How do I remove a hose? I've yanked and pulled but it won't budge

[mikerajjers]

Hi all,

I've flushed the cooling system on my 1.8T 4 times to clean it out. I need to change the heater matrix in the cabin as it is leaking. Following various reviews I now need to get the inlet/outlet hoses off that feed into the cabin (near the firewall). I've yanked and pulled but it won't budge a single bit.

Does anyone have any tips on how to do it? Do I need some kind of special tool that will make it a doddle? I'm afraid to yank too much on the hoses in case they rip.

Cheers!

 

[vr6gordy]

Try get a something inside the hose to break the seal then it should come off

 

[Mike.M]

Gently pry up the inside of the hose to break the seal and it should then just pop off as mentioned.

I usually use a small flathead screwdriver in these situations, but don't damage the hose

 

[mikerajjers]

I've done it! Went out and bought a hook this morning and was fairly easy with that. Sharp one end in order to squeeze between the pipe and hose. Flat on the other end so I can yank it. Job done. Now to blow out the coolant and then fit new matrix.

Also realised my ECON light is always on. Need to investigate that as well.

 

[mikerajjers]

Just plugged in VCDS and aircon gave me one fault: 00819 - High Pressure Sensor (G65) 07-10 - Signal too low - intermittent.

I cleared the fault. I literally checked this two minutes ago so will google info. If anyone is able to give me a heads-up that is much appreciated!

 

[john777w]

Probably low on gas, has it been topped-up?

 

[Mike.M]

ECON light on all the time usually points to low AC gas, so it turned the unit off and it becomes a traditional air blower only.

 

[mikerajjers]

Its not been topped up since I bought it in Jan and the previous owner didn't seem to care too much for the car judging by the state of various components. I'll book it in to be re-gassed and go from there. Hopefully that will fix it.

 

[Mike_B]

If it was re-gassed in Jan and it's now got the econ light on, that would suggest a leak. A decent aircon specialist will be able to pressure test.

 

[mikerajjers]

Finally finished replacing the heater matrix this afternoon and flushing the cooling system (before fitting the new heater)...I tell ya getting the aluminium pipes connected to the heater took an absolute age and a lot of foul language If only I had four hands! I'll try and write up the process later when I'm back home.

It is a nice feeling having fixed my own car rather than spending a fortune for a garage to do it. Total cost around £95 (matrix £82, new seals and clamps from audi £8 and some distilled water and G12 coolant around £5). How much would it have cost at a dealer or indie? Any ideas?

My experience with such things is next to nothing, the biggest task I had done before was perhaps changing a wheel. I encourage anyone who may be as hesitant as I was not to be afraid of fixing your own car