Help! Sphere union

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Toby_HDi
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Help! Sphere union

Post by Toby_HDi »

Been out changing spheres today.

I've got all the rears and the accumulator done. I looked at the Activa accumulator and on Jim's advice removed the bracket from the car and tried to part the sphere from it. Unfortunately this has me beat as I don't have a strong enough vice to do it.

I decided to refit it and now I've run into a problem, I cannot for the life of me get the pipe back into the sphere in such a way for the union to screw down into the sphere. I'm now at a loss as I can't use the car like it obviously.

Any ideas? It's too dark now so I've left the car up on stands and can hopefully sort it tomorrow. I did manage to change the engine mount though.
Toby


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Xaccers
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Post by Xaccers »

Not take it off before so this might be no help, but could you fit the pipe then fit the bracket back onto the car?
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Post by Toby_HDi »

I've tried that Xac, the problem is the pipe goes through a hole in the bracket. I did try to fit the pipe before attaching the bracket though. Still can't make it bite
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Post by lexi »

It`s alignment isn`t it?. Can you view it to make sure perfectly parallel and centred.......fine threads don`t help and pipe may be slewing it. Once these things are straight if you can get something on it to force it slightly as you screw.
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Post by Toby_HDi »

It does seem to be yes. I think the pipe actually bends juts before it enters the sphere too which makes things worse. I've tried moving every which way to align it but it just will not bite.

The only other thing is the seal, I pop this on the pipe as far as it goes and then after attempting to push the pipe into the sphere it appears to ride up over the flare. Could this be the problem?
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Post by Xaccers »

If the seal is able to get over the flare, it means your nut isn't down the pipe far enough.
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Post by lexi »

Maybe. You would probably be surprised just how much that bend in the pipe is throwing you off from alignment. It`s a case of slackening something off or gettin some play in pipe or valve body to straighten it all up and get you started.....get the swear box out :lol:
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Post by Toby_HDi »

Xac you may be on to something there.

lexi, the swear box is already very much full! Access isn't great to be honest so it's a little difficult.

It's too dark now anyway. I'll try again tomorrow, once done I can look at doing the ECU
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Post by CitroJim »

Lexi and Xac have got the answer precisely Toby. Always when removing the pipes you'll bend them slightly however careful you are and this'll cause the union nut to bind on the pipe...

The union nut must be free and easy all the way down to the flare and if not, it'll never go home.

Just gently manipulate the pipe until the union is free and slides up and down the pipe under it's own weight.

Make sure there is no remains of the old seal left in the sphere and apply the new seal to the pipe and push it until it abuts the flare. Lubricate with LHM, screw home by hand, manipulating the pipe as necessary so that the union nut screws in easily by hand until it nips. Then nip just a tad more with a flare nut spanner. Don't over-tighten it. A nip is perfect...
Jim

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Post by Toby_HDi »

Thanks fellas. I'll take a look tomorrow

Do need to work out a way of removing the sphere as when the union was removed it sprayed LHM everywhere.

That's three douche vertes I've had today!
Toby


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Post by CitroJim »

Toby_HDi wrote: That's three douche vertes I've had today!
Your hair will love you for it Toby :lol:
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Post by Toby_HDi »

CitroJim wrote:Your hair will love you for it Toby :lol:
You know what, you're right!

It's now softer than a soft thing :lol:
Toby


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Post by DickieG »

Toby_HDi wrote:
CitroJim wrote:Your hair will love you for it Toby :lol:
You know what, you're right!

It's now softer than a soft thing :lol:
Don't make the mistake I once did and go to bed without washing your hair :roll: SWIMBO wasn't impressed with the state of the pillow cover :evil:
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Post by citronut »

as most have said already but if you make sure the stub of pipe protruding from the nut (the part the seal fits on) is absolutly straight and in line with the nut, as the end of the pipe has to locate at the back of the seat in the union/sphere,

also i always fit the seal into the union then gently fit the pipe in through that without snaging the seal,

this way the seal dose not get in the way of the start of the thread

regards malcolm
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Post by Toby_HDi »

Call me impatient but I just can't do it.

I cannot get the pipe properly straight, the union goes down the flare but it just will not bite.

I've stopped for now because I know if I carry on I will break the pipe in anger.

Waiting for my brother to come and have a go but I doubt very much if he'll be able to do it either.
Toby


Previous:
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1999 Peugeot 406 2.0 16v Estate
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