CITROËN DS (1955-75)
DOES THE SUSPENSION SINK?
Leaks are the biggest enemy of the famous hydraulic self-levelling suspension, usually in the pipework, and you know you’ve got one if a car sinks on its suspension when you switch off the engine. They’re more likely in cars that have stood unused for a long time. In good condition, the suspension gives a soft, wellcontrolled ride; harshness suggests that the suspension spheres need to be recharged with nitrogen. It’s this gas, kept under pressure by the hydraulic system, which acts as the springing medium. Recharging spheres is a job for a specialist, but is not particularly expensive.
INSPECT THE CAR’S ENGINE
The engines are all four-cylinder types with simple OHV architecture. They last very well, even though lacklustre performance persuades some owners to thrash them. Replacing the timing chain means taking the engine out, because it’s at the back of the block, so ask whether it’s been done. If you do need to remove the engine, take the opportunity to do another couple of jobs. One is replacing the clutch plate – an engine-out job on its own. The other is to check and overhaul the inboard front brakes, which are much easier to work on once the engine is out of the way.
CHECK THE TYRES OVER
Tyres for the DS can be expensive, so check them carefully – the spare as well. Michelins were the original fitment (Michelin owned Citroën at the time) but the correct size and type for later cars – 185x15 XVS with asymmetric tread – can be hard to find. Some owners have fitted van tyres as a quick fix. The rear track of the DS is narrower than the front to aid handling, so don’t assume the wrong tyres have been fitted. On pre-1970 cars, different tyre sizes were used front and rear: metric 165x400 front, and 155x400 rear.
WATCH OUT FOR ROT
A much bigger problem is rust, although the sills are not structural. Get underneath to check the main underfloor box sections, which rot through because of inadequate drainage, and be warned that underseal often masks problems until it’s too late. Then check the upper surfaces by lifting up the sill trim and the carpets. Checking the rear of the body structure is simple because you can remove the rear wings (held by a single bolt each) then check the metal around the rear suspension sphere mounts.