windshield washer hose clamps

[john baldwin]

The clips securing the T's and valves to the hoses on my windshield washer system appear to be crimped on and not reusable. It seems the only way to remove them is to cut them off (like PEX pipe clamps).
Pelican shows this clip as #20 on the exploded diagram, but they don't stock the part and don't know anything about the clip.
Before I pull this system apart, (and wished I hadn't), has anyone run into this before and what did you do?
Did you just pull it all apart and just push it all back together using the same clamps? Did it leak?
Did you find another type of hose clamp? If so, where did you get it?
Thanks for any help here.

[Wil Ferch]

I've tried various methods. If the original clamp style was not badly damaged, it can be re-used. It works on the same principle as a CV joint metal band clamp, and there are special pliers that can be used to re-crimp. I've found access difficult for these very small clamps under the wiper area, when trying to use the crimping tool.

I've also used nylon zip ties as well as the very smallest hose clamps I could find. Depending on the circumstnaces...all of these have worked .

- Wil

[john baldwin]

Thanks, Wil.
The clamps appear in good order, that is they are TIGHT. I'd rather not remove these clamps as it doesn't appear they can be re-crimped...it seems they need to be cut at the crimp to remove them.
Did you ever just pull apart the junctions from the hoses while leaving the clamps in place and then re-inserting the pieces? If so, did the system leak?
I'd rather not have to re-clamp if I can help it for obvious reasons....

[Wil Ferch]

I used very small flat-bladed screwdrivers to gently loosen the grip these had....and sometimes you can re-bend them back using some sort of flat-jaw pliers.....

- Wil

[imcarthur]

Just buy some small 'geared' hose clamps from a plumbing supply/hdwe store. Cheap & easily found. That's what I used.

Ian

[dan79brooklyn]

I replaced the T and non return valves on my windshield washer system about a month ago. I had a hard time removing the hose from the old valves and ended up cutting them off at the junction and fitting the new valves onto the washer hose. I didn't use any clamps, seems to be holding just fine with no leaks. It is a pretty tight fit by friction alone. That was the only way they were held on originally along with the rubber 'gaiters' which I re-used.

[ChrisBennet]

Those "crimp clamps" are called Oetiker clamps. I get them from my local metric supply place.
-Chris

[KTL]

Originally posted by ChrisBennet
Those "crimp clamps" are called Oetiker clamps. I get them from my local metric supply place.
-Chris

Chris is right on. You can get them from McMaster Carr industrial supply also.

www.mcmaster.com on pages 243 and 244 of the online catalog

http://www.mcmaster.com/nav/enter.asp?pagenum=243

[syncroid]

Or.....you can buy them at your local Porsche dealer.
The factory part# for them is 999 512 527 00 They sell for just under $2.00 dollars a piece.

[Bill in OKC]

I cut the originals off and used a small clamp like the one pictured. I had to buy an assortment at the local auto parts place just to get a couple of them, I don't know how to buy just the small size I needed. These are pretty easy to clamp/unclamp in the difficult position they are in.

[john baldwin]

Thanks guys, lots of good advice here. I'll get busy one of these weekends when I'm not out driving!