Alero Fuel filter

[kernalklink]

I have an 1999 alero 2.4 and i just finishing my tune up, and i was replacing the fuel filter. the factory filter is still inplace on the car and it is ridiculous. the filter has a flare and nut on one side and the other side is some sort of black spring like lock. any suggestions for easy removal of this damn clip. i have managed to break 2 of the plastic tabs off trying to remove it. i figured that you had to spread the whole thing for removal and in doing so i pulled too hard and broke to tabs off. i really need to get this figured out i hve to work in like 3 hours(ha) and i have a fuel filter just hanging below my car half broken?
please please someone must know an easy way for removal.

[nqc2k]

Taken form Heyness repair manual.

Squeeze the white plastic quick disconnect tabs together and pull the inlet line away from the filter, then detach the outlet line from the fuel filter - unbolt the filter mounting bracket to remove the fuel filter.

[kernalklink]

its not that easy, this is not the quick disconnect type. the new filter i have is a quick disconnect. i was able to remove the black plastic clip(destroyed it) and not the filter is still stuck in place. there seems to be a set of clips within the bell housing of the connector. what to do?

[GMMerlin]

Originally Posted by kernalklink

its not that easy, this is not the quick disconnect type. the new filter i have is a quick disconnect. i was able to remove the black plastic clip(destroyed it) and not the filter is still stuck in place. there seems to be a set of clips within the bell housing of the connector. what to do?

The black clips were for you to release the filter...push the clip in and pull the filter off..
Now you will have to release the 4 metal tabs that hold the filter or get a release tool to remove it.

[vamc]

I have the same prob with my alero. All the clips are broke. Its not that easy is correct! I have to have 2 vise grips on both sides and a flat head screwdriver to get it to pull off. It takes a good 20 min of fighting with it to get it off. I think 2 visefrips with a flat head screw driver will work. thats what i use and it works.

[PotIsYourFriend]

I was going to change my fuel filter until I had gas spray me in the face......

[JTrujillo86]

That's why you're supposed to relieve the pressue in the system before starting any work on the fuel lines...

Jeremy

[kernalklink]

...it's a pressured system!
I ended up cutting it off and removing the metal clips with a flat head screw driver and a pair of vice grips. I dont think it worked right in the first place to have the black plastic thing on it, i cant see how it was setup to remove the filter to begin with or maybe it slipped off the metal clips but i think cutting it and pulling it off my was was the only way. the new filter is super sweet compared to the old!

[vamc]

How do you take out the pressure? There is no way of doing that, is there?

[kernalklink]

Loosen nut very slowly! and have good patients + safety glasses!

[PotIsYourFriend]

Originally Posted by JTrujillo86

That's why you're supposed to relieve the pressue in the system before starting any work on the fuel lines...

Jeremy

LOL, now you tell me.... Nothing feels better than gasoline in the eyes....

[vamc]

no, but it makes as a good aftershave! duhh.! lol

[alerofan01]

To release the fuel pressure, start the car and then remove the fuel pump relay.

[JTrujillo86]

To take that a little further:

- Jack the car up first. After its where you want it in order to do the work on it, set the e-brake and start the car; make sure its in park of course.
- With the car running, open the hood. Then remove the cover to the fuse box relay. Pull the relay for the fuel pump and let the car die on its own. Once its dead, turn the car completely off.
- Complete the work and then reinsert the relay. The car should start okay now.

- Jeremy

[holdout]

I have 1999 alero, broke off the 4 black tabs out of frustration. I tried 2 different quick release tools, no luck. I think I'll just leave well enough alone since car is running fine now.
If i HAD to get off, think i would cut off the existing tube that comes off from the filter...maybe I could access what's left of the quick release mech. then...or just attach to new filter with a hose and clamps using the stub left when cut off ???