Stock Fuel Filter Removal Problems

[Mist3r Spool]

Ok I've put about 140K on my stock fuel filter-I know it's time to change it. I have a stock fuel filter to replace the stock unit. For some odd reason, I can't loosen the top banjo bolt! I've been giving it a crapload of torque. I think removing my crank sprocket was even easier. I'm using a 3/8" socket wrench with a 3/4" socket. I was thinking of just using two wrenches to "squeeze" the bolt loose but I doubt it'll give me the torque I need. Any reasons why this is so difficult? It seems like it should be fairly simple. Do I need to relieve the fuel pressure first? Thanks in advance.

 

[ndilo21]

Mine was a pain in the ass when I did it too, you just gotta keep working it. Have you tried some wd-40 or degreaser? Just keep working it and it'll break free.

 

[oldman]

The squeeze method always worked for me, are you sure you got the direct right? Maybe you're tightening it instead.

 

[Mist3r Spool]

I sprayed a little WD-40 but the gap between the fuel inlet line & the banjo bolt is very slim. I'll keep working at it. I'm intermittently using a 6", 1/2" extention rod and a hammer to break free the bolt...I'm having little luck though. I feel like such a noob. I can swap my timing belt in under an hour but I can't even remove my fuel filter!

 

[Mist3r Spool]

The squeeze method always worked for me, are you sure you got the direct right? Maybe you're tightening it instead.

Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey....right?

 

[Catbox_95]

I had the same problem and did a search on here, and thousands of other people have the same problem. It is just a real pain. Since you don't care what happens to your old filter, grab a hold of it with some huge channel locks, and use an impact wrench on the nut. That's what I ended up doing, and it was STILL hard.

 

[Mist3r Spool]

I had the same problem and did a search on here, and thousands of other people have the same problem. It is just a real pain. Since you don't care what happens to your old filter, grab a hold of it with some huge channel locks, and use an impact wrench on the nut. That's what I ended up doing, and it was STILL hard.

If only I had one...I guess I'm just going to have to muscle it. Thanks everyone.

 

[oldman]

Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosey....right?

Right, but it can get confusing because you're using two wrenches. The top wrench (holding the banjo bolt) should be to the left of the bootom wrench (holding the filter), situate them so both will fit in you palm, now use both hands and squeeze. In case if you havn't already done so, get the battery outta there.

 

[doug]

PB Blaster!!

 

[Mist3r Spool]

Yeah, I worked at it (and almost busted a vein in my arm) and I just can't break the thing loose. I'm gonna bring it to a buddy's shop and use the gun.

 

[David15151]

Highly recommend spraying PB Blaster and let it sit for a bit. Always keep a can of that stuff in the garage.

 

[Mist3r Spool]

I think I might go ahead and pick up a can...sounds good. I've heard of it, but never used it and was a bit skeptical. It sounds like a pretty popular thing around this board so I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

[doug]

I swear by it-- let it sit overnight if possible, but even 30 minutes or an hour is better than nothing.

 

[DSMstatus]

mine cam off with a 3/8" impact gun, the only thing your gonna do when you do it by hand is twist up the bracket and kink the lines. now the bottom one should be the one you have trouble with. gotta lay under the car, stick one arm thru the wheel well and one arm over the subframe by the rear motor mount, with your 2 wrenches, just break it loose. make sure the battery and battery tray are out to gain access.

 

[snowmansdsm09]

Haha funny story about the fuel filter... I Bet a buddy of mine $100 that he couldnt get the stock fuel filter off and replaced with the OEM one in under 1 hour. He jumped on that thinking it would only take him 20-30 mins at the max. Well 3 hours later I got my fuel filter on without having to touch a tool, and kept my $100.

All i know is he about ripped out my stock copper fuel line trying to get the filter to move to a good position to fit a breaker bar. Then after using a breaker bar almost stripped the nut!

 

[Mist3r Spool]

mine cam off with a 3/8" impact gun, the only thing your gonna do when you do it by hand is twist up the bracket and kink the lines. now the bottom one should be the one you have trouble with. gotta lay under the car, stick one arm thru the wheel well and one arm over the subframe by the rear motor mount, with your 2 wrenches, just break it loose. make sure the battery and battery tray are out to gain access.

I'm am holding the filter in place while trying to break loose...I noticed the hard line on the bottom of the filter. That would be bad news if I just wrenched the crap out of it. Good lookin' out thought. I'm going to pick up a can of that PB stuff today and let it soak overnight. Thanks again everyone.