Can’t loosen hydraulic hose (not a quick connect)

[seville009]

Looking for tool suggestions to get these hydraulic hose fittings off.



These are on a skidsteer snowblower.

I had these hoses off two years ago because one hose had worn through over the years. Got them off and changed with a socket wrench.

Had them off again last year because there was a small leak in the fitting. Got them off again without any issues with a socket wrench.

Had a new small leak last winter; trying to fix it now, but for the life of me, I cannot budge (loosen) any of these hose fittings with the same socket wrench.

I’ve used a hammer on the wrench to try to break the bond, but it was starting to round out the nut.

I can’t use a flare nut wrench, because there’s a small bulge in the metal fitting to the left of each nut that prevents me from getting a flare nut wrench onto the nut.

My question is - is there some other tool out there that will get a better grip than a two sided socket wrencon these nuts?

There is no hydraulic pressure on the hoses either.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[ruffdog]

If a good quality crows foot or open end won't get it done, sometimes rapping the side of the fitting will loosen it a bit. So I don't damage the fitting, I use a piece of aluminum/brass/copper bar stock up against one of the flats of the fitting. Then, give it a good rap with a hammer. Then try your wrench again.

 

[seville009]

Thanks

I’ve hit the fitting to try to break the bond, but no luck. I’ve soaked them in PB Blaster for a few days too.

I looked at those Crowfoot wrenches, but assumed that I would have the same potential stripping issue as I have with my regular socket wrench.

I do have enough leverage, but just need something that will get a tighter grip on the fitting.

What’s frustrating is that I’ve had these hoses on and off twice before using just the socket wrench.

 

[oldnslo]

Do you have an air hammer - chisel. I have had some success keeping some tension on the end wrench and use a blunt nose punch in air hammer against the wrench. Vibration helped break them loose. I ground a rounded slot in a punch to kind of fit on wrench handle and assist in not sliding off.

 

[seville009]

Do you have an air hammer - chisel. I have had some success keeping some tension on the end wrench and use a blunt nose punch in air hammer against the wrench. Vibration helped break them loose. I ground a rounded slot in a punch to kind of fit on wrench handle and assist in not sliding off.

No air hammer…..I’ll work on it some more with basic hammering. It has to come loose at some point. I was just wondering if (hopefully) there was some “magic” tool out there that would work better.

If the fitting didn’t have that built-in hump in it, those flare nut wrenches would do the trick, I think.

Thanks

 

[ruffdog]

Don't those fittings have an o-ring on them? If that is the case, they don't have to be super tight.

 

[seville009]

Don't those fittings have an o-ring on them? If that is the case, they don't have to be super tight.

No O-rings in them……..

 

[Carl_NH]

Have you tried heating the block - is it AL if so, it should expand faster than the fittings.

Then can you get a round jaw set of pliers or vise grips on the bulge or the ribs to add some more leverage along with the wrench? It could be that connection to the nut that's tight?

 

[seville009]

Yeah - tried heating it; no dice. I’ve given up for now. Will tackle it again in a week or so. Sometimes leaving something for a bit makes it work in the end.

Thanks

 

[bdhsfz6]

From the look of that partially rounded fitting, I assume you will probably replace the hose. If you don't, you will have the same problem the next time you try to remove it. Cut the fitting between the nut and bulge with a sawzall. Then you can get a flare nut, or socket wrench on what's left of the fitting.

Sometimes, you can file the flats of the fitting to get a snug fit on the next size smaller socket. Using a metric socket also helps.

If you still can't get it out, use a screw extractor on the inside of the fitting:

Amazon.com

Make sure you clean out all the metal chips to keep them out of the hyd. system.