Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxk.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!cbdkc1!desoto!packard!edsel!bentley!hudson!ihnp1!ihnp4!ihuxk!rs55611 From: rs55611@ihuxk.UUCP (Robert E. Schleicher) Newsgroups: net.consumers Subject: Re: Re: cars in Europe Message-ID: <817@ihuxk.UUCP> Date: Mon, 3-Dec-84 18:40:51 EST Article-I.D.: ihuxk.817 Posted: Mon Dec 3 18:40:51 1984 Date-Received: Tue, 4-Dec-84 19:45:55 EST References: <910@druxj.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL Lines: 32 I'm not sure that Citroens don't have any suspension with the engine off, as this would imply to me that Citroens would sit on their tires when turned off. I think what is perhaps more likely is that the suspension is "frozen" at its most recent effective spring rate. This by itself would not be a problem for a drop test. What may be the real problem is that the Citroen suspension should not have all four (or even perhaps two) wheels off the ground for more than a second or so, as then the hydraulic suspension would basically "blow itself out". This is just supposition on my part, but is based on the behavior of the air suspension on my '71 Mercedes 300SEL 3.5. This design uses a compressed air system for the springs, with normal shock absorbers. As in Citroens, the suspension is self-leveling, with one sensor at the back, and one at each front wheel. (similar to new Lincoln system). There is a three position switch under the dash. Position 1 is for normal driving, position 2 "locks" the suspension, such that existing spring force is maintained, and position 3 provides a "rough road" setting that raises the car 2 inches. The owner's manual states that the car should never be put on a lift, with all four wheels off the ground, without first selecting position 2. Furthermore, position 2 can not be used for driving. Either mis-use will damage the suspension. Perhaps the federal laws did not allow the drop test to be done with switches set for anything other than the normal driving state. (One side effect of the air suspension is that after a sudden temperature drop (of 30 degrees or more), the car is sitting on its tires, looking like a low-rider. It then takes a minute or two with the engine going to pump itself up. Also, the compressed air tank has to be bled of condensed moisture, using a whip cream can type of nozzle under the front bumper, every couple of weeks or so.) Bob Schleicher ihuxk!rs55611