EGR valve driver side removal tips

[StuartS]

Hi,

I replaced my passenger side EGR with no real problems, now I'm rapidly discovering that the driver's side is way more difficult due to the very restricted space.

In the photo you can see that what little space there is is blocked by brake lines and assorted wiring. It seems clear to me I'll have to disconnect all those. Before I do that I just wanted to check if anyone has done this before and has any tips. 

For example I can disconnect these brake lines from the ABS unit but as at least two of the lines pass under the abs unit (and maybe even under the mounting bracket) so I still wouldn't get much play to get these out of the way. So should I just go ahead and remove the ABS unit and its mounting so I get enough play in the brake lines to lift them up or push down out of the way.

Similar problem with the wiring that passes through this area eventually goes to the fuse box. but some go underneath and It's difficult to see how you could disconnect these without removing the fuse box completely.  

It's sort of a toss up between fiddling around in horrendous tight space OR removing tons of stuff to get a bit more room. My instinct tells me to just accept the fact that I need to clear some space and remove ABS and fuse box to get this area cleared.

One last thing...

that insulating material around the brake reservoir and master cylinder is also a nightmare. Can that be removed easily? I was thinking of just cutting it out to get access then re-attaching it with velcro.

Any tips would be gratefully received. Or does anyone strongly agree/disagree with my assumption that I should remove ABS and fusebox to safely and effectively clear this space. I know once i can undo the bolts the whole egr/cooler assembly will wiggle free but i'm buggered if I can get anywhere near the bolts.

 

[Dean Wellman]

I can't offer any advice, but wish you every success,  I'm dreading having to do anything  major under the bonnet, because, as you have clearly described, there is virtually zero space to work! Post up your progress as it may well be useful to others. Working on engines used to be so simple, but now when I look under the bonnet, I just think, nope 😬 ... And just shut it again! 🙄

[StuartS]

On 8/27/2023 at 8:52 AM, Dean Wellman said:

I can't offer any advice, but wish you every success,  I'm dreading having to do anything  major under the bonnet, because, as you have clearly described, there is virtually zero space to work! Post up your progress as it may well be useful to others. Working on engines used to be so simple, but now when I look under the bonnet, I just think, nope 😬 ... And just shut it again! 🙄

Thanks Dean, I've nearly finished the job and I took a few photos. I'll try and do a write up.