were changed, and new auxiliary belts were fitted. Before doing so, all the rusty bolts were sprayed with releasing agent and, luckily, they all came out. We could then replace the belts and refit all the original bolts with a little grease.
While the timing belt was being changed, the car also had an oil and filter change, along with new spark plugs, air filter and fuel filter.
The front wheel arch liners had to be removed to gain access for the timing belt work on the right-hand side and the hydraulic pipework on the left. The plastic arch liners had their original bolts and captive fixings cut out, and new original-style M6 passivated bolts and captives were installed, with plenty of grease applied.
Because of the length of time the car had been standing, the fuel pump inside the tank had failed. Finding a replacement wasn’t easy. Rob searched while in France and, thankfully, located one sitting on a shelf in a breakers.
With the car now running and just about leak-free, it was time to take it down the road to see how it drove.
This was the car’s first proper outing in around ten years. Thankfully, it drove well, with no nasty surprises such as a noisy gearbox or worn wheel bearings.
The next level of work could now begin.
It was time to install a good battery and fit five new tyres, as the originals were badly perished. The right front brake caliper was leaking, all of the discs were heavily rusted, and the back plates on the rear suspension arms were also in need of replacement.
New flexible hoses and steel brake pipes were installed, and the centre section of the exhaust was found to be holed, so a new one was fitted.
The client has now paid up to date and was warned that the car could develop further hydraulic leaks, as replacing all of the pipework is a significant task.
The structure of the car is actually very good, with just two small rust holes on the back of the sills. These will be focused on next, with the aim of getting the car MOT’d very soon!
If you need help with your Citroen or Peugeot please give us a call or contact us here: Contact Chevronics