I've been a little curious about the circular plates bolted to the chassis floor under the rear seats (photo).

What is directly under them? Do they provide easy access for servicing? Why do they exist?

Photo curtesy of Robin Casady.

 

I think they allow access to the top of the fuel tank - more importantly, they give you access to the fuel pump and fuel level sending unit.

 

Thank you, Scott.

 

You're welcome - I don't have access to my service manual right now, and I was hoping someone else could chime in and tell us exactly what's under each access cover, because I don't know.

 

What about the fuel filter? How is it accessed?

It would be something of a pain, but all my stuff can be unbolted and removed to gain access to those panels.

 

I would imagine the filter (or at least one of them - there may be a second one under the bonnet) is probably part of the pump assembly in the tank.

Oftentimes, though, the filter in the tank is more of a metal mesh "pre-filter" just to keep big chunks from getting into the fuel lines. I've never needed to replace a tank filter on any of my cars - I just replace the ones under the hood every two or three years.

 

Does the same go for the R53?
I don't mean to high jack, just did not want to start a thread for this in my section.
Thanks guys.