2000 Elantra Fuel Filter Lesson Learned

The in connection was very tight. I took the air filter module and entire
fuel filter bracket off. I removed the out fitting to the filter. I gently
pushed the filter sideways to acces the bottom (in) fitting. The factory
hex head is very short, so I used small vise grips and a 14mm crescent on
the fuel line hex head. Turn the vise grips counter-clockwise while
holding the 14mm wrench.

The replacement filter had a hex head that was 3 times taller. Also, check
for burrs around the air filter mounting bracket before you reach in
there. A file may save you a few cuts.

 

I had a heckuva time with mine as well. I was trying it with regular
wrenches and a neighbor noticed my frustration and let me borrow some
"fuel line" wrenches. They were more "closed" than a regular wrench and
were easier to hold onto things. But yes, it was on there VERY tight.
New one was much easier to get on than the old one was to get off.

Steve