Thread: 300TDI Autobox filter change

Dave: It can be just squeezed out without the crossmember being removed, but you still have to move the left trans mount as it is in the way of one of the nuts. The other issue is even though the pan itself can move forward with the crossmember in place, the pickup tube is in the way of a clean remove, so you need to remove and replace the pickup with the pan half on. I have done all this thinking it would save time, but its a pain. Plan the time, support the transfer case and remove the crossmember, it makes for a much cleaner job overall - all the auto pan components are easier to remove and replace correctly. This is my opinion at least. PS, there is no need to remove the exhaust on the TDI. Simon

Originally Posted by Spel1

Dave: It can be just squeezed out without the crossmember being removed, but you still have to move the left trans mount as it is in the way of one of the nuts. The other issue is even though the pan itself can move forward with the crossmember in place, the pickup tube is in the way of a clean remove, so you need to remove and replace the pickup with the pan half on. I have done all this thinking it would save time, but its a pain. Plan the time, support the transfer case and remove the crossmember, it makes for a much cleaner job overall - all the auto pan components are easier to remove and replace correctly. This is my opinion at least. PS, there is no need to remove the exhaust on the TDI. Simon

Hi Simon

Thanks for the reply, yes will remove the crossmember, sometime more work is less time, cheers Dave

I did mine without removing the cross member but had to loosen the LH tc mount , replaced the kick down cable which had snapped at the same time.

I did mine a month or so back. Tips? I hear you say. Tie the exhaust to one side, it gets in the way of your spanners. I found I didn't need to move the crossmember but that is personal choice, I'm used to moving things in small European engine bays! I didn't have a problem taking the pickup off but maybe that's all the underbody damage speaking!

Regards,
Lane