SE Oil filter change

John Perry · Postby **John Perry** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 10:35 am

I want to change the oil and filter on my 2004 SE. I can see the filter but it appears to be inaccessible! Any tips on how to get at it? Eg, from above or below? If from below, do I need to remove all plastic guard below engine?

Nevyn72 · Postby **Nevyn72** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 10:45 am

Small arms, from above, just.

Larger arms, from below via wheel well, you will have to remove the under tray.

While I had easy access from above with some mods I made to my SE I still installed a filter relocation kit which makes it even easier! :wink:

KevGoat · Postby **KevGoat** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 4:25 pm

When I changed my oil filter, I'm pretty sure I got to it from wheel well without removing the tray. There's a hole can just manage to reach up through (well, with my weak, skinny arms anyway :roll:

). Luckily, for a change, the previous owner's mechanic hadn't over tightened the filter and I could undo it by hand! Also managed to change the oil pressure sender same way ...

track_addict · Postby **track_addict** » Sun Jun 07, 2015 11:23 pm

I go through the front right wheel well. Bit of a pain. Handy tip, if the filter is very tight and your struggling for grip, cut a small square of non slip matting (I just use the stuff for kitchen use) and use that. Has worked for me in the past.

Lokiel · Postby **Lokiel** » Mon Jun 08, 2015 10:12 am

Nevyn72 wrote:Small arms, from above, just.

Larger arms, from below via wheel well, you will have to remove the under tray.

While I had easy access from above with some mods I made to my SE I still installed a filter relocation kit which makes it even easier!

First time via wheel well (tyre removed), no way possible to access it from above with my arms - pain in the arse.
Second time installed oil cooler + oil filter relocation kit - pain in the arse to fit but worth every bit of the pain since oil filter changes now are simple.

Danny · Postby **Danny** » Mon Jun 08, 2015 12:30 pm

When I do mine, last Friday being the latest, I just undo the four screws of the suspension brace, one hose and move it out of the way.

John Perry · Postby **John Perry** » Tue Jun 09, 2015 6:24 pm

Thanks everyone for your advice, it was much appreciated. I'm about to go in through the wheel well!

hks_kansei · Postby **hks_kansei** » Tue Jun 09, 2015 6:29 pm

Yep, wheel off and you can reach in past the steering column.

There's no need to remove the undertray etc, the undertray also helps catch the oil that comes out of the filter once it's loose and direct it to down near the sump area (where if you're lucky it lands in the tray you've already got there from the sump)