Most stubborn fuel filter EVER

[punishercb]

Alright, I figured I'd replace my fuel filter because I'm not sure the last time it was replaced. So I removed the battery and battery tray, spent a half hour trying to remove the top banjo bolt on the fuel filter and ended up using a impact wrench on it to get it off. Now the problem I'm having is that the bottom bolt is just as stuck as the top one but there's no way I can get the impact wrench on the bottom. Does ANYBODY have any suggestions on how to remove it? I have NEVER been so pissed working on a car. I have way to many scratches and bruises to walk away from this job empty handed.

 

[luv2rallye]

You must have some after market filter. Stock DSM's have an eye bolt thru a high pressure pipe - no banjo bolts.

 

[punishercb]

Maybe it isn't a banjo bolt, I thought that's what it was called. It's a stock one though. for sure. It has a "eye bolt" on the top and bottom. The gas goes in the top and out the bottom into the engine.

 

[luv2rallye]

Actually (I looked closer) only the top one is the eye bolt. The bottom is just a flare nut (like is used on brake lines) on the fuel pipe. There is a nut welded against the filter (that you hold with an open end wrench) that the flare nut screws into. Use a flare nut wrench (looks like 3/4 of a box end wrench - at Sears) on the flare nut or you will either round the edges (with an open end wrench) or crush (with a pliers or locking pliers). Wipe off the threads good and spray some solvent on and tap with hammer to help free it. If don't have flare nut wrench, try an open end first but don't force it too hard or you round the edges. If that doesn't work try an adjustable wrench (snug it tightly) and finally a locking pliers but only if you have to. The nut is very soft metal and crushes easily with a pliers. In any case work the nut back and forth on the way out. If you crush it, you will have to get a whole new pipe. If all else fails you can torch it off...JUST KIDDING...Don't ever do that.

 

[punishercb]

Hahaha, I think I'll try torching it off first. Sounds alot easier. JUST KIDDING. Anyways, I'll definately give that a try. Thanks alot. I was soo pissed though, I spent over an hour trying to get it off and the damn thing still wouldn't budge!

 

[Keshav]

The way I got mine off was to use two wrenches, one on the top bolt and one on the bottom and forced them in opposite directions. The bottom bolt was looser, so it came undone.

Maybe if you torque the top bolt back on there you can do the same trick?

after the bottom bolt is undone, you can take the filter and the hose entirely out of there to work on it where you won't scratch yer knuckles.