Fram Ultra’s Worth the Hassle…?

Joined
Feb 8, 2019
Messages
275
Location
Northern Michigan
Fram Ultras look like a nice filter… but a real PITA to deal with!!! Not enough room to get my hand on it to take it off, or use a “conventional” filter wrench. So, I have to tap a cap wrench on wrench on with a hammer…and tap it back off after removing the filter.
I put a Mobil 1 back on, Mobil on the right in the pic.
The Ultra dots look like a nice filter…
 

Attachments

  • 26140747-DC11-4E94-A29B-6191550AD17C.webp
    26140747-DC11-4E94-A29B-6191550AD17C.webp
    153.7 KB · Views: 114
  • 828CBEAD-7096-4BA5-A656-EBB55F66C901.webp
    828CBEAD-7096-4BA5-A656-EBB55F66C901.webp
    124.5 KB · Views: 113
  • 78C31C38-BF4B-4F35-995B-44AD34344A45.webp
    78C31C38-BF4B-4F35-995B-44AD34344A45.webp
    122.2 KB · Views: 115
The black grip stuff adds a little to the diameter. I once struggles with an Acrua TSX because I couldn't get the cap tool to seat.
How dare they!
 
The black grip stuff adds a little to the diameter. I once struggles with an Acrua TSX because I couldn't get the cap tool to seat.
I've ran into that too, I'll admit. You kinda have to 'force' the cap on and then wiggle it a bit to get it off but it wasn't a show-stopper for me.
 
Ummm, don't use them ? Problem solved ! (y)

Sounds like your vehicle's filter location is a big part of your issue too.
Yes, I Agree…the Ultra looks like a great filter though, just asking if it’s worth it. I change the filter every other oil change…plus the filter is rated for 20K mikes.
 
Yes, I Agree…the Ultra looks like a great filter though, just asking if it’s worth it. I change the filter every other oil change…plus the filter is rated for 20K mikes.
Since you're using a cap wrench, try and remove some of the coating if you really want to continue using these FU filters. It's only there to provide a better grip for people who put them on and off by hand.
 
Fram Ultras look like a nice filter… but a real PITA to deal with!!! Not enough room to get my hand on it to take it off, or use a “conventional” filter wrench. So, I have to tap a cap wrench on wrench on with a hammer…and tap it back off after removing the filter.
I put a Mobil 1 back on, Mobil on the right in the pic.
The Ultra dots look like a nice filter…
I had similar issue. Solved by not overtightening new filters. That way at next oil change they come off by hand. Heat cycles seem to contribute to the tightness, as it always seems to require more force to get it off than I used to install it on previous oil change. Rule of thumb is 1/2-3/4 of a turn after oil filter gasket makes contact with the engine block.
 
Are all these filters "the same"? ... Nope.

Read the last 5-6 pages:


Guess all air and fuel filters are the same too, lol.
 
Had the same issue a few years back and found a longer XG … but using either will not likely change the date you retire that vehicle … it might be for transmission, front end, collision - who knows …
 
Fram Ultras look like a nice filter… but a real PITA to deal with!!! Not enough room to get my hand on it to take it off, or use a “conventional” filter wrench. So, I have to tap a cap wrench on wrench on with a hammer…and tap it back off after removing the filter.
I put a Mobil 1 back on, Mobil on the right in the pic.
The Ultra dots look like a nice filter…
I like, and do use, the Fram Ultra. I also use the Wix XP. You might try the Wix XP as an alternative; it is just as good IMO and they don't have the grip material added. Not on the ones I've used anyway. I think I saw somewhere on here where the Mobil filters are made by Purolator now instead of Champ labs, but I may be wrong.



 
Last edited:
Back
Top