Replace intercooler pipe

Ok, I know it's a common issue with an LR2, and I've tried to have a read of some other posts on the subject. But I keep seeing people saying that they've replaced these themselves, it's "just a bit fiddly" and "you need small hands" etc.

But for the life of me, I can't work out how to change this at all! The bit that has a hole in it, is the section directly out of the intercooler. Not the easier to access sections from the top, or that harder plastic elbow piece - I've got to replace the lower, longer piece that connects to the intercooler.

Now, I think I can get my hands to the jubilee clip, from underneath, that connects the middle section to the bit I need to replace, but I cannot at all see how I can get to the connection to the intercooler, I can't even see the jubilee clip if I shine a torch in there, I can't even see the end of the pipe where it meets the intercooler!

Any tips, or videos on how to get this bit off, and crucially, get the replacement bit back on if I do get it off?!

Not easy to do, unless you make access for yourself.
Unfortunately the hose clip for the hose to intercooler joint is next to the coolant radiator, right at the bottom. This means it is pretty much out of sight and reach, regardless of how you try to get to it.
Apparently it is possible, but I couldn't do it.
Removing the front bumper was by far the easiest way I found to access the impossible hose clip. Once the bumper is off (not as hard as it sounds), then the intercooler is perfectly visible, and so is that clip.

You're best replacing the whole pipe, including the plastic part, as that has been known to fail.
I got a complete kit to do mine, so the whole lot was done, which saves any future issues.

Nodge68 said:

Not easy to do, unless you make access for yourself.
Unfortunately the hose clip for the hose to intercooler joint is next to the coolant radiator, right at the bottom. This means it is pretty much out of sight and reach, regardless of how you try to get to it.
Apparently it is possible, but I couldn't do it.
Removing the front bumper was by far the easiest way I found to access the impossible hose clip. Once the bumper is off (not as hard as it sounds), then the intercooler is perfectly visible, and so is that clip.

You're best replacing the whole pipe, including the plastic part, as that has been known to fail.
I got a complete kit to do mine, so the whole lot was done, which saves any future issues.

Click to expand...

Yeah I've got the whole kit - the plan is to replace the whole thing, but I just thought it was sods law that the bit that actually has the hole in it, is the one bit I can't seem to remove!

Ok, so take the front bumper off? what are we talking, a couple of hours work? Time to hunt you tube for a guide on that then!

Taking the bumper off the FL2 is easier than the same job on the FL1. The fixings are less likely to be corroded, and so it all comes off pretty easily. Removing the headlamps helps, as does the arch liners, which is needed to undo the various electrical connections, and some bolts. In all it takes 30 minutes to an hour, but it's not a difficult task.
Make sure you have a blanket, old carpet or a thick towel to place the bumper down on, so it can't get damaged.
Take a good look at the intercooler while the bumper is off, as it's very common for it to get damaged from stones and stuff.

+1 on removing bumper. If you're replacing the pipes, might as well take the intercooler off & clean it out as well.

Ok so took it all apart. Put on new pipes. Drive down the road. POP. The middle hard plastic section failed. I have another one but I'm loathed to fit it until I understand why this car is killing intercooler pipe sections.

Is the engine boosting too much somehow? Possibly indicating a wastegate issue perhaps?

It technically can't over-boost, unless there's a problem with boost feedback to the ECM. So first thing to check would be the MAP sensor.