nut removal

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 23 Nov 2004, 18:23

as posted earlier, the pipe i want to release is the metal high pressure pipe on the hydraulic pump.
The pump itself has come away as the bolts have sheard off!
This is making it incredibly difficult to undo the nut.
Im also hindered by the lack of space in the engine bay, whihc means i cant get the appropriate leverage?
I did notice the same on the scrap car when i removed it, so i simply cut through the metal pipe. Then when i went to undo the nut it was very easy? is this due to the fact that I had relieved some pressure?
seems a simple explanation. If so, how can i unod the nut without damaging the pipe?

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 23 Nov 2004, 18:52

The obvious question, have you made sure that your accumulator sphere is depressurised (12 mm nut on the pressure regulator)?
If you have, the only thing I could suggest is plus gas and a little time or trying to get at it from a different angle with your spanner. Maybe a length of pipe on the spanner might help if you can get it in.

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 23 Nov 2004, 18:59

whats plus gas?
I have depressurised the system yes mate

bxbodger · Post by **bxbodger** » 23 Nov 2004, 19:26

Plus Gas is a penetrating and easing fluid, available from any sparesa shop as an aerosol- if you're skint or can't get to a shop, paraffin does a similar job.
Dont use WD40, its a lubricant and water displacer but does nothing in the penetration way, as the actress said to the bishop.........

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 23 Nov 2004, 20:14

The obvious thing would be to jack the car up on its suspension (and support it) so you could get at the pump from underneath (assuming you didn't have had aircon). It would be obvious, if the hydraulic pump was working...
Do you have access to any ramps? Is there a convenient curb you could put a wheel or two on to give you some more clearance underneath the car?

dnsey · Post by **dnsey** » 23 Nov 2004, 20:26

For the sake of saving yourself hassle, it might be worth sacrificing the pipe and replacing it with a new or S/H one afterwards.

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 23 Nov 2004, 20:44

not likely mate! It took me ages to find a scrap car with this pipe/pump on it! like gold dust round here! only thing for it is to get it off the correct way im afraid.
the only problem working under the car is the fact that the more i try to turn the nut, the more the pump turns (and therefore the pipe bends - NOT GOOD)

jonathan_dyane · Post by **jonathan_dyane** » 23 Nov 2004, 23:52

Have you tried holding the pipe/spanner static and turning the pump?

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 24 Nov 2004, 13:00

cant get enough force that way!
the pump is no twisted right round 180 degrees (which cant be good for the pipes!)
im going to jam a brick under it and whack the spanner with a hammer today, see if that works?

Post by **RichardW** » 24 Nov 2004, 14:44

If you have turned the pump through 180 degrees, the pipe must be rotating inside the collar or it would long ago have sheared off. Can you not get to the other end of the pipe on the regulator and remove the pump and pipe together so you can get proper access to get the nut undone? The pipe is unlikely to be THAT expensive, and if you can find someone near you that can make copper pipes up a replacement it will be pretty cheap (it not Plaeides do mail order, and may well have that pipe on the shelf, but if not can make it up for you if you tell them how long it is). You might slip with a spanner or hammer down there and put it through the rad, which WILL cost way more than a new pipe....!

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 24 Nov 2004, 16:48

i could "try" and remove the pipe from the accumulator butall the nuts taht hold the pipe brakets are a pain in the ass to get to!
the pipe has not twisted, its just flexed slightly.

espzetec · Post by **espzetec** » 24 Nov 2004, 22:29

right, cant do it! im going to have to cut through the metal pipe?
Citroen are the only people who can supply a new pipe and its £30 with a wait of 2 days!

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 24 Nov 2004, 22:40

Your local independant can probably make up a new pipe for you, unless its one of the coiled ones, I'd get that done rather than wait for Citroen to get their fingers out...