Does anyone have any "extra" tips on replacing the filter on a 98 A4? I've read the tech tips, and was hoping I could remove it without removing my exhaust as most write ups mention. It is a PAIN to line back up!

 

I posted how I did this about a year or so ago. Look for that post.
Basically theres VERY LITTLE room for BIG HANDS like mine to get up and remove the lines and the nut holding the filter to the body. I tried to work with the muffler in place but finally removed the two bolts and swung the muffler enough to get a hand up there to release the nylon fittings at each end of the filter and remove the nut holding the filter.
DO NOT REMOVE THE MUFFLER JUST THE BOLTS holding it on to the tail pipe. I also used some black high temp paint (for charcoal grills) to touch up the peeling black paint on the muffler.
MAKE SURE YOU REPLACE BOTH INPUT AND OUTPUT NYLON FITTINGS.
Mine leaked really bad and poured gas onto the muffler because one of the nylon retainers on the filter was deteriorated and the 80 or 90 PSI line pressure caused the gas to pour out like Niagra Falls. I used a filter that looked JUST LIKE the GM one but cost about $8 not $20 or so that they wanted for the OEM filter. It came with both nylon retainers. If you didn't get 2 new nylon retainers you can purchase them from NAPA or other parts stores for a couple of bucks.
Use a drop of motor oil at both ends before reconnecting the lines as this will coat the sealing o-rings and prevent leakage.
MAKE SURE that BOTH fittings snap in place or you will have a leak later.
Before removing jack stands and lowering the car turn on the ignition a few times to let the pump run and make sure nothing is leaking.
Took me about 2 hours with one hour wasted trying to remove the deteriorated fitting with the muffler in the way.
Good luck BIGHANK

 

Thanks BH.
Not what I wanted to hear, but what I needed to I guess. I'll search for your post.
I guess I'll plan on unbolting the exhaust (magnaflow) since I usually have to get my wife to do most of the close quarter "reaching" task for me, and I won't ask her to do this; It's just that the last time I did, I didn't think I would ever get it back the way I wanted it
The filters at Autozone and advance run about $22; Did you find a good filter for a better price. I havn't checked Chevy, since the one here in town doesn't really "deal" with Vettes a lot.
Thanks

 

Here's a tip from experience...suck it up and pay the higher price for the genuine GM filter. I learned the hard way after the connector fell apart on the aftermarket fram.

 

 

The filter I used was IDENTICAL in shape size and connectors to the OEM one and was only $8 or $10 dollars not $22 or $30 (vette tax).
I first went to NAPA and their filter (WIX I think) was much different than the OEM one. Was all metal and had a metal one time insertion connector on one end which looked like it would destroy the fuel line if you ever had to remove it. The one I got was plastic and included both nylon gas line fittings. Make sure you REMOVE the nylon fitting still attached to the fuel line and replace it with the NEW ONE.
As I said the reason my filter leaked like a sieve was the deterioration of the connector and resultant seperation of enough space to cause a gushing of gas down and onto the muffler. It took a good half hour using needle nose pliers and very slow and delicate nipping to get the deteriorated one off without damaging the fuel lines. If your fittings are still decent you can remove them by using your index finger and thumb to squeeze the ends of the connector together (toward the fuel line) or you can use needle nose pliers and/or a very small screwdriver.
Once they are released the filter will seperate by some pulling and gentle twisting.
Have Fun. BIGHANK

 

For me personally, It really has nothing to do with price, I'm just not a big fan of AC Delco parts.

 

The original lasted 8 years (low miles) and the first replacement lasted 3 months.My GM master mechanic says they replace a lot of aftermarket filters that leak, but don't get any come backs on genuine GM. I paid $13 from the dealer.