I'm steadying the filter with a 19mm while I try to remove the banjo bolt on top, but it won't budge a single degree and I'm afraid of bending the bracket to hell if I apply any more torque. I've generously doused the bolt with PB'laster to no avail. Is there anything else I could try?

just torque on it. penetrating oil wont really work here since its a crush washer in between. Not meant for fluid to get through

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So there's no risk of plastically deforming the support bracket? What about the hard fuel line underneath the filter? Those are the only reasons why I'm afraid to use more force.

Best thing is if you can use a wrench wedged up against the shock tower on the bottom and then use an impact driver driver on the top, that or if you can use it and hold the bottom nut at the same time that'll work as well. Once the top line is free then you just have to get it off the bottom line which is easier since you can get more forceful with the filter. Such as driving a screwdriver through it to then twist it off. Another thing, if you haven't already pull the fuel pump fuse/relay and run the car until it dies to get the fuel and pressure out of the line. Then you can try using heat as well to try and loosen things.

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Ah, that's a great idea! I didn't think of that - I didn't want to use heat because of the fuel. Thanks! I'm also looking on craigslist for a cheap electric impact wrench. I'd like an air impact wrench, but I just don't have room for a compressor.

Hectortherican - keep us updated, please! I am about to attempt to change my fuel filter (probably original from 94), so I'd like to hear how it goes. Thanks!

this isn't stickied??

http://www.6gc.net/forums/index.php?showto...mp;#entry902549

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Will do! It's extremely windy in Albuquerque right now, so I'm going to try one last time to torque the hell out of it (within reason) tomorrow morning. If not, I found a cheap electric impact wrench on craigslist that I'll fall back on. I suspect mine is also the original from '95, so you'll have the same experience.


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I know how to replace the filter, the issue for me is a stuck banjo bolt.

This post has been edited by HectortheRican: Apr 27, 2014 - 4:57 PM

actually an impact will be the best method, it wont tweak the filter.

Power tools are your friend.

My advice is to drink heavily, but that won't help with the fuel filter. Usually it's the lower fitting that's hopelessly seized in place.

I think I unbolted the filter from the bracket and pulled it as high up as I could. Then I grabbed it with some channel-locks while I used a 17mm socket on a 1/2" drive ratchet to break the banjo bolt loose.

Mike suggested that I go to a local shop to see if they'd let me use their impact wrench. Luckily, the shop down the street was super nice about it and they let me replace the filter off to the side of their property. Finally got it wrapped up yesterday. Thanks for everyone's input!

told you itd work