Rear spheres won't budge

[rob-81]

I've just spent a very annoying hour trying to undo the rear spheres on my TZD. Even with my sphere removal tool, they won't budge. I've given up now; it's going to my local specialist to have the inner wings sorted tomorrow and I'll ask him to do the spheres at the same time. I expect I was hampered by my phobia of going under a car (even properly supported) but even so, I had a real go at them and no sign of budging.

Any tips for next time? I guess the next step would a chisel and hammer. [/list]

[B-Hive]

Its very easy to get clockwise and anti-clockwise back to front when you are on your back and the spheres are perpendicular.

I stupidly broke my chain wrench trying to remove my front spheres, only to realise I was actually tightening them.

I obviously forgot to take my anti-idiot pill that day.

just a thought

[rob-81]

Ha ha! I did actually get a bit muddled while trying! I think I got it right in the end though. I'm sure when it's up on the ramps tomorrow, the mechanic will whip them off without even breaking a sweat.

[MULLEY]

I have heard that they can appear to be almost welded on with rust, quite a few club members have advised the use of a chisel & hammer, or your local citroen specialist can remove easily enough with the right tools (possibly a citroen embossed chisel & hammer ). A fair few have been defeated, so don't feel too bad, i've yet to change any rears yet, no doubt i'll be posting exactly the same issue that you've experienced

[rob-81]

I think it may have been me being a bit unsure how hard to go at it - all the fronts I've changed have been a whole different kettle of fish. I changed the LHM and fronts over the last couple of weeks so have saved myself a bit of money at least. Just annoying I can't finish the job...

Oh well, my first attempt at doing spheres went as far as looking at the rears on my old CX and promptly booking it in at the garage!

[MULLEY]

Did you leave the pressure standard whilst trying to remove the spheres? Supposedly as soon as they move a little, then you need to de-pressurise the system & then remove them, otherwise you can damage the hydraulic pipe thats attached to the sphere.

[rob-81]

It was on high with engine running, a heavy load in the boot and axle stands in place in case of any mishaps. I was watching the cylinder carefully for signs of movement but neither it, nor the sphere, moved at all. The spheres look pretty old and seem to be very very tight!

[MULLEY]

Aha, someone might correct me, but i dont think your method is quite right I could of course have it totally wrong, i which case apologies.

[maxgreenwood]

a length of scaffold pole or tent pole or whatever over the handle of the chain-wrench / whatever you're using is useful and makes it quite light work. I spent a long time trying to undo my acc sphere before trying that. Oh and penetrating oil a day before left to soak in helps

[docchevron]

Aha, someone might correct me, but i dont think your method is quite right I could of course have it totally wrong, i which case apologies.

nah, he had it right.
With said proper tool, a decent thrap with a decent sized hammer usually does the trick if they are F tight.
A good shock is often better than leverage alone with rear spheres, before now I've actually ripped the end of the cylinder off using just leverage..

Never yet failed with chisel and F big hammer though..

[rob-81]

All done now. I spoke to the mechanic last night and he said both were unusually tight. The balljoints should be being done today and then I'll be getting back - I'm looking forward to see what the ride is like.

[MULLEY]

Aha, Doc/Rob, my bad. Although you dont need to keep the engine running?

I suspect the ride will be a revelation if they were low on pressure, should be a nice soft ride compared to before.

[rob-81]

Shame I didn't realise that the engine should be off - I nearly gassed myself when laying by the n/s wheel! I'm hoping the ride will be as good as my estate; it's soooo smooth.

[jonathan_dyane]

Aha, Doc/Rob, my bad. Although you dont need to keep the engine running?

Better if you do; there will be more pressure in the suspension cylinders to stop them turn. Doesn't help the claustrophobia mind...

As Doc notes, percussion is often king when it comes to rear spheres; you are often able to 'shock' the sphere's loose. Otherwise a few good blows with a brass or similar drift to the portion of the suspension cylinder into which the sphere screws before using the sphere tool will pay off.

[MULLEY]

Another handy tip, i'll try & remember this when i have a go myself, alternatively i could just issue instructions to local garage instead