The "pump cap" on my bosch washing machine model WFR2867GB/01 is stuck fast, and I need to clean the filter. Nothing I can do loosens it, and the plastic grip is breaking when I try to use metal tools for leverage. Does anyone have any tricks for how I might get it off? I am now assuming that I will need to replace it (the part is available for a tenner), but I don't want to puncture it and then find that I still can't it off.

David, January 2010

I had the same problem and worked at it so much I cracked the handle piece of the cap. But I took some advice here and gently and repetitively worked the cap back and forth. The more I did that the farther I could get it to turn. Eventually it came out. Then I was able to clean all the threads for a tighter seal. It's a bad design for sure. Does anyone know where to get a replacement cap? I found one on amazon for $65!!!!!!! There has to be a cheaper model somewhere . . .

C. Simon, May 2016

THX, for advice.
IMO the reason is the design of the pump cap -- if there is any obstruction in the pump inlet the cap wont turn due to bars holding the rear part of the cap (look into bosch spares explosion pics on their web).

Actually You do not have to dismantle the entire machine /pump (mine is mounted as tower with dryer).
Once removing the low front plate (1 T-screw + clips), and unscrewing the single T-screw in front holding the pump in place You can access the pump inlet via the holes in front.
Use adjustable pliers to ease the spring tightening the hose to the pump inlet. Beware the water spilling from the pump (YOU HAVE DISCONNECTED THE MAINS). Then use long nose pliers to dig the dirt from the pump inlet.
[My machine is WFR3250 and pump Bosch/Siemens 142370].

Karl the handy, March 2011

A guy on another site used wd40 and a hammer.
Ours wasn't completely seized, it would turn about 30 degrees and then jam, so wouldn't screw off.
It turned out the thing jamming the pump was also stopping the cap from screwing off. The pump was easy to remove (DISCONNECT MACHINE FROM ELECTRICAL MAINS, set machine on head, remove base plate, unscrew the pump mounting screw above the cap, remove the 2 hose spring clips and hoses, unclip the electrical connector, lift out pump)
Once I had the pump in my had, I could remove the piece of wire debris using snub nose pliers, pulling it out either the pumps inlet or outlet. The cap was now free to unscrew.

Salzar, March 2010