To celebrate another monster snow storm here yesterday, I thought I'd spend some quality time with Brunnhilde and change her original fuel filter. I used the DIY found here: http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng49.shtml

Unfortunately, I got stuck on the part of removing the bolt on the strap that holds the fuel filter to the gas tank. The bolt keeps turning and turning and turning, but it's not loosening and thus I can't remove the filter. I should note that my bolt, unlike the pristine looking one in the pic below, is all rusted. I used PB blaster on it, so turning it wasn't an issue.




Anyone have any brilliant ideas? I finally gave up and put the gas tank back on the car and called it a day.

Oh yeah, one of the bolts holding the gas tank wouldn't thread itself into the hole, so now I only have 3 out of 4 bolts holding the gas tank on.

 

Most of the time it's easier to use a hacksaw blade to cut the bolt and replace it with a new bolt/nut.

 

Thanks Devil. If I do that, does the nut require that I hold it when getting the bolt started? The reason I ask is because there is so little room. There was barely enough room for me to push on the tool with one finger while I turned the tool with my 8mm wrench using the other hand.

Or maybe once the bolt is off, it's easy to get to the nut?

 

I had to replace it and it wasn't easy holding a nut with needlenose pliers and trying to tighten a bolt into it but it did go together. Just stick with it and you will get it.

 

heh.. i just did mine, I just ended up breaking the nut/bolt free from the plastic, the new filter I bought was snug to fit in, and when the tank is bolted up it seems to hold pretty decent. I know its not correct, but I wasn't about to lie under the car for another 2 hours.. Make sure you replace the crash washers too

 

side note to OP

I am selling my car on saturday... which means if you want a ride in a sweet car i have tomorrow and friday available to rip around!!

if not, dont worry, my next a4 will be here sunday, and will be even more badassss lol

either way we need to show roch whoose boss!

ill make a thread about my new ride tonight!

 

Its MUCH easier to put a jack under the tank then undo one side of the tank straps to lower the tank.

P.S don't take the advice from that DIY. The comment about how the filter was clogged at 30k is absolute BS. Blowing thru a filter (full of fluid) will be almost impossible to do, go ahead and fill up a new one with water or something and try to blow thru it.....you won't be able to do it. Every 100k is the correct change interval.