Mopar Muscle Association UK

Changing the radiator on my 96 XJ Cherokee, I'm struggling to disconnect the lower trans cooler line. It's one of these infernal "quick connect" couplings, with a plastic clip thingy between the steel line from the rad, and the hose fitting. I'm sure there's a special tool that can disengage the clip, but does anyone know how to do it with normal tools?

I'm not even sure how the clip retains the hose fitting, since it's inside the fitting. I know that the line has a simple lip like a fuel line, from the new rad. The plastic clip does have 2 "ears" protruding from the fitting (see yellow bit in pic). I've tried clamping them together, and also sliding a sleeve between the line and the clip to disengage it, all to no avail. I don't want to be too brutal, because obviously I need to connect the line to the new radiator.

Has anyone come across these things?

I haven't seen that style before but most styles come apart the same way. You need to push the plastic coller firmly into the hose whilst pushing the hose "on", as soon as you feel the plastic part depress slightly, then the hose should slip off. Hope that makes sense! You can use a pair of pliers slipped around the pipe as a tool to push against both sides of the clip at the same time. Fittings like this can be a right pain, don't be surprised if you end up having to cut it off....

Thanks John, I'll have another go. I think I've mullered it so it's past saving anyway!

I know a few members have Cherokees, so in case you have a similar problem...
I found the correct tool on the web (here if you're interested). It slides down the line inside the plastic bit to release the retaining clips. Once I knew how it worked, I made my own from a marker pen top - worked a treat!

As pointed out, get pliers push and crush plastic sleeve and the hose pulls off.
I changed my rad a few months back.
Mick
I am after a set of leaf springs, is'nt there someone on this site that does Jeep spares at a good price.
Mick

Hi Mick give Dean Inskip a call he is parts manager at Listers in coventry a Chrysler dealership and gives good rates to MMA members his phone number is in the front of Connected next to mine.

To those who may have forgotten Dean also can get hold of a lot of Mopar Performance parts normally faily quickly.