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Tips
Tips

Replacing the Brake Accumaltor Sphere

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bulla

Freshman Member
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Greetings, all, I have a 1989 XJS. I need to replace the Brake Accumaltor Sphere. Has anyone done this before and is this easy to do? I already have the part, any tips?
 
Bulla,
The XJS uses the same accumulator as the later XJ40 so I assume the system is about the same. With the engine OFF, you need to pump the brake pedal until it gets VERY hard. If it is more than 15 pumps than your accumulator is not your problem. If it is less than 15 than you have now released the pressure to the system and you can safety remove the accumulator. Often it is a bit tough to get off and you may need to use an oil filter wrench. Once off, it is a simple matter of putting the new one on. There is no system to bleed or need to bleed it. MAKE SURE you replace the o-ring washer on the threads with a new one.

Webserve
 
Thanks for the tip, I appreciate it very much. Question, do the brakes need to be bled after the installation of the new part? Sorry, I just saw the answer to my question.
 
I suggest that you do. With the ignition on, you will hear the motor for the brake pressure accumulator run about 7 - 10 seconds before shutting off. Bleed the brake at each corner with the ignition on one by one. Have an assistant step on the pedal and then open the bleed screw. The pump will come on and continue to pump until you close the bleed screw. Get a fresh quart of fluid to use. Bleed each corner until the fluid comes out clear. In addition to removing any trapped air, you will bleed out trapped moisture which this fluid loves to absorb making it cloudy, especially from the inboard rear calipers.

I had to rebuild my rear calipers on a 90 XJS because trapped moisture caused rust pitting on the caliper pistons. It was not fun! You might consider purging the fluid every two years or so.

Good Luck
 
Well, I did it, quick fix, and it made all the difference in the world. Now, I don't hear the clicking of the pump.
 
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