bah, out of ideas. help please?
 

so, i have a 99.5 2.8qm avant, and i was trying to get the fuel filter out so i can replace it, spent the better part of a day working on it, i ground down a bit to try to fit it into what space there is for tools to fit to loosen the clamp, and still can't get it out. i used this guide to try to get it out, but still didn't get enough room to reach the bolt on the clamp. will i have to remove the whole gas tank or is there a much easier way that i am not seeing?

Which step are you stuck on? Loosening the strap holding the gas tank, or later on removing the little banjo bolt?

none. i got all of those done, but i can't seem to get the stupid clamp undone. it looks to me like the bolt is smaller than an 8mm socket, but i can't see underneath enough to tell :/

can anyone confirm that the bolt on the clamp needs an 8mm star headed socket? that would REALLY help out, and then i can find some way to get the thing out.

pm jeremy(iamthedevil--- not sure that is how to spell it)

he has a 2.8 and is big on that stuff

I used a T-40 torx and I know others have used the same...
But if the Nut on the opposite side breaks free in the plastic housing (which happened to me) you need to try and get channel locks or vice grips on the nut, which is a PITA!!!
I ended up only partially loosening the clamp. Removed the filter (with some work) and worked the new one back in.

DON'T FORGET THE CRUSH WASHERS!!!!

nvm, got the old one out, deleted venting at others.