Sphere Removal, Found a tool for the job

[Assich]

I couldn't find a posting with this topic which surprised me and forgive me if I just didn't find it. Either that or everyone except me knows how to get the really tight sphers off.

I am on my third XM and have replaced the spheres on all three now. I have been through ripped belt filter removal tools, sheared chain filter removal tools and finally used motorcycle chain with a dismantled universal joint to turn the chain and large socket wrench. For very stubborn spheres even the motorcycle chain shears through. I think it's to do with the force being applied through it to both grip and turn inefficiently the sphere. This "create" tool is however ideal for the pressure regulator sphere because of the lack of room around it for anything else.

Anyway I had shear (excuse the pun) bliss today when I bought a Laser Chain Clamp and used it. The chain isn't as large as a motorcycle one but is much more substantial than a filter removal tool. It is essentially a chain attached to a molegrip wrench. I attached the tool to the front centre sphere that had destroyed a motorcycle chain the day before and thumped the wrench with a heavey hammer next to where the chain was attached and the sphere spun loose with ease. This tooll will fit all spheres except the regulator one. I did have to loosen the bracket the front centre sphere is attached to a little bit in order to get the chain between the sphere and the steering ram. The chain didn't seem to need to be especially tight around the sphere, as I say it spun loose first time. The tool does say "Ideal for use in removing all Citroen suspension spheres" on the container and for once it doesn't seem to be an exaggeration.

I understand that the rear wheel spheres should be slackened before letting the pressure off in the system but I have removed them with the pressure off and the hydraulic unit "loose" by turning the pipe union that enters them underneath so a flat is parrallel to the subframe and inserting a suitable steel spacer between the flat and the subframe to have something to turn against.

Does anyone else have hints or tips they can add.

[techmanagain]

I had a panic call from a Series 2 Turbo 2.1 TD the other day because he could not get a tool in between the radiator and the engine to be able to remove the main accumulator sphere. I was lucky - it was a well-maintained car and with the use of a couple of long extensions from the socket set and a lump hammer applying two sharp blows to the sphere at 2 o'clock from the top, the sphere was literally finger tight. I made sure that the replacement went back no more than I could hand-turn it so that the next time will be as easy.
A long time ago, I decided that I had to invest in a Pleiades sphere tool and I reckon that it cost me about 5 pence a sphere to do other awkward jobs, and never regretted it.
Another tip I use is the application of a soft metal drift and a heavy hammer, not only to the side of a sphere but also on the aluminium cylinder at the point where the sphere screws into the end.
With the latter method, I can remove a rear sphere in a CX in the same way, even if it is rather tighter than usual
I even made up a 1 inch mild steel rod with a copper end threaded into it as it was not easy to get a long piece of copper rod at the time.