Last night I went to change my oil and found out the Toyota filter is a _____
to take off contrary to what I thought. It appeared to be easy to get to but is tight
as..... the girl next door. :x

Anyone help me out with some advice with taking it of. I have one of those oil filter
removal things which is adjustable for every oil filter but it's not working. I have no oil
in it right now and need to take that damn filter off asap. Thanks for any help anyone
can provide.

-C Dog

the old "poke a screwdriver all the way though it and spin it off" would probably work.

I haven't changed my own oil yet, but if you can get to the filter seem, run an ice-cube around it until it melts. This will make the rubber gasket contract.
Then wrench the thing off with some parallel locking pliars...again, if you can reach.

LOL...toyota does that on all their cars. I had the same prob, then i remembered that this happened when i tried to change the filter on my dads tacoma. Anyways, they sell an oil filter removal tool, that is kinda like a big socket that fits on the filter, and then you just pop in you wratchet and bingo it comes right out....the tool is under 10 bucks at autozone or kragen or pep boys.
http://www.type-911.co.uk/images/specialisttools/oilwrench.jpg

Yep that is the best tool for oil changes. But you must make sure you get the right size. As all oil filters are not the same size.

but if he can't put oil in his car and can't get to a place to buy one...........................

but if he can't put oil in his car and can't get to a place to buy one...........................
-Good Point
I forgot to mention that my GF took me to get one of those socket things last night
and that didn't work because apparantly I somewhat stripped the socket part of the oil
filter. It looks like I might be using the

old "poke a screwdriver all the way though it and spin it off" technique. I am
usually pretty logically thinking but didn't think of that.
Thanks for the help, you guys are awesome. I will let ya'll know if I am successful.

Go to sears or any automotive supply that sells tools and pick up a spider type filter tool.

I dont have a pic off hand but those are the best.

http://www.ctatools.com/catalogs/oilfilter.pdf

Look at the pic in the previous post. We use the #2595 strap wrenches. Work for all filters, basically, and you can use them for other things.

Look at the pic in the previous post. We use the #2595 strap wrenches. Work for all filters, basically, and you can use them for other things.

The strap wrench is the best way to go. When using it put it either close to the base of the filter or close to the end of the filter. Put it in the middle and you might crush the can.

The "poke a hole in it"method is a last resort. if the metal of the filter tears (and that's likely on a new thin filter can) you are left without anything to get hold of. Better to buy and use the correct tool in the first place.

BTW, read the filter can for instructions on how to install the filter. It usually specifies a particular number of turns to tighten the filter. Don't just slam it on like the dealer "technician".

George

u mean http://www.type-911.co.uk/images/specialisttools/oilwrench.jpg wont work??

looks like a perfect tool

u mean http://www.type-911.co.uk/images/specialisttools/oilwrench.jpg wont work??

looks like a perfect tool

It will work, provided that the filter has the correct shape to match the tool.

Strap wrenches always work!

George

agreed, george........but if he can't get out to get the right tool.......and he HAS to get it off...then as a last resort, I'd use the screwdriver method.


If I were him I'd leave the stuck filter on until I could get the right tool........

agreed, george........but if he can't get out to get the right tool.......and he HAS to get it off...then as a last resort, I'd use the screwdriver method.


If I were him I'd leave the stuck filter on until I could get the right tool........

Absolutely! One thing I learned early on is that having the right tools is the first thing you should do in any job! :)

You mean that a butter knife isnt a screw driver, and an adjustable wrench isnt a hammer? Hows about using a flat head screw driver as a chisel, now that has to be allowed?

I have tried and tried to explain this to my wife, but will she learn ...... noooo :P

As for my particular situation, the best tool for the job was a (rubber) strap type
adjustible oil filter "wrench". It took it off quick and somewhat easy. I didn't realize
that there were so many different types of oil filter removal tools.
The main problem was that I thought I had the correct tool for the job but that damn
thing didn't work. Just isn't enough space for the metal adjustable oil filter wrench.
Another thing I heard works (from my pops) is a regular leather belt. Works the same
as that strap type removal tool on the page provided above by Proto k7
(http://www.ctatools.com/catalogs/oilfilter.pdf)
I am using a Bosch oil filter w/ Valvoline synthetic blend.I realized once I had the
Toyota Filter off that the bosch might be more restricting based on the appearance of
the insides. I will get toyote or TRD for my next oil change and problably stick with full
synthetic oil.
Thanks for all the help.

is anyone else in socal? i bought mine from claremont toyota/scion and i was told that the scions come with free lifetime oil changes every 5000 miles. i think it's true, because a coworker of mine bought one a while ago and he told me the same thing. i normally change my own oil, but if it only costs me disposal fees, then i'll take it to the dealer to do it.

looks like i am getting a strap wrench for the toolbox too.

is anyone else in socal? i bought mine from claremont toyota/scion and i was told that the scions come with free lifetime oil changes every 5000 miles. i think it's true, because a coworker of mine bought one a while ago and he told me the same thing. i normally change my own oil, but if it only costs me disposal fees, then i'll take it to the dealer to do it.

I believe you get 3 free oil changes.

Sears has a 2 fer on the strap wrenches with the rubber strap. 2 different sizes for something like 20 bucks, and hey, its a Craftsman

I am in Socal and have not heard anything about free oil changes (beside the three provided by Scion). It's probably something you got just from that particular d/ship. Don't know.
About the strap oil filter, Craftsman is the one I used and it worked great. If ya'll plan to change your own oil, get one. That ____ was tight :x .

[quote=o4 USDM bB]is anyone else in socal? i bought mine from claremont toyota/scion and i was told that the scions come with free lifetime oil changes every 5000 miles. i think it's true, because a coworker of mine bought one a while ago and he told me the same thing. i normally change my own oil, but if it only costs me disposal fees, then i'll take it to the dealer to do it.[/quote

I believe you get 3 free oil changes.

Scion provides 3 free oil changes, each Scion comes with a factory little "thiingy" that's on the glove box. Anything more than that is probably a special deal that the dealer provides.

C dog,

This is the best wrench for the toyota oil filters.
I have used in on the filters for the past 6 years, because the filter is the same used on the echo, corolla.http://www.handsontools.com/image_manager/attributes/image/image_2/2507_3082_full.gif

[quote="qualityscion"]C dog,
This is the best wrench for the toyota oil filters.
I have used in on the filters for the past 6 years, because the filter is the same used on the echo, corolla. (Image Above)[/quote ]
Hey thanks, that looks like it works awesome. I haven't seen one of those before.
Where can one obtain one of those fancy things? Do you know quality scion?
If you have been using it for 6 years that you probably forgot but that's cool. If you know that's cool if not I will keep my eyes peeled.

they sell an oil filter removal tool, that is kinda like a big socket that fits on the filter, and then you just pop in you wratchet and bingo it comes right out.[/img]

this is definately easiest- and its definately like that with any brand new car regardless of make or model- but i do remember toyotas being one of the toughest- aside from the tool shown in the picture scionracerxb showed there are ones that actually grip tighter the harder you turn, and can be attached to a 3/8" ratchet- you can tell the difference easily as the outside ring is kind of split and there is a spring or two going through the center.

lol didn't see the message right above- thats the one i'm talkin about- get you one of those and you can change oil on any 4cyl toyota, kia, new nissans, new hondas etc.

wel I did three oil changes on thursday before el toro and I used my bear huge hands to remove all of them. ScionJohn, bBted and 2Fixa. They all brought out the toyota tool and I laughed and ripped the filters right off. Now if you will excuse me I have to finish cooling off my hand with this ice bucket! 8) Seriously I did take all of them out by hand, I am blessed with huge hands I guess, but to stay on topic. I recomenned the strap tool for oil filter removal it does work. :D

I'm sitting here scratching my head fellas.

I have never in my life purchased a oil filter remover thingy. I have raced on street with semi modified cars, and on the track with Van Demon's and we have never had the need to crank on an oil filter. I think it's about the time you are willing to take during your maintenence.

I do my own oil changes for a couple of reasons. First, the price for a synthetic oil change is friggin rediculous. Secondly, even if you find a good price, you have some minimum wage goober from god knows where trying to do the work, I am just not that trusting.
Oil changes are really no more difficult than changing your tire.
Now, I haven't recieved my xB yet so I guess there is a possiblity that the filter is in a place where a hand cant really fit, in which case, nevermend what I just wrote. If so, I guess it is true what they say, The biggest difference between Honda and Toyota is the designers at Honda try and make parts easy for the owner to work on whereas Toyota tries to make parts difficault to access so the owner is almost forced to have the dealer do the work at that premium price.


For those of you who actually change your own oil or want to without a filter wrench, a few extra steps should kill the need for a doohicky to tighten the filter.

#1 CHANGE YOUR OIL EVERY 3000, DAMN THE RECOMMENDATIONS!

#1-a Never put your filter on dry, fill 90% of it with oil first.

#2 When it is filled, dip your finger in oil and lubricate the outer seal with it.

#3 Carefully screw on the filter to contact.

#4 Remove any oil spillage from filter sides with a break cleaner soaked rag so the filter isn't slippery.

#5 Wash and dry your hands and then hand tighten the filter as far as you can.

#6 Start your car and check for leaks, keep your eye on it for a day or two. You will get more comfortable with it each time and develop a feel for the tightness.

If you follow do everthing correctly, at your next oil change you should be able to get your filter off by hand. In the 12 years i have been driving I have only had a leak once and that was because the filter was dropped throwing it out of round. It doesnt take much to form a good seal I assure you.

I have owned many cars and this has always worked, however, I have never owned a Toyota so ...........maybe times are changin.

Sorry for the rant.

G

I'm sitting here scratching my head fellas.

I have never in my life purchased a oil filter remover thingy. I have raced on street with semi modified cars, and on the track with Van Demon's and we have never had the need to crank on an oil filter. I think it's about the time you are willing to take during your maintenence.

I do my own oil changes for a couple of reasons. First, the price for a synthetic oil change is friggin rediculous. Secondly, even if you find a good price, you have some minimum wage goober from god knows where trying to do the work, I am just not that trusting.
Oil changes are really no more difficult than changing your tire.
Now, I haven't recieved my xB yet so I guess there is a possiblity that the filter is in a place where a hand cant really fit, in which case, nevermend what I just wrote. If so, I guess it is true what they say, The biggest difference between Honda and Toyota is the designers at Honda try and make parts easy for the owner to work on whereas Toyota tries to make parts difficault to access so the owner is almost forced to have the dealer do the work at that premium price.


For those of you who actually change your own oil or want to without a filter wrench, a few extra steps should kill the need for a doohicky to tighten the filter.

#1 CHANGE YOUR OIL EVERY 3000, DAMN THE RECOMMENDATIONS!

#1-a Never put your filter on dry, fill 90% of it with oil first.

#2 When it is filled, dip your finger in oil and lubricate the outer seal with it.

#3 Carefully screw on the filter to contact.

#4 Remove any oil spillage from filter sides with a break cleaner soaked rag so the filter isn't slippery.

#5 Wash and dry your hands and then hand tighten the filter as far as you can.

#6 Start your car and check for leaks, keep your eye on it for a day or two. You will get more comfortable with it each time and develop a feel for the tightness.

If you follow do everthing correctly, at your next oil change you should be able to get your filter off by hand. In the 12 years i have been driving I have only had a leak once and that was because the filter was dropped throwing it out of round. It doesnt take much to form a good seal I assure you.

I have owned many cars and this has always worked, however, I have never owned a Toyota so ...........maybe times are changin.

Sorry for the rant.

G

Actually, the owners manual says 5k miles OR 7k miles. Also, no need to full up the oil filter before putting it on - it puts no strain on your engine or oil pump. Plus, many car's filter locations are on their sides, so filling it just causes the oil to come out when you reattach it.

#1-a Never put your filter on dry, fill 90% of it with oil first.


G

Actually, the owners manual says 5k miles OR 7k miles. Also, no need to full up the oil filter before putting it on - it puts no strain on your engine or oil pump. Plus, many car's filter locations are on their sides, so filling it just causes the oil to come out when you reattach it.

i agree, i could never figure out why people are filling the filters before installing them. For just that split second when you start the car up after an oil change, the filter is already filled up and doing its job, and the engine is already coated with oil anyway .. hmmmmm.... butcha know what, there are those who will agree, and those who will want me kicked in the nads "cause that just aint right, you have to fill the filter first!" Go figure.

#1-a Never put your filter on dry, fill 90% of it with oil first.


G

Actually, the owners manual says 5k miles OR 7k miles. Also, no need to full up the oil filter before putting it on - it puts no strain on your engine or oil pump. Plus, many car's filter locations are on their sides, so filling it just causes the oil to come out when you reattach it.

i agree, i could never figure out why people are filling the filters before installing them. For just that split second when you start the car up after an oil change, the filter is already filled up and doing its job, and the engine is already coated with oil anyway .. hmmmmm.... butcha know what, there are those who will agree, and those who will want me kicked in the nads "cause that just aint right, you have to fill the filter first!" Go figure.
He's definately correct about 3k rule, toyota says 5 or 7 but they said that with their 2.2L and they had a serious problem with oil gelling and later turned their recommendation back to 3k. I also know from personal experience that a brand new 4cyl toyota engine can have a tendency to burn oil through its infancy (synthetics included) into adulthood so keeping a stricter regiment is advised. The "priming" of the filter was and is really necessary on the larger inline 6 turbo diesels- and larger filters(usually larger engines 8cyl etc.) where you might be worried about early oil starvation. It's not necessary on most newer cars manufactured today but if your filter doesn't sit horizontally it can't hurt. Giovanni is also right that if you pre lube the gasket before installation of the new filter that it will make it dramatically easier to remove later and helps provide a better seal.

I KNEW I wasn't the only one, thanks bro!

G

I use that filter wrench on the first page. I tried to remove the filter from factory by hand and could not get it. I went in and got the filter wrench from our Honda praying it was the same size. It was :P :lol: and what a breeze the filter was to remove.

hello,
i know this is a 100 year old post, but you can use 80 grit sandpaper and wrap it around tha filter and take tha damn thing off!works every time,shadetree eng,works for me.

The Toyota dealer also sells those special filter wrenches.

I use this filter when I change oil, it works for any Toyota.

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/of632.jpg

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2125&page=5瀮

The Toyota dealer also sells those special filter wrenches.

I use this filter when I change oil, it works for any Toyota.

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/of632.jpg

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2125&page=5瀮
This is the easiest, most universal wrench you can find. The more pressure you apply, the tighter it grips.

you have to fill up the filters for the hydro pumps (sorry little off topic) say on like a john deere skid steer or a bobcat

The Toyota dealer also sells those special filter wrenches.

I use this filter when I change oil, it works for any Toyota.

http://www.matcotools.com/ProductImages/of632.jpg

http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2125&page=5瀮
This is the easiest, most universal wrench you can find. The more pressure you apply, the tighter it grips.I'll give you a hint, every Toyota Technician I know uses this tool for most all filters. See your local Matco dealer.

spend $25 have someone change it (jiffy lube whomever) and make sure u are standing there when the put the new filter on and make sure they don't over tighten.

as long as theres oil on the seal and hand tight about a turn past contact and bam u are fine. i change oil via reccomended 3k is a lil overboard but thats me.

i used a pipe wrench once.. easier than channel locks

if u have a stuck one and are limited with tool screwdriver and hammer. poke it it and give er a spin.