Reconditioning Brake Accumulator Spheres: Part 1 Disassembly | Video Tutorial

Brake accumulator spheres are a vital component of the braking system in Rolls-Royce and Bentley models from 1965 to 1981, including the Camargue, Corniche, Silver Shadow, Silver Shadow II, Bentley T1, and T2. With new brake accumulator spheres no longer available, reconditioning existing spheres is crucial to keep these vehicles safely on the road.

Before starting the reconditioning process, gather the necessary tools:

• Copper mallet
• Vice
• Protective eyewear
• Anvil
• Custom-designed tool for loosening the locking ring

Safety first! Always wear eye protection, especially when dealing with pressurized components.

1. Removing the Valve Body:

• Hold the sphere in your hand and strike the valve body with a copper mallet. This step might take a few hits, but eventually, the valve body will separate from the sphere.
• Place the sphere in a vice, taking care not to damage the sealing surface.

2. Depressurizing the Sphere:

• Remove the charging cap to access the nylon ball and valve.
• Press the valve to check for any remaining gas. If resistance is felt, depressurize the sphere.

3. Separating the Sphere Halves:

• Loosen the locking ring holding the two halves together. This may require hitting the ring on an anvil to break the seal.

Once the sphere is disassembled, inspect the diaphragm. If the diaphragm is intact and dry on the gas side but wet on the hydraulic side, it indicates the gas has leaked out, typically through the seal or valve.

Replace the old diaphragm with a new one, ensuring all components, including the nylon ball, spring, and circlip, are correctly seated.

1. Reassembling the Sphere:

• Fit the new diaphragm and reassemble the two halves of the sphere.
• Secure the locking ring using the custom-designed tool to ensure a tight fit.

2. Recharging with Gas:

• Charge the sphere with gas to a pressure of 1000 psi. This step is critical to restore the sphere's functionality.

Reconditioning brake accumulator spheres is an essential maintenance task for Rolls-Royce and Bentley owners. By following these detailed steps, you can ensure your vehicle's braking system remains effective and reliable. For those looking to purchase reconditioned spheres, check out the following links:

RH2390SX-R Accumulator Bowl Assembly
RH2343SX-R Accumulator Bowl Assembly

This guide, with the detailed video tutorial, offers a comprehensive overview of the brake accumulator sphere disassembly process for Rolls-Royce and Bentley vehicles. We encourage viewers and readers to share their experiences and tips in the comments below the video or this blog post. For those seeking further advice or needing specific parts for their Rolls-Royce or Bentley vehicles, IntroCar is happy to help! Visit our website for a wide selection of parts and expert guidance tailored to your needs.