2000-03 Avensis 2.0 Vvti - How Do You Change The Fuel Filter?

[r.welfare]

I've purchased a fuel filter for my 2002/02 Avensis 2.0 VVTI. The Haynes manual makes the change look wonderfully easy - but for reasons only known to themselves, Toyota appear to have made access to the filter near-impossible.

I just can't physically seem to get access with 14mm and 19mm spanners to undo the inlet union, either from above or below. Tried taking out the air inlet trunking for easier access, but no joy. The heater pipes are in the way from above; the inlet manifold from the side; and the gearbox from below!

I undid the bracket holding the filter to the bulkhead (losing the rubber grommets in the process - wonderful!), but I couldn't seem to swing the filter into a better position.

Am I missing something obvious here?

Thanks

Richard