ZX and 306 Rear Axles Interchangeable?

[Laurence7]

The trailing arms on my old ZX Turbo-D tow car are shot (see my post elsewhere about towing my race car "306 2.0HDI Estate as Tow Car "), so I'm wondering about repairing the car or possibly replacing it.

I'm told by Frenchspares (French Car breaker in the Midlands), that the Peugeot 306, Citroen ZX and Citroen Xzara rear axle beams are all interchangeable. Now I don't doubt this fella's word, but I know there will be differences in the braking systems used (for example some have ABS, some don't) and, checking on the Euro-Car-Parts website, I find that there's a huge range of different rear shock absorbers fitted across the model range.

I've checked a local breaker for a suitable beam and they have one from a '99 model Pug 306 2.0HDI Estate.

Can anyone advise me if an axle beam from a 306 2.0HDI Estate is going to fit my old ZX 1.9TD Volcane? If so, is it a good idea?

Thanks

Laurence

[Laurence7]

Hi All

Thanks for the feedback.

I've got an axle from a 306 2.0HDI Estate on the way - being fitted Wednesday.

Out of interest, I'll measure the diameter of the torsion bars to see if they're any bigger (stiffer) than the original ZX Volcane items.

I'll also have a look at the dampers on the 306 Estate - they're supposed to have some kind of load-sensitive feature - not sure how that works

I'll report findings later this week!

Cheers

Laurence

[Laurence7]

Mmmm... that's interesting about the toe-in on Pugs and Xsaras versus the ZX

I've always been a fan of the handling of the ZX - I've had two Volcane 1.9 Turbo-Diesels in a row, and kept each of them many years (my son thinks I'm a sad old git!).

I measured the diameter of the torsion shafts on the donor 306 Estate axle beam - they're 20mm diameter. I haven't had a chance to measure the old Volcane items. Out of interest - does anyone know if the shaft diameters vary from model to model?

Laurence

Edited by Laurence7 on Thursday 3rd July 20:56

[Laurence7]

Am I missing something? I didn't know that the ZX/306 range had rear anti-roll bars - certainly neither my original Volcane axle nor the donor 306 Estate axle have rear anti-roll bars.

I've just now picked up my Volcane from the garage, complete with newly-fitted 306 Estate rear axle. As a result, the rear's now a bit higher than it should be - great for towing - perhaps not so good for hooning (but hey, that's what the race car's for )

Laurence

[Laurence7]

Ah so - very clever!