Changing Accumulator Sphere, Changing accumulator

I have only ever changed the accumulator sphere on a basic model BX

I think its time to change the accumulator on sphere on my XM 2.5 TD

Could someone tell me if the procedure is the same on the XM or are their any extra checks / precautions etc, I should follow.

Davies,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the jobs a b*****d. The only successful way that I have found to do it is by taking the radiators out. Then, by using a Pleiades removal tool with the handle poking through the spokes of the fan, you can just get enough purchase to turn the sphere.

If the sphere has been off recently then it may come off again just with a normal chain or oil filter wrench. If it hasn't, then you're unlikely to be able to generate the necessary torque without the use of the proper tool.

Having said that, you are right to want to check/replace the sphere. It's about the most important one on the car.

Cheers

noz

ps
why not register with club-xm? that way when someone replies to your post you'll be notified by e-mail automatically. If you've already registered maybe you're not accepting cookies for automatic login.

Thanks for the advice Noz.
Maybe I'll leave this one to my local citroen specialist.

I had to take the regulator off mine and put it in the vice!

Peter.N.

Hi Noz

I was looking back through the various items as I have a full set (eight is the number supplied to me) of spheres to change on one of the 2.5 TD.
I came across you comments leading me to believe that changing the accumalator sphere on a 2.5 will test my patience and provide excellent training so that by the time I get round to the third of the 2.5's I may be able do the job reasonably quickly.
You mentioned a Pleiades removal troll, what does this look like and how much do they cost.

regards

XMexec

Hi Noz and all

A further thought, looking back through, would I be better off buying a second hand 2.5 Regulator and fitting the new sphere then swapping the regulators over.
I could then repeat the process through the other vehicles when necessary. Are regulators from all XM's the same?

regards

XMexec

Hi XMexec,

The accumulator replacement job would try the patience of a saint. Having said that, I've always found it beneficial to the removal process to vent a few expletives in the general direction and eventually it lets go.

If I remember tomorrow I'll post a picture of the Pleaides sphere removal tool. Its too dark to take pictures tonight.

I never thought of removing the whole regulator. I'd need to check to see if all the bolts are accessible. Undoubtedly, if the regulator was removable then it would be much easier to split from the sphere on the bench rather than on the car. Radiators out is the only way to do it on the car. The sphere removal tool has a long handle and it needs room to swing.

Having said all of that, if the sphere has been off in the last 2-3 years then it might just be possible to get it started with some blows from a hammer. But then you're relying on the person who installed it only to put it on hand tight like you're supposed to.

Cheers

noz

Just had a look as mine likes to tick.

Who at Citroen had the bright idea to put it there??!!

Just plain daft

Mark,

You haven't tried to get the anti-sink out then?????

I can see a topic starting soon for the top 10 stupid design items...

Cheers

noz

Ho HO hO iVE just changed my accumulator sphrer or sphere ok it was a piece of easy just used my patented hal---- oilfilter remover with a big adjustable on the screw and a trolley jack handle in the hole of the adjustable handle not forgetting to protect the radiator first and grunt it came undone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The old sphere was completley full of fluid does that mean it was kaput? Best regards Bob

Congrats Bob,

Yep, if the sphere has any fluid in at all it is definitely knackered.

A smear of grease on the mating faces between the sphere and the regulator wouldn't go amiss if you need to take it off again. The film of rust builds up at this location and thats what makes it so hard to get off. The threads usually remain pristine because of course they're on the fluid side of the rubber seal.

Cheers

noz

Been pondering over this one for a while now

Work, lack of time etc has prevented me from designing any further, so I thought Ill yet you lot develop my idea a bit further/ actually make.

Bear with me.

The Pleaides tool looks very good but has the handle at right angles to the sphere. Idea for the main four but not the Acc.

Now, imagine a steel band that is fitted around the sphere like a big jubilee clip. Bolted to this at two oposite points are "legs" made from say 20mm by 5mm flat bar. The legs would need to be able to be pivoted on the bolts. and need to be about 18" long.

With me so far?

Crank the legs so that they go over the sphere and meet together at the top 8".



Now for "normal spheres" just grab this joined end, pivot the handle so its at 90deg to the sphere and pull

For Acc spheres, fit a tommy bar over the join to form a big "T". and twist

Sounds ok?

I know your thinking it will slip on the sphere.

Bicycle inner tube slid over the clip part to aid grip.

Jubilee clip too weak, well Ive found in the shed (dont know where from) a band with a threaded bar based on a jubilee principle. AC duct clip I think so should be less than a fiver.

If anyone makes one can i borrow it for my Acc sphere? ;-)


Come on tell me it wont work

Mark

The other way is to use a long-ish cold chisel (mine is 10") and your favourite FBH. Place chisel against the welded seam on the sphere and bang hard with the FBH (in the unscrew direction of course). Usually works, especially if you run a small hacksaw blade around the joint first - or as much of it as you can reach.
Slainte!
Wendham

Hi Wendham

Yep works fine on all the easy access spheres. However on the 2.5 the Acc sphere is hidden somewhat

You can just about see the top of it when looking down into the engine bay.

There is no room to get any access at 90 deg for fbh or tool handles.

I was just thinking if I was to make a tool for this, then it could be adapted for all spheres.

The alternative on the 2.5 acc sphere is to remove the Rads :-(.

Cheers

Mark

What about looking up from underneath? is it more visible from that angle? I have to admit I don't know the 2.5 layout very well.
Slainte!
Wendham