Do I need to hit the gym or what?

Seems very simple. On the end that connects to the radiator, there's a clip that is easy to pop up, and the hose should pull right off.

But I can't get the dang thing off to save my soul. I even took the clip all the way off, but no dice.

I've been carefully trying to work it off using a combination of pulling and using a flat head screw driver to help pry it off, but it's not moving. The last time I got mad and started yanking and cranking on something that wouldn't come off, it cost me $140 for a new set of ignition wires, so I'm afraid to use what little brute force I have at my disposal.

Any suggestions?

 

I think my first question is why are you pulling it off? Doing t-belt?

there are rubber o-rings inside the hose and over time they can "fuse" themselves to the neck on the radiator. Some very minimul rocking motions allowed me to get mine off. Just be careful no to break the hose or the radiator (unless you're replacing them)

I wouldn't use the screwdriver as a pry tool on these items- you'ld just be asking for trouble.

On most other makes of car I usually twist them to break them loose, but I think these hoses are "keyed" so they won't turn- some more wonderful german engineering

 

Are you looking to reuse the hose? If not just use a box cutter to cut it off. If you need to save it I would just take the regular blade screwdriver and work it all the way around the inside of the hose. The hose can also work like one of those Chinese handcuff toys and the harder you pull the tighter it gets. Make sure you are just twisting it back and forth.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys.

I'm trying to replace the hose because it's leaking on the bottom connection.

I cannot get the hose to rotate at all. I've been wiggling, giggling, pulling, etc.

Is the connector on the radiator plastic? I'd hate to have to purchase a new radiator if I broke the connector.

I don't need the hose because I have it's replacement sitting here waiting to be put on, so maybe I should just cut it off.

Of course, being the optimist that I am, I can just see myself struggling mightily to get the new one on!

Does the new hose go on much easier than the old one does in coming off? Should I use a little G12 as lubricant on the inside of the new hose before trying to slip in on?

 

why were you giggling? or did you mean jiggling? ; D

anyways, i'd cut that SOB off. just be careful not to cut the radiator

 

LOL, you are right. I meant to say jiggling, not giggling. The giggling will come later after I actually succeed in this endeavor. But it's going to have to wait for the weekend, because I won't have any time until then to try again.

 

Mine was a PITA to get off as well. I think I wrapped the end of a flat head screwdriver and used a hammer to "tap" it off. bottom hose was much easier.

just keep wiggling jiggling and giggling

reinstallation was easier. like you asked, just use a little coolant or water to lube the gasket and push the hose on. It does take a bit of force, wiggling, jiggling and giggling to get it all the way to the stop but mine was much easier than getting it off.

 

Your post made me giggle.

Thanks for the extra tips, too.

 

Hey I just had to remove the upper hose from my 05 A6 3.2 and I thought it was welded on there too. Then I used a heat gun on to warm up the connections (don't melt them, but get them pretty warm), and they came off pretty easy.