Hi folks -- new here and hope this is the right place but if not mods please direct me if you can

-- so we're on our 3rd Mini and this one is a 2012 Mini Cooper S Clubman AWD. I've got a leaking hose to the heater core -- see the pic of partially disassembled car. I'll have the new parts tomorrow and old are mostly out already except for the firewall/core connections. I'm a bit worried getting these off. I did some research on these connections -- they go on only one way; and there is a wire retainer you have to take out then work the hose off slowly is what I saw. but this still looks really daunting in terms of access its just under what looks like an A/C fitting and I can't see the wire retainer. any advice and further insight would be appreciated! I'm concerned about damaging something and I'm so close. I think I could have it buttoned up in 30 min once I get the old lines off. thx as always