V6 Fuel Filter Replacement

by: sonnybk


Background:

I replaced the fuel filter on my '98 V6 Passat. Took about an hour and was relatively painless.
Figured I'd do my first write up since the only one I could find was for a 1.8t and had NO pics (I like pics).

Fuel filter should be replaced every 60K miles

Keep in mind: I am not an expert (nor claim to be) and I hold no responsibility for when you work on your car. This write-up is only to help fellow DIY'ers. Gasoline if flammable and dangerous, so please be aware of your workspace.

Tools:

  • 10mm long socket
  • Phillips Head Screw Driver
  • Vice Grips and Rag
  • Sharp pair of pliers (or cutting tool)
  • ramps (or jack stands)

Parts:

  • OEM Fuel Filter BOSCH Part# 0 450 905 030 (~$15.00)
  • * 5/16" fuel clamps (no holes!)

1) Put the rear of your car on ramps (preferably 2 piece ramps that come apart)
It will also help to have a cart with wheels to lie down on and to put jack stands as support.

dualramps.jpg
roller.jpg

2) Now look under the car at the torsion beam in the rear and you'll see a skid plate that stretches the width of the whole car.. That will have to come off for you to access the fuel filter. There are four 10mm bolts (that need a deep socket) and one Phillips screw.

skidplate2.jpg
10mm.jpg
removebolt.jpg

3) Once the cover is off, it's time to depressurize the system. Remove fuse #28 (little gas sign on your card) and crank the engine until it stalls. Crank it again for 3 seconds and you're done. Now go back under the car, you will be able to see the rusted fuel filter in front of the right rear wheel.
filterclamp.jpg

4) Remove the two bolts in the picture above and remove the clamp. The filter will hang freely now. Take your Vice Grips and clamp down the hose coming from the gas tank with a rag around the hose (to protect it).

removal.jpg

5) Now you want to take your Pliers (or sharp cutting tool) and cut the tops off the clamps. Do this slowly because you do not want to hurt the hose. Twist the hose off (with pliers if you need) and let the gas drain into a pan.
You may want to wear latex gloves to avoid exposure to gasoline on skin

Old filter and decapitated clamps:
oldfilter.jpg

New Clamps: (from pep-boys for 3 bucks…pack of 4)
clamps.jpg

6) Now install the new filter with the arrow going the same way (pointing towards front of car). Clamps should be TIGHT to prevent leaking. You won't hurt the hose if you bought the same clamps as I did.
newfilter.jpg

7) Replace the #28 fuse and turn the key to the on position a couple of times (to try and re-pressurize the system). Start engine to see if there are any leaks (may stall, but will start up normal after a 2nd or 3rd attempt). Look back at the clamps on the fuel filter: If no leaks… then install bracket. If leaking then tighten more.
filterinstalled.jpg

You can replace the 2" rubber fuel line (on the left), but mine looked fine.

8) Put back on skid plate and feel the clean fuel running through your cars veins…

This should be done every 60K miles. I waited till 90K and I had a clogged injector a few months ago. Using Fuel Injector Cleaner (like Techron) every 6-10K miles is a great way to keep your system clean.

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