Front suspension (Fluid reservoir): Description and operation

Lateral acceleration of the body is sensed by two accelerometers and signals are transmitted to the ECU. The engine driven hydraulic pump supplies a constant hydraulic flow to the valve block. Two directional control valves are solenoid operated by the ECU and these supply fluid to the applicable side of each actuator to apply an equal and opposite force to the torsion bar. In operation the ACE system maintains the attitude of the vehicle body when cornering.

The ACE system uses a semi-synthetic hydraulic fluid which is the same as the fluid used for the PAS system. The total capacity of the ACE system is 1.62 litres (0.42 US Gallons).

CAUTION: The ACE hydraulic system is extremely sensitive to the ingress of dirt or debris. The smallest amount could render the system unserviceable. It is imperative that the following precautions are taken. l ACE components are thoroughly cleaned externally before work commences; l all opened pipe and module ports are capped immediately; l all fluid is stored in and administered through clean containers.

In the event of an ECU or hydraulic failure the system will fail safe to a 'locked bars' condition. The 'locked bars' condition will allow the torsion bars to operate in a similar manner as conventional 'passive' anti-roll bars. Prolonged cornering forces will allow a progressive increase in roll angle due to hydraulic leakage through the actuators and valve block. Failures will be relayed to the driver by the illumination of the ACE warning lamp in the instrument pack. Faults are recorded by the ECU and can be retrieved using TestBook.

When the ignition switch is moved to position II, the warning lamp will illuminate for two seconds to check functionality. The warning lamp functionality can also be checked using TestBook.

TestBook must also be used to perform a bleeding procedure after maintenance operations have been performed to ensure that complete system bleeding is performed. Trapped air in the system can seriously reduce the system performance.

Fluid reservoir

The moulded plastic fluid reservoir is mounted on the left hand side of the engine compartment on a bracket which is attached to the inner wing. The reservoir is dual purpose, being divided into two separate chambers; one for the ACE system and one for the PAS system. Each chamber has its own filler neck and cap and is identified by moulded lettering on the reservoir adjacent to each filler.

A non-serviceable filter assembly is fitted in the base of each chamber. The filter is made from fine stainless steel mesh which is moulded into the body of the reservoir. The filter removes particulate matter from the fluid before it is drawn into the hydraulic pump.

Upper and lower fluid level marks are moulded onto the reservoir body. The capacity of the ACE reservoir chamber to the upper level mark is 0.5 litre (0.13 US Gallon).