Hello everyone,

I am really frustrated at, what should be a 5 min job, changing the fuel filter. The housing is in many VW and Audi vehicles from 2008 onwards yet can't seem to find a proper answer.

The torx screws (rubbish design) seem to be either seized or tightened so much that the 4/6 screws are completely stripped from trying to open them.

I have tried to get a rotary cutting tool to make an indent for a flathead however due to the close proximity to the fuel lines I cannot get a proper angle without cutting into the lines.

My other option is to get a new fuel filter housing altogether but I can't let my ego be defeated by some screws.

Please has anyone had this before and how it was resolved.

Thank You

2 hours ago, starwars75 said:

Please has anyone had this before and how it was resolved.

PlusGas. Oh and using the right size Torx bit.

Edited 24 April, 20251 yr by Paws4Thot

Thank you for the suggestion of PlusGas

I was using regular WD-40 to loosen it up but I think it wasn't strong enough.

Unfortunately the torx screws are completely stripped as I attempted multiple times to hammer in a flathead causing it to become completely rounded.

My old Octavia had a few replaced with nuts and bolts instead of the screws. They were a pain as trying to get to the nuts on the underside was tricky. You might be able to get a set of mole grips/small stilson or perhaps a stud extractor onto the damaged screws.

Alasdair

On 25/04/2025 at 02:58, starwars75 said:

Unfortunately the torx screws are completely stripped as I attempted multiple times to hammer in a flathead causing it to become completely rounded.

I reckon a correct sized torch would have been more appropriate.

Why did you not use the torx?

Hello,

I used the correct torx however they stripped quite easily when I tried to loosen them.

Used the old hammer in a flathead method but didn't work as the screws are really stuck

On 25/04/2025 at 00:31, starwars75 said:

The torx screws (rubbish design) seem to be either seized or tightened so much

Never seen a torx strip when using the right sized tool. Best design by far.

You. May be able to grip the outside of the screw with a small Stilton, but probably need to remove the filter body from the car and do it on the bench

Haha might because I was lazy and just used the cheap backup small toolkit I keep in the car, should have taken the torx bit from my toolbox instead.

I think the mention of stud removers might be a good way to do it as the head is small and might just fit inside the stud removers. My 1/2 inch ratchet with an extension should be perfect for it.

Last option is to take out the whole housing and to use more aggressive methods as there won't be fuel lines in the way.

Just a quick question, if I do remove the fuel lines from the housing will I have to do any special procedure before starting the engine after reinstalling the lines to the housing?

32 minutes ago, starwars75 said:

Just a quick question, if I do remove the fuel lines from the housing will I have to do any special procedure before starting the engine after reinstalling the lines to the housing?

You'd probably have to bleed the air out. Might happen automatically when it primes.

Just make sure all the lines and the filter housing, particularly on the clean side of the filter are scrupulously clean.

Don't fill the filter with diesel when youinstall it either. Needs to be actually filtered through the filter.