1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 6 cylinder

I tested the fuel pressure by connecting the pressure guage to the schraeder valve on the fuel rail. Got a reading of 0 psi. Looks like I need a new fuel pump. I got under the car to check out the gas tank. I saw the two straps and the bolts to remove at the end of the tank closest to the front of the car. At the back end of the car there is a metal bar welded in holding a tow hitch. It's just a few inches from the gas tank. I felt up in the space between that bar and the tank but could not locate any bolts to remove to get the straps off at that end. So, what am I missing? The bolts must be there. How do I get to them?

 

there's just the two bolts holding the straps.


Support the tank with a jack or something sturdy.Syphon out as much fuel as you can so it's not so heavy. Loosen the nuts enought that you can twist the bolts 90° and they will pop out and you can swing the straps out of the way. Disconnect your hoses (you might need a fuel line disconnect tool for your year) so you can get the tank all the way out from under the jeep to give you room to work on the pump. remove the pump and check all your hoses and the tank for any other parts that need to be replaced while you have things apart.

Reverse process to get back together.

 

The bolts are called J-Bolts and I strongly advise you to soak them with PB Blaster for a day or two before you try to take them off. Both of mine broke; I had to weld them back together before I could get new straps and bolts delivered. You'll see how the straps are attached once you drop the tank.

 

good writeup on jeepforum

 

those j hooks always snap. and they're hard to get.

i would just go through the floor in the cargo area. then just make an access plate to cover the hole.

 

Dont forget you need to remove the small cover from the fill tubes and disconnect them from the tank as well. You will have to loosen the bolts holding the hitch to the frame on that side as the cover is pinched between the hitch and the frame rail. I would just have replacment bolts for the straps on hand and not even worry about trying to save the old ones. It will save you lots of time to either just cut them or break them off and move on.