2005 Xterra Fuel Sending unit replacement

[rockhead]

Since Nissan has decided not to replace the defective fuel sending unit after 39k miles on my X, I'm going to do it myself and save around $300.Looking at the process, it says I need a special tool to unlock the fuel tank lock ring. Has anyone had success unlocking the ring with something other than that tool? It costs $85 and I really wouldn't have any use for it ever again. The manual also several steps which posters in other forums have not mentioned, like dropping the tank..Has anyone replaced one of these, and if so, could you post a step by step for a semi-novice.For anyone with an Xterra, Pathfinder or Titan, you'll have about a 40% chance of having to do this at some point between 35k and 60k miles.

[mister2nr]

You have to drop the tank for sure if you've never done this or not to mechanically inclined I wouldn't suggest without some help. But once I've gotten it off with a screwdriver while the tool was "occupied" and put back on but not easy. Biggest thing about doing this is to make sure you do it without any gas in the tank makes it a lot easier especially if you are doing this on the ground and without a lift.

[driftingmy240sx]

make sure you use a new o-ring also, once gas touched the old one it will expand and never fit agian. yes the tank must come out. be carefull not to break the wiring harness or the evap line.