Fixing the AHC from hell

[Moridinbg]

I tried at least 3 times to give removing the top bolts a go. The front one is accessible with the front globe removed. I couldn't get a good hold on it with either a normal or ratchet spanner on it. It almost catches and then slips, so I bailed out before I round the bolt. Probably with a different shape spanner it will be more approachable, or a smaller 1/4" socket ratchet.
I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to access the rear bolt.
I went through a few AHC removal videos, people there just sawzall it... That might be the best way as you will be replacing it anyway.

 

[suprasvobodea]

This is fantastic news, Morid! Way to go with the accumulator bleeder as well. (and for taking photos while AHC fluid is spraying everywhere!) Mine's broken too - I'm just leaving it until it causes an issue, but it looks like over drilling, tapping etc will be the way to go when the time comes.

As many of you have followed my 6-month journey through hell >>>> back to Heaven .. May

I make a suggestion. Regarding the accumulator removal to repair/replace a sheared bleed nipple. When it comes to those TWO rear 10mm bolts on top of the unit. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GET ACCESS TO THEM WITH EVEN A RATCHED BOX END WRENCH. SO... I JUST DRILLED A HOLE THROUGH THE FLOOR SHEET METAL OVER THE 2 BOLTS AND ... Guess what ...?? ITS EASY TO REMOVE THEM ...EVEN IF RUSTED !! You just soak them in PB Blaster overnight, even if you shear them off.... you will have the accumulator removed and then either drill out the broken bleeder or replace it if the drill bit easy-out breaks off when you're trying to remove the fractured stud! ( that's what happened to me. )
The above picture is of the driver's seat removed, and you can drill a small 1/2"-5/8" hole through the floor sheet metal and expose the 10mm bolts! I would drill a 0.75" access hole to better see what you are doing, especially if they are rusted or sheared off already. To seal them up after, I used some silicon or even asphalt roof cement cartridges. TRUST ME... THIS IS THE WAY TO FIX THIS AND SAVE 100'S OF HOURS OF FRUSTRATION.

i DID THE SAME THING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE REAR STRUTS.. Although there I bought a 60mm Toyota cover to seal up the hole I cut with a hole saw. I will write up a complete summary of that in a different post. If you have immediate questions on gaining access to the rear struts, then message me directly and will share what I learned with just 1 week of frustration with cutting access holes!