How to remove the to green bombs at the engine?

DLM · Post by **DLM** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 11:12 am

I had heard that was the way to do the rears Doc, i'm sure sooner rather than later i'll be changing some.

Sooner's probably best, so long as you're well tooled-up and follow that procedure. If a cylinder does start to turn, even with a heavily-loaded-up boot, then a large stilson tightened against the sphere end of the strut cylinder and braced against the ground did the job for me on the most corroded-in set of rear spheres I've ever changed.

Post by **docchevron** » Wed Sep 16, 2009 12:36 pm

If they're THAT tight, then shocking them loose with a man sized hammer and a really sharp, weighty cold chisel is usually the way to go, get's rid of all that built up anger at how crap french cars are at the same time!

Erikbm · Post by **Erikbm** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 12:00 am

The cold chisel and hammer has worked for me before and was recommended to me by an aussie citroen mechanic. Make sure it is sharp and place it on the middle of the sphere.

A robust strap wrench also works and I suspect you could make a temporary one by using an old seatbelt, making a loop by tying a knot so it is a bit bigger than the sphere, then putting a small jemmy bar or cold chisel or jack handle into the gap and turning it until it is tight and then levering in the direction you want it to go - or you could just go and buy a chain wrench...

Erik

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Sun Sep 20, 2009 2:54 am

Erikbm wrote: - or you could just go and buy a chain wrench...

Erik

After breaking 2 chain wrenches, I bought the robust strap wrench which works a treat.

Hammer and chisel is best for the accumulator sphere within it's restricted space though!

Dollywobbler · Post by **Dollywobbler** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:22 pm

Cor, this is a handy thread. I've got to change the accumulator on my TGD, but I'm not quite sure about the 'hammer and chisel' method. Where exactly do you need to strike it?

Would it work if I fastened a hose clip around it tightly to give me something to hit? I've done that for stubborn oil filters before now...

Way2go · Post by **Way2go** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:39 pm

Access from underneath. Cold chisel at an angle to the centre weld and a sharp tap or two will start it to move. Then you can unscrew it by hand.

Dollywobbler · Post by **Dollywobbler** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 8:47 pm

Thanks. I'll have a go once I've actually got the sphere.