Fuel filter and serpentine belt on TT

[FC]

What a PITA mostly because of access but not having a DIY guide didn't help.

The biggest issue slowing me down was being careful that as I yanked a hose I wasn't going to pull a connector or destroy something else. Once I got past that and pulled the air box and related plumbing, I tackled the fuel filter.

I did myself no favors by not realizing the entire housing came off as a sub-assembly. Instead, I ended up doing arthroscopic surgery removing, the filter while trying to not take off anything else. As a result, parts fell in the depths of the engine bay, which was SOOO much fun to retrieve. Going in was easier as I pre-assembled everything.

Also, my dumb ass didn't realize the new filter had a cap that would have been perfect used on the old filter to prevent dumping a cup of fuel on tons of rags. I ended up spilling little on the engine bay, but still.

Then the belt. WTF. I suspect one really ought to pull the bumper. Nevertheless, it was a PITA, but it was done.

Test drove the car up to temp and all is well with no fuel leaks at all.

Maybe it's placebo, but the car feels and sounds a bit better. Fuel filter is a 40k item and I suspect this was the original (91k miles now).

Old belt (original?) still looked pretty good with no cracks, but color seemed off and backside was a bit worn.

Tough job, but I am happy I did it and finally made a bond with my car. All prior work was pretty cake. This one I had to earn.

[kognito]

digging that lift?

[bren]

I also fall victim to trying to disassemble as little as possible, and it does often lead to more work in the long run.

[FC]

Originally Posted by kognito

digging that lift?

Actually, all this work was from the top, so no need for the lift. But I have used it on wheels swaps, brake jobs, fluid changes, etc, and it's great to have.