I am in the process of changing the fuel filter on my 1998 A4 2.8. I found a write up on audiworld on the procedure. My only question is what tool do I need to get the bracket / strap off of the filter? I found some conflicting info and wanted to see if anyone knows exactly what I need. The write up states you should use a 8mm 12pt 3/8 drive allen and a 8mm ratcheting gearwrench. But I also saw someone say that a 8mm 6pt 3/8 drive allen will work. I can't find the 8mm 12pt drive anywhere. Does any have any clue? Thanks!

 

I had to cut the strap on mine. If you cut the strap it will still stay in there because of the way its smashed against the gas tank and the lines will keep it up there. And dont forget to get a new set of crush washers for it too. Good luck.

 

yeah same w/ mine, i couldn't get the bolt out so I just pried on it a lil to make enough room to slide the old filter out. Slid the new one in & used a couple zip-ties to make sure it wasnt going anywhere lol

 

OP: Can you link me to the DIY writeup you're using? I've had this project sitting in the back of my domepiece for a while now and my car's gonna be sitting in a garage for a few days in the near future while a chip is being installed on the ECU (if people have gotten off their azzes and sent in their payments yet that is) so I figured while it was sitting, I may as well do some stuff.

 

this is the one I used
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng49.shtml
...i know i know, im not the OP lol

 

This is the same writeup I used as well. Sounds pretty simple for the most part except for loosening the strap that holds the filter in place. There is not a lot of room to work. I'll try the 6pt allen socket, if that doesn't work, I'll just cut it out and zip tie it in place. Thanks for the responses.

 

thats the one i used too. that 8mm gear wrench he used was to turn that 12pt 3/8 drive allen in the same picture. you just put the allen thru the gear wrench and it becomes a shallow socket wrench. i was able to do it with a regular allen key, it just took a while. and i dont think i retightened the strap either. its been a year and hasnt fallen off yet. and yes remember to replace the 4 crush washers or it will leak.

 

Yeah when i got mine they forgot to give me them, ******* dealerships. Lets just say i was covered in fuel.

 

you usually have to buy them separately...

 

haha. ya i just did mine last night and got splashed with all the fuel that was still in the filter!
I just used a allen wrench to loosen it up and then a hex driver socket with my hand to get it the rest of the way off.
Install was the reverse of removal, but it was a biotch getting the cap screw back on until i jammed a screwdriver up in there to get it to line up with the threaded hole like it should...