Citroën, the French automaker, has a long and storied history of innovation, especially when it comes to suspension technology. Founded in 1919, the company was one of the first to develop and use hydropneumatic suspension, a unique and revolutionary system that changed the way cars rode and handled. But what is hydropneumatic suspension, and why was it such a big deal? In this article, we'll explore the history of Citroën's suspension technology, including the use of hydropneumatic suspension and why the company eventually moved away from it. We'll also take a look at what makes Citroën suspension so special and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this fascinating aspect of automotive engineering.

Do Citroen still use hydropneumatic suspension?

The short answer is no, Citroën no longer uses hydropneumatic suspension in its vehicles. The last car to feature the technology was the Citroën C6, which was produced from 2005 to 2012. While hydropneumatic suspension was a major part of Citroën's identity for many years, the company decided to move away from it for various reasons, including cost, complexity, and the increasing demand for better fuel efficiency.

Which car has the best suspension in the world?

This is a subjective question and depends on personal preferences and what type of driving one is doing. However, many car enthusiasts and experts consider the Citroën DS to be one of the best-suspended cars of all time. The DS, which was produced from 1955 to 1975, featured hydropneumatic suspension and was renowned for its smooth, comfortable ride and excellent handling. The DS was so ahead of its time that it's still considered a benchmark for ride and handling even today, nearly 70 years after it was first introduced.

How does Citroën suspension work?

Citroën suspension is unique in that it uses hydraulic fluid, rather than steel springs or air, to provide a smooth, comfortable ride. The system is based on a hydraulic pump that pressurizes the fluid and provides a hydraulic cushion to absorb shocks and vibrations. The suspension is controlled by a series of valves and accumulators that manage the flow of fluid, adjusting the ride height and providing a cushioned ride.

The key benefit of hydropneumatic suspension is that it provides a much smoother ride than traditional steel-spring suspension, as the hydraulic fluid acts as a shock absorber, absorbing bumps and vibrations in the road. Additionally, hydropneumatic suspension allows for a much greater range of adjustment in ride height, which can be adjusted to accommodate different road conditions or driving styles.

Why did Citroën stop using hydraulic suspension?

Citroën stopped using hydropneumatic suspension for several reasons. First, the system was complex and expensive to manufacture and maintain. The hydraulic components were subject to leaks and other issues that could be difficult and expensive to repair. Additionally, the increasing demand for better fuel efficiency and the development of newer, more efficient suspension systems made hydropneumatic suspension less attractive from a cost and performance perspective. Finally, as safety regulations became more stringent, hydropneumatic suspension was no longer considered practical or safe for use in modern vehicles.

What is Citroën suspension called?

Citroën suspension is most commonly referred to as hydropneumatic suspension. This refers to the use of hydraulic fluid, rather than steel springs or air, to provide a smooth, comfortable ride. Hydropneumatic suspension was a major part of Citroen's identity for many years, and it was one of the company's most distinctive and innovative features. Despite its many benefits, hydropneumatic suspension was eventually phased out by Citroën in favor of more conventional suspension systems, as the company sought to improve fuel efficiency, reduce costs, and meet changing safety regulations.

While Citroen no longer uses hydropneumatic suspension, the company has continued to be at the forefront of suspension technology. Today, Citroën vehicles feature a range of advanced suspension systems, including conventional steel-spring suspension and air suspension. These systems are designed to provide a smooth, comfortable ride while also improving handling and fuel efficiency.

In conclusion, Citroën has a long and storied history of innovative suspension technology, and the company's use of hydropneumatic suspension was a major part of that story. While hydropneumatic suspension is no longer used by Citroën, the company's commitment to excellence in suspension technology continues to this day, and its vehicles are known for their smooth, comfortable rides and excellent handling. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a driver, or simply someone who appreciates the latest in automotive engineering, Citroën and its innovative suspension technology are well worth exploring.

What are the parts of Citroen Suspension

The parts of a typical hydropneumatic suspension system used in Citroën vehicles include:

Hydraulic pump: This component pressurizes the hydraulic fluid and provides the pressure necessary to support the vehicle and absorb shocks and vibrations.

Suspension spheres: These spherical containers hold the pressurized hydraulic fluid and are attached to the suspension arms. They act as shock absorbers, absorbing bumps and vibrations in the road.

Valves: The valves control the flow of hydraulic fluid between the suspension spheres and the accumulators, adjusting the ride height and providing a cushioned ride.

Accumulators: These components store the hydraulic fluid and help to maintain the pressure necessary to support the vehicle and provide a cushioned ride.

Suspension arms: The suspension arms connect the suspension spheres to the vehicle's frame and provide the necessary support for the vehicle.

Hydraulic lines: The hydraulic lines carry the pressurized hydraulic fluid from the pump to the suspension spheres and back again, allowing the suspension system to work.

Control unit: The control unit manages the various components of the suspension system, including the pump, valves, and accumulators, ensuring that the suspension system functions correctly and provides the desired ride quality.

This is a basic overview of the components of a hydropneumatic suspension system used in Citroën vehicles. It's worth noting that the specific components and design of the suspension system can vary depending on the vehicle model and year, and that some systems may include additional components, such as sensors and electronic controls.

What is the purpose of Citroen  Lower Suspension Control Arm 

The purpose of the lower suspension control arm in a Citroën vehicle is to provide the necessary support for the suspension system and to control the movement of the wheels. The lower suspension control arm connects the suspension sphere to the vehicle's frame and provides a pivot point for the suspension system to rotate around. This pivot point allows the suspension system to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road, providing a comfortable ride for the occupants.

The lower suspension control arm also helps to control the lateral movement of the wheels as the vehicle turns or corners. By limiting the amount of movement of the wheels, the control arm helps to maintain stability and provide a smooth, predictable ride.

In addition, the lower suspension control arm also helps to locate the wheels and keep them properly aligned with the rest of the vehicle. This helps to ensure that the wheels wear evenly and that the vehicle tracks straight, which can improve fuel efficiency and reduce the wear and tear on the suspension components.

Overall, the lower suspension control arm is a critical component of the suspension system in a Citroen vehicle, and its design and construction play a major role in determining the ride quality, handling, and stability of the vehicle.

their Citroën vehicles. These aftermarket parts can be an option for a variety of reasons, including cost savings, improved performance, or simply to replace worn or damaged components.

One of the most popular aftermarket parts for Citroën vehicles are suspension components, such as lower suspension control arms, suspension spheres, and accumulators. These parts can be used to replace worn or damaged components, or to upgrade the suspension system for improved performance and handling.

Another popular aftermarket component for Citroën vehicles is the hydraulic pump, which is an essential component of the hydropneumatic suspension system. Aftermarket pumps can be a cost-effective option for those who need to replace a faulty pump, and they can also provide improved performance for those who want to upgrade their suspension system.

In general, anyone who owns a Citroën vehicle and is looking to upgrade or repair their suspension system can benefit from aftermarket parts. This may include car enthusiasts who want to improve the handling and performance of their vehicles, as well as those who simply need to replace worn or damaged components.

It's important to note that while aftermarket parts can be a cost-effective option, they may not be as reliable or durable as original equipment parts. It's important to choose high-quality aftermarket components and to have them installed by a qualified professional to ensure that your suspension system is functioning correctly and providing the desired ride quality.