https://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/AVwfw/~3/lMjPupEPvXU/for-those-moments-when-usual-tools-dont.html
For those that know this one then I apologise for teaching you to ‘suck eggs’ as the saying goes, but for those new to working on their cars then this quick technique is for those moments when no other tool in the toolbox will fit. Removing one of the three allen-key headed bolts on a Citroen XM 2.1 TD is just one of those moments. My car has the four-speed auto transmission and it’s a bulky unit with pipes and bits covering the front and top potion of the ‘box. Add to that the hydraulic pipework from the hydro-pneumatic suspension system and there really isn’t much room to access the three large bolts holding on the starter motor – and you’ll need to remove this motor to access the hole for the crankshaft setting tool when the timing belt is changed. On other Peugeot/Citroen models that use the 1.9 or the 2.1 XU diesel, there is a bit of space to slide the cranked setting rod behind the starter motor to lock the flywheel/crank, however on the XM there is just too many components blocking the area.
You can use the old spanner/wrench method on another spanner of the bolt head is a conventional hex head but is particularly useful when using allen keys. Due to proximity of transmission heat shield and pipework to the starter motor, there isn’t room to get a ratchet driver and hex bit over the bolt unless you’ve got a very slim, universal joint adaptor. My one was too bulky to get a straight line pull and if the tool bit is angled you run risk of rounding off the bit or the bolt which adds to the problem.
Use an old ring spanner for the extra leverage as it’s not entirely a correct method but sometimes it’s the only way to access hard to reach bolts and nuts.
Post time: Jul-15-2017