When a hose -- such as the power steering hose at the reservoir -- is extremely difficult to get off the nipple, is there a tried and true method for getting it off without permanently damaging it? Due to the location and lack of accessibility, I can't get enough force on it. (Not to mention I'm not really a big, strong guy.)
Would WD-40 sprayed at the joint work? Or would it cause other problems that I should avoid?
Thanks, Craig
Use a hose hook. Basically a dull probe bent to allow you to insert it under the hose and then move it around the hose to free it from the nipple. You can buy them or make one out of a long awl. Just heat it at the bend areas and dunk it to harden it.
Or just dull the end of a cotter pin puller.
nate
Mission accomplished. I used a small allen wrench like Steve W suggested as a hose hook. I also sprayed a tiny bit of WD-40 at the joint. I got a good twist on the PS reservoir while holding the hose steady, and it broke free.
Thanks, guys.
Assuming this is a slip-on hose retained with a clamp, not a threaded hose fitting:
1) Try TWISTING the hose. You can even grip it gently with pliers and twist- when it begins to rotate freely on the nipple, try pulling it off again. 2) If you plan to replace the hose: slit the hose lengthwise where it slides over the nipple with a sharp utility knife. If the nipple is plastic (all too freqent on modern cars) then you have to be careful not to let the knife dig into the plastic. Try to just slit the hose halfway or more through its thickness, and then try the twist-then-pull method.Thanks, Steve. It was the TWIST that finally broke the hose free from its nipple.
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