Changing spheres- how do I get the old ones off?

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 17 Aug 2005, 21:55

1 depressurised system
Vehicle is on minimum height. Engine is not started, system is depressurised.
I can't get the bloomin sphere off! Had a go by hand. There was no way it was coming off like that. Next I tried attaching my oil filter removal tool! It's one of those metal ones that have a metal band and you turn the nut at the top to tighten it. Well all that happened was that I took some paint off the sphere whilst the band slid and some of the metal on the guide of the tool sort of fractured! How do I get these things off..[xx(]
EDIT, I've also tried doing as suggested on here and repressurised the system , put the vehicle on max height, switched it off and tried again but to no avail.

406 V6 · Post by **406 V6** » 17 Aug 2005, 22:04

Hammer and chisel. should work right [;)]. If not, spend a few quid and buy a sphere removal tool.
And finally, there's the search facilty of this forum, you'll find plenty of hints on this subject[:)]

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 17 Aug 2005, 22:05

I did try to use the search facility I promise.

dnsey · Post by **dnsey** » 17 Aug 2005, 22:15

If your filter tool's a decent one it should work.
Tighten it very firmly with a spanner, and fit a length of tubing to give it more leverage.
Spheres can be <i>very</i> tight - you might need to lie down and push the tubing with your feet, but be very careful that the car's adequately supported[:0]

Homer · Post by **Homer** » 17 Aug 2005, 22:20

Front or back?
The fronts don't need the system to be pressurised, the backs need it to keep them in place while you "crack" the joint. It needs depressurising before you unscrew them all the way.

aengus · Post by **aengus** » 17 Aug 2005, 22:21

or give the filter tool a sharp tap with a 4-pound hammer in the right direction - to shock the sphere loose (assuming you've got enough room to take a small swing at it). Don't undo them till you've depressurised, max 1/4 turn, or it can hurt!
Be sure you've got the body supported on stands so it won't suddenly drop on you.

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 17 Aug 2005, 22:43

It's the fronts I'm doing at the moment. The darn sphere has damaged the filter tool! I'm scared to apply too much pressure as I can see the unit the sphere is attached to moving very slightly when I'm pulling as hard as I can!
Darn GSF Trafford. The unhelpful guy in there told me that he had never heard of a sphere removal tool and when I told him they advertised it on the website he checked again and said he couldn't get it!! One of the blokes in there is absolutely excellent, the rest seem to lack product knowledge.[}:)]

JohnD · Post by **JohnD** » 17 Aug 2005, 23:03

Pleiades in Cambridge will send you one - the same one that GSF do. With the right tool, the spheres will come off easily.

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 17 Aug 2005, 23:26

Well I went on the GSF website and ordered one from there. Let's see if it really is out of stock!![?]

Post by **Peter.N.** » 17 Aug 2005, 23:54

If all else fails, a sharp chisel into the welded seam as flat to the sphere as it will go without slipping, and a good thump with a heavy hammer. Once its cracked it should be fairly easy to undo. When replacing them only do up hand tight.

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 18 Aug 2005, 00:00

Geez, This all seems too much like hard work to me!! Having said that the first time I serviced my MkI Xantia it took me all day cos I was struggling with the oil filter. Thanks for your words of encourgement and tips guys.

406 V6 · Post by **406 V6** » 18 Aug 2005, 01:09

MAtt, i didn't mean to be offensive, it's just that so many removal tools have been mentioned over the time, that a quick search could get you in the right way[:)]
Try this one with the filter removal thingy: place a piece of rubber (for instnace a bike tyre inner rubber - forgot the name of it) between the sphere and the filter tool.
Also, it sometimes help to first screw the sphere before unscrewing it, helps cracking up any oxidation that may have formed.
Keep on with the news about this!

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 18 Aug 2005, 01:44

thanks 406v6 I didn't take it as offensive. I know there's a wealth of info in previous posts but sometimes it's hard to get the search function to find what you are looking for. I know I'm posting for a lot of help at the moment but my last Xantia died at a very unfortunate time. I've had to buy a new motor and am now very skint so I can't afford to have mechanics fixing the many niggles with the new Xant. I'm trying to learn to maintain the vehicle properly myself to save money and because it's something I enjoy. However, fear not I will contribute my new knowledge and skills (when I have learned them properly) to the forum and try to help others. After all that's what it's all about isn't it?
I will certainly keep everyone updated on this and my other Xantia niggles! Cheers, Matt.

G4EIY · Post by **G4EIY** » 18 Aug 2005, 03:21

Hi,
Have a look at "Handy Hints and Tips" page 3.
Home made ones, work a treat.
Cheers

mattpc · Post by **mattpc** » 18 Aug 2005, 03:24

Those look like absolutely brilliant devices!! I'm impressed.