07 VW Rabbit Oil Filter?

[Market525]

Frist. let me say that I hate Volkswagens. That out of the way, I agreed to change the oil in a friend's 07 Rabbit with a 5 cyl. engine. I know the car takes a filter cartridge, and I see where it goes .... but how the heck do you get at the cartridge? There's a small spin off cap on the bottom, but with that off, it's still a mystery to me.

I decided to not go any further until I learn the proper method these wonderful German engineers seem to have reinvented. I thought the spin on oil filter has been just fine all these years.

And yes for those wondering, I am using the correct VW spec oil, a Castrol Syntec 5w40 full synthetic.

Anyone out there with this experience? Thanks, Steve

 

[JTK]

I had heard that those use a cartridge, but had no idea you have to get it from underneath!?! That's crazy. A drop out as opposed to a drop in filter element.

 

[The Critic]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2570457
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2918689

Have fun!

 

[Gary Allan]

This is a natural "form follows function" teutonic evolution. It's clear as crystal why someone would design it this way. Only the mundane find it overly complicated.

 

[moribundman]

A scheduled oil change on a VW coincides with a multi-point inspection which requires the vehicle to be on a lift. The oil filter location was not designed to allow easy oil change while straddling a ditch, but to allow convenient access during an inspection.

 

[The Critic]

Quote:

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A scheduled oil change on a VW coincides with a multi-point inspection which requires the vehicle to be on a lift. The oil filter location was not designed to allow easy oil change while straddling a ditch, but to allow convenient access during an inspection.

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[Market525]

Excellent links, Critic. Thanks! What a joke the $80 VW tool is!
Steve

 

[Hanoihancock]

Here's a quick instructional video on how to change oil/filter on a 2006-2009 VW Rabbit 2.5L.

Youtube