Apparatus and method of removing a liner attached to an implanted acetabular shell. A surgical site is accessed where the acetabular shell has already been implanted into a patient. A rim plate having a through opening is placed over the acetabular shell. A pilot hole is then drilled into the attached liner through the opening in the placed rim plate. After the drilling, the rim plate is removed to expose the drilled hole. A removal tool is inserted into the drilled pilot hole. The attached liner is then disengaged from the implanted acetabular shell with the inserted removal tool.