While trying to get to my air filter yesterday, I realized that to get the top of the box off (or at least enough off to get the filter out), you probably have to remove the duct from the front of the box. I am not familiar with the type of clamp that holds the duct on to the box. What do you do to loosen it? How do you replace it? Is a special tool required?

 

Using a small straight blade screwdriver, place the tip just under the lip of the clamping half (does that make sense) and twist the handle. The overlapping part will pop off the other half.

They can be reused; I use a small slip joint pliers to pull the lip portion back over the other half. Takes a little practice, but it's doable.

Haven't messed with the Cooper Vert, but I can't believe they require the hose clamp to be removed to change a filter, but????

Good luck!

 

Since I'm just coming off work and it's early morning, just in case my description isn't doing it for you........... have some pictures.

Although not the same clamp, I think it's the same clamp type you're asking about.

Small screwdriver under lip & twist or pop up



Post pop


In position to close. You might need to help support the hose while you squeeze the pliers, since force will be required to keep the pilers against the metal of the clamp. Notice there is just enough room for the lip to drop back over the legde of the lower portion.




BTW, I can see where pulling the hose would help, good luck!

 

dang, that's like the best DIY ive seen on those clamps!!

 

You da' MAN, Smokey, you da' MAN. Even I think I can understand that. Thanks.

 

You guys are too kind. Glad to have helped. The slip joint thing will take a little practice, so everyone let's meet in the garage in say.........10 minutes. Ok?

 

Smokey needs to have a Mini Cooper maintainance class to show us newbies all the basics

Nice illustration !

 

I took the easy way out. I went & say my friend at the parts house & he sold me some Zebra brand hose clamps that work like a charm. No more fighting those infernal things that came with the car.

 

as you can't get the plier heads on all the stock clamps to put them back on. The only one I reuse is the one that goes from the airbox to the TB intake hose! And that was pre-HAI!

Matt

 

Since I plan on installing my JCW box this afternoon, GREAT timing on those pics Thx.

 

Oh I never said to reuse them all, I just said that you could

I've been through 7 different intakes (what can I say ) and the only one I'm currently reuseing is the fresh air intake to the black squirrel tube. I've got an Alta hose right now on the TB and there is no way a stock clamp will fit around that baby

I'm not up on my clamp names, but the one I like best were the ones from the K&N system. Lovely little band clamp with a socket head screw to secure them. Very sanitary

Jeff - Thanks for the comp But, I think I've got enough to do

Drill - I had a JCW too Take your time with the ECU wire and the power wire. Lifting the "swing lock" on the connector in the fuse block is well interesting Hope to meet the NA gang one of these days, as we're still thinking about moving to the Huntsville area

 

That hose was the biggest PIA the first time I tried to put it back on! I hated the thing. Thankfully it gets much easier with practice.

 

There are oetiker clamp tools


I just use end niippers



Like Dr O said though some are hard to get to. There are probably 90º versions but I've never seen them.

 

What has anyone replaced the stock clamp with if it isn't recommended to "reuse" the original clamp.

Thanks

 

When I come across those annoying clamps, I replace them with standard ones that tighten with a screwdriver.

 

I just want to thank Smokey for the great pictures; removing and putting back that clamp was lot more easier once I saw what needed to be done. Although, the clamp was not really the problem per se; putting the cover on without pinching or moving the new air filter was more difficult. I "think" I got it right
Thanks again!

 

No problem..... glad to have helped!

 

thanks for the pics. i needed it.