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Oil & Filter Change
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:07 pm
by corners
Hey
I went to try and do a minor service on my car today. But I couldn't get any decent access to the filter to remove it.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to how to remove it?
Cheers
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:10 pm
by Babalouie
One way is to access it from the driver's footwell.
Removing the wheel makes it easier but if you turn the steering full lock left you might be able to squeeze in.
There is a gap left on the driver's inner fender, and it's easier to reach in to th e filter from where the wheel is than it is from below.
Re:
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 10:11 pm
by corners
Babalouie wrote:One way is to access it from the driver's footwell.
Removing the wheel makes it easier but if you turn the steering full lock left you might be able to squeeze in.
There is a gap left on the driver's inner fender, and it's easier to reach in to th e filter from where the wheel is than it is from below.
Yeah I tried and didnt have much luck that direction, the steering arm gets in the way
Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 11:20 pm
by PUR157
The way I eventually got it, jack the car up so you have enough space to lie on your side, it was only then that I got enough leverage to take it off... either that or buff up like crazy
It is a tight squeeze, but it can be done, you should be able to see straight through to the filter where you reach through
(this is all as per Babs' instructions to reach through the driver side wheel well)
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 12:30 am
by MxJadeMonkey
I have never understood the whole filter being hard to get to gig!
I just stick my hand down through the top of the engine bay and bloody undo it!
I am not a small bloke either and i can get both hands in there if it is too tight!
If it is too tight, try a non slip bath matt type material from clark rubber, about 3 bucks!
any one else find it easy as?
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 12:49 am
by Babalouie
No it isn't easy and I can't get it out from the top, you must have triple jointed arms

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 3:18 am
by wun911
im from the top aswell skinny hads and arms help....
othewise i wouldnt know how...
oil filter re location kits are popular...
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:27 am
by ampz
from the top just below the intake manifold, easy peasy.
oh and I second Josh... He's not a small bloke

Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:08 am
by NMX516
Yep, I get it off and back on again from the top too... Mostly done by feel, but I've never had a problem.
I have a Mazda oil filter removal tool which works a treat. Fits over the filter and is then turned with a spanner or socket. Doesn't always fit so well on a non Mazda oil filter though.
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 9:33 am
by Steampunk
I also did if from the top, but had to use those generic oil-filter wrench tools to do it. I think they are only $8 from Supercheap.
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 10:34 am
by jules
I just stick my hand in from the top. It's a really tight fit, but once you have your hand on the sucker, you just give it a bit of a heave and out it comes.
Use your left hand though.
Jules
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 11:37 am
by Juffa
^^ what they said.
You only need to hand tighten the filter whcih makes it much easier to get off.
J
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 1:40 pm
by manga_blue
After 3 or 4 times of doing it from the top your left arm develops a permanent bend and it gets easier.
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 7:41 pm
by corners
Hmm I have tried from the top and also removing the wheel and trying to get it that way without any luck......
Posted: Mon May 12, 2008 8:36 pm
by Steampunk
3 words:
oil filter wrench.
Believe it or not, there IS a reason why they made these things.
You're in Brisbane right? Or was that someone else with a similar forum-name
if you are in Brissie, then you are more than welcome to borrow mine.