Removing Heater Hose Clamps

  • 1-2 hours
  • Beginner
  • 10-25
What You'll Need
Nut driver
Channel lock pliers
Screwdriver
Work gloves
Protective glasses
Owners manual
What You'll Need
Nut driver
Channel lock pliers
Screwdriver
Work gloves
Protective glasses
Owners manual

In time you may need to remove the heater hose which means having to remove the heater hose clamp. A heater hose clamp can be installed in several ways depending on if it is a stock part or one that is aftermarket. The article that follows will explain how to remove the heater hose clamps regardless of the type of clamp that it you have.

Step 1 – Determine the Type of Heater Hose Clamp

In order to properly remove the heater hose clamp you need to first determine the kind of heater hose clamp you have in your vehicle. To do this you need to first find it. The location of the heater hoses can vary from model to model so use the owner’s manual to locate them in your vehicle. Once you have found the heater hoses the clamps are what hold them in place. You will see one of two kinds of clamps. The first is spring loaded with or without screws and the other will be a metal band which when screwed in tightens around the heater hose.

Step 2 – Preparation and Safety

When working inside the vehicle you need to make sure that you are safe and that you do not damage the vehicle in any way. Always wear your work gloves as there are plenty of sharp edges to cut yourself on. Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from steam, heat and debris that could come from the engine. Take a pair of channel lock pliers and use it to clamp down the heater hose. When you do this you will expose the screws or the tabs.

Step 3 – Removing Spring Heater Hose Clamps

A heater hose that is connected with spring clamps is fairly easy to remove. The space inside the engine area is very cramped. This makes removing the clamp harder to do. On the end of the heater hose where the clamp is placed look for two tabs from either side. These have to be squeezed in so you can remove the hose and slide off the clamp. You will need another pair of channel lock pliers. Place them so that the teeth of the pliers are on each side of the heater hose. Tighten the pliers to close the teeth which will squeeze the tabs. Simply slide the hose out of the heater and then work the clamp off of the hose if you are replacing it.

Step 4 – Removing Heater Hose Clamps with Screws

This is the most common type of heater hose clamp that you will find. It is a metal band with a single screw. Use the screwdriver and turn the screw to the left. The band will loosen and then you can slide the hose away from the heater. Slip the clamp off of the hose.