2.0HDi Clutch Change - Gear Links Removal

[cancunia]

I've been watching a You Tube video about changing the clutch on a 2.0HDi and it looks like a faff but quite do-able. One question that I have is how best to disconnect the gear change cable links. The video I saw showed the ball joints at the end of the cables being popped off at the selector with some kind of fork tool and the official Service Box method shows a special tool fork tool to do this. Has anyone used a DIY tool, what did you use?

Thanks

[oilyrag]

Take a guess that a (scrapper) open-ended spanner, possibly ground down into a wedge, would pop them off?

[cancunia]

Take a guess that a (scrapper) open-ended spanner, possibly ground down into a wedge, would pop them off?

Good idea, thanks.

[Kieron G]

I've done a few of these now on M49. I popped the joints off with a heavy duty screw driver used like a pry bar to lever them off. The only HDI I've changed was on a Dispatch which was harder than M49 as I couldn't get gearbox out (without dropping subframe) so had to work in the small space I could create between engine and gearbox

[cancunia]

I've done a few of these now on M49. I popped the joints off with a heavy duty screw driver used like a pry bar to lever them off. The only HDI I've changed was on a Dispatch which was harder than M49 as I couldn't get gearbox out (without dropping subframe) so had to work in the small space I could create between engine and gearbox

Thanks.

[bikerbaker]

I'm in no position to advise but when you're rolling around in a sudden puddle due to a thunderstorm desperation kicks in. Got there in the end and can't remember what worked.

[cancunia]

I think I'm now a bit more comfortable with getting the selector cable joints off, thanks again for the replies, I'll also check the weather forecast! The thing that concerns me most is putting the driveshafts back and not damaging the oil seals.

[StueyT]

I think I'm now a bit more comfortable with getting the selector cable joints off, thanks again for the replies, I'll also check the weather forecast! The thing that concerns me most is putting the driveshafts back and not damaging the oil seals.

I've just done one. Popped off selector 2 ball boints with a pry bar and undid the black plate holding the fixed one to the the box (with 2x 11mm headed nuts). Just make sure that the fixed ball on the subframe is engaged with the selector lever coming from the gearstick before bolting the fixed ball  joint plate back on.
Drive shafts are easy to replace. If they seem solid but not fully home/ engaged turn the shaft a tad as its prob the splines are not lined up.

Worst part of job IMHO is fannying about with the clutch cable getting the bite point "off the floor"..