Bliddy VW coolant hose clamps !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ghost123uk]

Must have been covered before but after lots of Googling around I got no real answer (well none I had not already figured out for my self)

Those spring loaded coolant hose clips

We currently have 3 VW's (Our DG Camper & 2 x Scirocco's) and of course they all have at least 10 of those horrid clamps.

Each time I take one off I try to replace it with a "proper" jubilee clip but sometimes I either don't have a suitable jubilee clip to hand, or the clamp is simply a mare to get off in the first place due to space restrictions etc.

I know there is a snap on tool but they are VERY expensive
I also know (and have done it) that you can carefully Dremel cut them off (bit risky to the hose !)

What do you do with them ?

[pauly8888]

WD40 then plenty of fiddling with molegrips always works for me.
The only ones I really had trouble with were the ones at the bottom of the radiator. I had to practically take the radiator out to get them off. But it was a good excuse for a radiator flush.
I've even put them back on the radiator, and the waterpump when I replaced that.

[Mickyfin]

They are the root of all evil, especially when you don't have the correct tool. I found that a long reach pair of pliers work well.

[Ian Hulley]

Waterpump pliers, just make sure you refit the clip where you can get to it otherwise replace with Mikalor/Norma clips ... wider than Jubilees, stainless and they tighten in a circular fashion.

Ian

[StuM]

Always had decent success with a pair of mole grips - I also put the same ones back on again on rad and water pump joint.

I have been known to swear at them too mind, especially when lying under the van on a freezing day!

[Rich Tea]

I agree with the water pump pliars suggestion, I never have a problem with the clamps unless access is really limited such as round the back (front) of the thermostat housing or the water distribution manifold.

The VW clamps may be a bit unusual but there're better than some of the cheapo rubbish hose clamps(i.e. the ones that look like jubilee clamps which aren't). I bought some from tool station which just fell apart when you tightened them.

Rich

[Hacksawbob]

They give even pressure, and better than most cheapo jubilees which ovate and give un even pressure, pinch the hose overtighten, crack the front to back pipes, rust... etc etc. They are the right part and worth replacing, I have a small stash which I use when needed. I find long nosed mole grips do them for me, a bit of rubber grease when refitting helps loads.
Not tried the wide and stainless jubilees though.

[Ian Hulley]

Not tried the wide and stainless jubilees though.

http://www.advancedfluidsolutions.co.uk ... -116-c.asp

There ya go Bob, top of the list. Their take on the VW '"idiot" Clip' are 2 down and the washing machine type are at the bottom.

Ian.