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Using MP's picture.
Very tight in the circle, maybe 1/2" of clearance. No space for any tool at 1, and very limited space at 2.
Dremel may have worked trying to cut the head of bolt of, but likely the plastic would melt anyhow.
In hindsight - should have just chopped the plastic and used zip ties. No one will ever know except me!
Looks the same as mine other than I have the older unit with only 2 connections. I don't remember how but I managed to get the body saw in there. Either way you got the job done and that's all that counts. I didn't put a bolt back in mine I just used a zip tie through the holes. No where for the filter to really go anyway.
Worst design ever.
Don't attempt this without fuel line pliers.
The M8 triple square bolt was frozen to the nut, so it just spun between the weak plastic retaining tabs, and I damaged all three fuel line connectors.
I was able to hammer the filter out of the bracket, then I cut the bracket so I could insert the new one and somewhat secure it with crossed tie wraps.
The connectors are not leaking, but will cost ~$400 if I need to replace the three lines and bracket.
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I installed a new retainer bracket, and used Dorman 800-021 fuel line retainer clips to replace the white 5/16" (in) and black 5/16" (out) ones I had damaged removing the connectors.
The blue 3/8" (return) clip was also broken and is currently only being retained by half a clip, I've ordered Dorman 800-043 for that, but will need to cut off the double lock part to make it fit.
A good tip to unhook the connectors, already mentioned in this thread, is to move the connector towards the filter while pressing the tab in with the tool or short flat head screw driver, then sliding away and off.
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This one was pretty easy. Again, vehicle is approaching 95,000 miles and now 7+ years old so I want to roll through some of the rarely serviced items. I try to do fuel filters once or twice in the life of the vehicle. If it saves me a fuel pump(s) change, that's a bunch of diagnostics, hassle and $ for the posters who have been through it. I haven't lost a fuel pump since one very early CIS injected C1, and only one of my hand me down old Audis (a C3) needed a pump late on. W12's can flow a lot of fuel too, so all the more reason.
In support of your proposition regarding extending the life of the fuel pumps, I just replaced a 10 year old filter in my 4.2 and noticed the car was quieter because I could no longer hear the fuel pumps working... I'd always though they were uncharacteristically noisy, and now I know why!
09-07-2016, 07:38 AM
Installed
