Fuel Filter Lines Stuck

**steveeo87** · 01-09-2010 04:34 PM

I was changing my fuel filter today when I ran into a problem, the 2 lines towards the engine side that connect to the fuel filter are stuck and I cant figure out how to take them off. Also the blue clips on the 2 lines leading to the rear of the fuel filter broke off... what is the easiest way to fix those? Would I need to buy the whole fuel line leading to the tank or does Audi sell just the ends(connecting clips)? Help will appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Engine Side Fuel Lines

Rear Side Fuel Lines

**mrbacardi35** · 01-09-2010 05:08 PM

Holy shit batman. If i remember right all it takes is just needle nose to pinch and pull. I would say you need the whole line because I never seen anyone replacing the tip on AZ thread nor sold.

**PDX04a4** · 01-09-2010 05:48 PM

holy shit, you really did a number on those lines. by the way, the secret is to push the lines toward the filter, pinch the clips and then give it a good pull. comes off clean every time. you should not be using any pliers, screwdrivers or any other prying device to get the lines off, FAIL.

you will probably have to replace the lines.

**steveeo87** · 01-09-2010 07:53 PM

i tried pinch the clips n it wasnt working so got a screw driver and tryed pushing the clips in and thats when they just broke off

... ya im just going to have to replace the lines.

thanks for the help you guys

**Agro** · 01-09-2010 11:12 PM

it isnt like those lines go firing off from huge amounts of pressure. You could rig it for a while with some hose clamps. It'll hold fine. Sure it isnt ideal, sure it isnt OEM, but they wont go anywhere.

The rear you can swap the plugs on, but the front its molded. One is short, and easy to swap as you can see where it bends in a U and then plugs in to another port (about 8" or so in length maybe), the other leads all the way up I think.. Been a while. Good luck

**dougyfresh** · 01-10-2010 05:54 AM

pliers:

looks like those lines are fucked. you can try to put new connectors on but I don't think that will happen. gonna have to buy the whole line.

**Undisputed** · 01-10-2010 07:04 AM

Yup. I did the same thing to mine and ended up having to take it to the dealer. They had to order the line I needed. It's expensive. $100 or something stupid like that. Once those clips break, you're outta luck.

**Peoples-2** · 01-10-2010 09:06 AM

Originally Posted by Undisputed

Yup. I did the same thing to mine and ended up having to take it to the dealer. They had to order the line I needed. It's expensive. $100 or something stupid like that. Once those clips break, you're outta luck.

How much did the dealer charge you for labor? What year are you and quattro/fwd?

**Undisputed** · 01-10-2010 09:42 AM

I'll have to find my reciepts when I get home. I know I still have them all. I'll tell you exactly what it was. I'm 05' quattro.

**Peoples-2** · 01-10-2010 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by Undisputed

I'll have to find my reciepts when I get home. I know I still have them all. I'll tell you exactly what it was. I'm 05' quattro.

any chance they gave you the part #s too?

thanks!

**manhertm** · 01-10-2010 07:38 PM

I did that to one of my lines, 2 years later nothing has happened. Like someone said, the pressure is minimal, and those lines have no reason to move, so it will stay put. Maybe if I feel like doing something for the summer, I might tackle it, but probably not. It has affected anything. Just my 2 cents.

**KFizz** · 02-06-2012 07:30 PM

So I've done this same thing. Destroyed my rear clips. What all is involved in changing these lines? Ideally I'd like something flexible, as the oem ones seem prone to kinking. Braided even. Any help would be appreciated. I can hear my pump starting to struggle now with one of the lines being partially bent.

**ECS Tuning-Audi** · 02-07-2012 12:20 PM

Get yourself a set of fuel line pliers, we have them available below.

Click HERE to order or for more information.

Jason

**Charles.waite** · 02-07-2012 12:23 PM

Man, sounds like a bunch of ham fisted neandethals here. I've changed my fuel filter twice and never needed pliers or tools. You've got to finesse it out. Its not that hard...

**boy412** · 02-07-2012 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by Charles.waite

Man, sounds like a bunch of ham fisted neandethals here. I've changed my fuel filter twice and never needed pliers or tools. You've got to finesse it out. Its not that hard...

Well I know that NOW!

I did this too when I first changed my fuel filter...and for the moment I just have some hose clamps securing the clips I broke. Someday I'll replace the lines but thankfully this isn't something I have to look at every day.

@Jason...the fuel line pliers won't do him much good now.

**KFizz** · 02-07-2012 12:39 PM

Yea the pliers are no good now, there are no clips left to depress. And they look like they're only good for the one hose type (engine side). The other ones require something skinnier. Honestly though, I didn't emediatly resort to trying to force them off. I read the DIY and I tried on 2 seperate ocasions on the same weekend. My clips were not easily removed. Maybe it's weather related, I'm not sure. But lots of people have this issue it seems. I'm tempted to fabricate something out of AN fittings now. I'm just worried about clearance near the pump access. I also found these that look kinda cool. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-641300/

**ECS Tuning-Audi** · 02-07-2012 12:44 PM

We have a supply hose on clearance currently if you need a replacement!

Click HERE

Jason

**Charles.waite** · 02-07-2012 01:33 PM

Originally Posted by KFizz

Yea the pliers are no good now, there are no clips left to depress. And they look like they're only good for the one hose type (engine side). The other ones require something skinnier. Honestly though, I didn't emediatly resort to trying to force them off. I read the DIY and I tried on 2 seperate ocasions on the same weekend. My clips were not easily removed. Maybe it's weather related, I'm not sure. But lots of people have this issue it seems. I'm tempted to fabricate something out of AN fittings now. I'm just worried about clearance near the pump access. I also found these that look kinda cool. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RUS-641300/

That actually wouldn't be a bad idea.

I mostly kid, mine were a major pain in the ass to remove. Incidentally, keeping the fuel tank pressurized (not taking the gas cap off) helps "shoot" the lines off, though you make a much bigger mess and waste much more gas. I know because I forgot to unscrew said gas cap last time.

At least I know my fuel filter isn't a shitty Hengst one. Of course the damage has already been done to my Fuel Pump. Its starting to make noise while driving. So pissed...

**69clark** · 02-07-2012 01:38 PM

Looking at this lines, it just looks like regular plastic fuel injection line. If so, buy a new plastic fitting, cut the old one off, heat up the plastic line (I think they recommend boiling water but I have used a lighter and a heat gun and both have worked), and slide the new fitting on before it cools. Your done....

Or is the problem that you can't just buy the plastic fittings? Because if you can you guys are making a simple issue way bigger than in needs to be. Am I missing something?

**KFizz** · 02-07-2012 03:07 PM

I'm thinking I'll keep the lighter away from the fuel lines. Especially while I'm laying on my back under the car, with it 4 inches in front of my nose. You can buy new plactic connectors. My issues with this are: I'm putting back in the same connectors that I was unable to disconnect the last time. This is what got me into this whole mess in the first place. Secondly, I'll have to splice into the existing line. I personally would just rather not have splices, just another place to leak. However I may end up using rubber line instead of braided. The cost of braided is high, they are a pain in the ass to make, and nobody will ever see them.

**69clark** · 02-07-2012 04:00 PM

Originally Posted by KFizz

I'm thinking I'll keep the lighter away from the fuel lines. Especially while I'm laying on my back under the car, with it 4 inches in front of my nose. You can buy new plactic connectors. My issues with this are: I'm putting back in the same connectors that I was unable to disconnect the last time. This is what got me into this whole mess in the first place. Secondly, I'll have to splice into the existing line. I personally would just rather not have splices, just another place to leak. However I may end up using rubber line instead of braided. The cost of braided is high, they are a pain in the ass to make, and nobody will ever see them.

Well yes obviously you don't want to use a lighter on the car, that's more of an on the work bench solution. As for putting in the new plastic piece, it's not really a splice, it is the same sort of connection that the factory uses. Just cut the line back enough from where the original conector was and the heat it up and insert the new connect, thats how the OEMline is done. if you look at the picture of the line that ECS posted you see where the barbs of the connector are bulging the plastic line. That's why you want to heat the plastic to make it soft, push the new one in and let cool.

However, if you are looking for a solution that you won't have the same type of connector as you have now, then yes you'll have to come up with something else.

**69clark** · 02-07-2012 04:02 PM

The only other issue is that you will be cutting the plastic line back about an inch, you'll just need to make sure there is enough slack in the line to not be too short to connect it again.

Just trying to save some guys a bunch of time and money. This is a standard repair to these types of lines.

**KFizz** · 02-07-2012 06:05 PM

I agree that may be a more simple solution. I feel like the existing lines are are a little too stiff though and are therefore prone to kinking as they did. I think I'd just prefer to have a more flexable line. We'll see though. I'll have to crawl back under there in the next couple days and have a good look. Last time I was so angry I couldn't think straight.

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