Is there a trick in removing vacuum line connectors?
 

So, as a preventive measure, I'm planning to replace the coolant valve that directs the coolant to the transmission heat exchanger. In order to get to the part itself, quite a few things have to come off, namely the PCV valve and air intake components. I've started the job, but right out the bat, got stuck trying to remove a vacuum hose connector that is coupled with a plastic flexible fitting that snaps and locks the vacuum hose in place.

I've tried the small screwdriver trick, but stopped, as I was concerned that I might break the fragile-looking plastic fitting. Is there a trick to getting these connectors off? Also, are these fittings as fragile as it looks?

So, if you "got stuck right out of the bat trying to remove a vacuum hose connector"... Do you really want to get into this? As a preventative measure? Nothing better to do? You're going to ruin it.

Well, I love to tinker with things so I will progress forward. I will obviously proceed cautiously, thereby mitigating the risk of ruining the vehicle.

The hose I was referring to turned out to be part of the secondary air injection system. Upon research on the net, it appears that it is pretty much a common occurrence that the hose's connector gets hard and brittle with age, thereby losing pliability. A common suggestion is to use a screwdriver to get under the ridge that holds the hose in place. I was hoping that there was a special tool or trick out there to get the hose released. However, none appears to exist. I'll probably try using a thin gauge shim to get it loose.

Maybe embellish your post with model year / engine :rolleyes:

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...10bba2a929.jpg
Is this the kind of connector your having issues with? Contrary to what it might look like, the blue release clip needs to be PUSHED in, not pulled out. Push it in, and while holding it in place, pull the other end of the hose out.

No, that's not the one. Here is a picture of the connector. Also, for reference, the vehicle is a '12 A8L 4.2L

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.aud...8b1cb98e46.jpg

Looks similar to me. As suggested before, PUSH the white tab IN, don't PULL

The white looking part is actually part of the valve assembly cover. Unfortunately, it's slightly different from the connector shown in your picture.

How the connector looks removed can be better seen from the following thread. The person who did the post apparently used the screwdriver trick to remove the connector. I plan to fabricate a jig of sorts to make the removal easier. For me, using a screwdriver felt too risky.

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/a8-...ement-2940878/