Anti sink sphere removal

Post by **c.morewood** » 04 Mar 2011, 13:23

I tried to remove the rear anti sink sphere.. it only turned a couple of times and then stopped.. started bending the bracket as well as the removal tool, so I gave up.

Does the sphere screw onto the bracket only? Can I unbolt the bracket and remove the sphere that way? If I can't what do I do? Any suggestions gratefully received.
Thanks

Post by **RichardW** » 04 Mar 2011, 15:01

AFAIK it only screws into the bracket, and I suspect what has happened to yours is that the threads are poking out the back and risty / full of crap, and once you got to that point it has gone tight. Best bet if can is get some plus gas on it, then screw it back in, more plus gas, screw it back etc. Repeat till it comes free. If you can get to the bolts I can't see why you can't unscrew the bracket, but my guess is that the best holder of the bracket is the car!

kenhall1202 · Post by **kenhall1202** » 04 Mar 2011, 16:13

The anti-sink sphere is attached to the sub frame bracket using a large (non captive) nut. Disconnect the hydraulic pipe first to stop it getting damaged by twisting. The sphere and nut can then be screwed apart - I had to use a stilson wrench to hold the nut still whilst unscrewing the sphere on my XM. Also it was necessary to drop the subframe a little to give working clearance. If you think you might do the job again in the future use plenty of grease on reassembly to keep the rust at bay.

Post by **CitroJim** » 04 Mar 2011, 19:40

On the Xantia, the bracket has the thread cut directly into it, there is no nut as such, captive or otherwise.

Generally, as the thread in the bracket is the same length as the sphere thread, once it's moving it's usually Ok. Getting it initially moving can be the difficult job sometimes but once it is, it might squeak and groan a bit but does not fight too badly.

I suspect too as ken says, the 4.5mm hydraulic pipe is still very firmly attached but they usually twist and ruin if you fight it with a big sphere tool.

I normally use a 9mm flare nut spanner to loosen the hydraulic union and then use a 9mm OE spanner to hold the union whilst unscrewing the sphere with a sphere tool initially and then by hand. Access is not exactly wonderful...

If you have wrecked the 4.5mm pipe, it's easily replaced with a kunifer subsittute as it is not long and easily accessible. Pleiades can make you a new one.

On replacement, use an old rubber sphere seal between the sphere body and the bracket and liberally coat the sphere threads in copper grease.

Start the hydraulic union into the sphere before screwing the sphere back onto the bracket and allow it to spin as you are screwing the sphere up. Finally, nip up the hydraulic union with a 9mm OE spanner.

Post by **c.morewood** » 06 Mar 2011, 19:17

Thanks Guys, She's going into the local garage at the end of the month. 'll pass on your suggestions.
Cheers