How to correctly clamp (and unclamp) these special little hose clamps?

[Dbreid]

All,
I am replacing the ridiculously overpriced heated washer tube and I need to unclamp and reclamation these little hose clamps. Is there a technique? Flathead screwdriver? Special tool I need to buy?

I don't want to bust them as I don't have much space and don't want to have to wedge in the classic screw type hose clamps.

 

[Maui]

Knowing Mercedes, I'm guessing there is a special tool.

 

[Dbreid]

I have been reading. The clamps are called "ear clamps" or Oetiker (that's the company that makes them). Cheap tool on Amazon. .

 

[Dbreid]

The thing I was missing was that those suckers are one time use. You cannot re use them.

 

[samiam44]

Yes, they are Oetiker clamps. You can get a nice set of Knipex pliers and some clamps from amazon. I don't remember ever having clamps on mine. Maybe they were added by a shop to eliminate a leak?

 

[gsxr]

Looks like this is the type...

https://www.amazon.com/Knipex-Tools-10-98-i220/dp/B01I3H6UMS/

 

[sheward]

I have the tool. It also doubles as the strongest/best side cutters I've ever used. They will cut through most anything. VERY hard steel with maximum leverage.

drew

 

[500AMM]

I have used the exact same Knipex plier shown in Dave's post many times on these clamps, it works excellent!

 

[JC220]

Are the clamps really needed? I have never seen any MB with hose clamps on the windshield washer tubes.

If you are fitting new hoses they should be good without clamps fitted.

Alternatively you could fit these MB clamps (A000 995 59 65) which are re-usable and I’m sure a heck of alot cheaper than buying those non OE clamps & special pliers.

 

[nocfn]

I have had both types on my C126. I removed the heated system not long ago opting to use new tubing without the heated wire and additional pumps.