My parents have a 2011 Impreza that is due its first oil change. The filter is a tiny little can tucked in between two exhaust pipes under the engine. Apparently the factory torqued this one to about a hundred foot pounds because so far I have had no luck getting it off with my hands, a large pair of channel locks, or a strap type filter wrench. Any suggestions?
Help with Stuck Oil Filter on an Impreza
- Thread starter ncguy
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Get one of these, best money I've ever spent on a tool.
I realize you can't get this from Amazon in time to help you, but I have seen these at local auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-Fi...2423&sr=1-1
I realize you can't get this from Amazon in time to help you, but I have seen these at local auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-Fi...2423&sr=1-1
Filter pliers?
This may not be possible due to access... but what you need to be able to do is apply more torque without crushing the can. And a good way to do that if there's room is to put TWO filter wrenches on the can- that way neither is so tight as to crush the filter, but you can apply twice the torque. I've used two strap-type wrenches, or a strap and a socket, a socket and pliers, etc. And I've never met one I couldn't remove, even on industrial diesel engines where the filter holds a gallon or more.
If access won't allow two wrenches, your best bet is a sturdy and tight-fitting socket-type wrench. The plastic ones are junk- the stamped metal filter sockets work much better. Also the one that ncguy suggested works well.
I would strongly advise that you DON'T drive a screwdriver through the filter. You need to avoid damaging the outer shell if at all possible. 'Cause if the can collapses and/or peels off (and both are common on badly stuck filters), then you have a much worse problem on your hands than what you have now.
If you absolutely can't get the thing loose... I'd take it to a dealership and pay for an oil change. Chances are that a guy who does this stuff all day will get that filter off with less trouble than you'd imagine. And you're more likely to avoid COMPLETE idiots if you go to the dealer rather than Jiffy-Lube.
If access won't allow two wrenches, your best bet is a sturdy and tight-fitting socket-type wrench. The plastic ones are junk- the stamped metal filter sockets work much better. Also the one that ncguy suggested works well.
I would strongly advise that you DON'T drive a screwdriver through the filter. You need to avoid damaging the outer shell if at all possible. 'Cause if the can collapses and/or peels off (and both are common on badly stuck filters), then you have a much worse problem on your hands than what you have now.
If you absolutely can't get the thing loose... I'd take it to a dealership and pay for an oil change. Chances are that a guy who does this stuff all day will get that filter off with less trouble than you'd imagine. And you're more likely to avoid COMPLETE idiots if you go to the dealer rather than Jiffy-Lube.
It's not always the case that the oil filter was torqued on too tight previously but rather that the gasket has swelled and "glued" itself on mating surface.
I know because I was the one who previously installed a Fram Extended guard, lubed w/ oil, and finger tightened plus a half turn. It should have came off like unscrewing a lightbulb but did not.
So what I did was purchased an oil filter plier. The one you can adjust for diameter, has teeth, and you squeeze on handles.
Here's a few tips:
- don't clamp the can in tbe middle w/ the pliers but at the farthest end, opposite of where it is mounted. Or you'll just punch a few holes in filter can and you get the idea.
-since the Fram Extended Guard naturally had a rubber "grip" where I clamped on to. This actually helped a great deal to give me leverage and not slip although it took a few attempts and by the time I had it unscrewed I had worn the rubberized grip area off.
-If the can slips as you turn pliers to the left you could place some thick rubber bands on can or one of those rubber jar openers so that the pliers don't slip.
Good luck!
I know because I was the one who previously installed a Fram Extended guard, lubed w/ oil, and finger tightened plus a half turn. It should have came off like unscrewing a lightbulb but did not.
So what I did was purchased an oil filter plier. The one you can adjust for diameter, has teeth, and you squeeze on handles.
Here's a few tips:
- don't clamp the can in tbe middle w/ the pliers but at the farthest end, opposite of where it is mounted. Or you'll just punch a few holes in filter can and you get the idea.
-since the Fram Extended Guard naturally had a rubber "grip" where I clamped on to. This actually helped a great deal to give me leverage and not slip although it took a few attempts and by the time I had it unscrewed I had worn the rubberized grip area off.
-If the can slips as you turn pliers to the left you could place some thick rubber bands on can or one of those rubber jar openers so that the pliers don't slip.
Good luck!
I would also advise against punching a screwdriver through the can. without good access you are more likely to create a very bad situation. been there..... 2X. never again.
+1 for the tool "hate2work" posted. I'd also suggest these:
http://www.amazon.com/Innovative-Product...7677&sr=1-1
I have a pair that have saved me plenty of times.
http://www.amazon.com/Innovative-Product...7677&sr=1-1
I have a pair that have saved me plenty of times.
Lucky for you we have the same arrangement on our Forester.
What you need is a filter wrench that has two or three jaws that tighten on the filter as you turn a ratchet counter-clockwise.
I bought one at Sears, and it makes removing the tiny, deeply recessed oil filter really easy.
Even the factory filter came off easily using this tool.
Cap wrenches are hit and miss, since they need to be exactly the right size for the filter, or they won't grip.
A strap wrench isn't going to be much good on one of the later Subies.
Loosen the filter using the wrench, and have a drain pan positioned for the gush of oil you're going to get.
What you need is a filter wrench that has two or three jaws that tighten on the filter as you turn a ratchet counter-clockwise.
I bought one at Sears, and it makes removing the tiny, deeply recessed oil filter really easy.
Even the factory filter came off easily using this tool.
Cap wrenches are hit and miss, since they need to be exactly the right size for the filter, or they won't grip.
A strap wrench isn't going to be much good on one of the later Subies.
Loosen the filter using the wrench, and have a drain pan positioned for the gush of oil you're going to get.
A cap wrench can work, the wrench hate2work suggested works well. A band wrench with sandpaper wrapped around the filter can work too, I've done that for friends more than once. I have the largest set of Channel Lock Pliers they make, they work too. Last resort is the screw driver method IMO, usually they surrender before that.
Are you trying to remove the filter hot or cold? Try removing it cold.
Are you trying to remove the filter hot or cold? Try removing it cold.
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
A cap wrench can work, the wrench hate2work suggested works well. A band wrench with sandpaper wrapped around the filter can work too, I've done that for friends more than once. I have the largest set of Channel Lock Pliers they make, they work too. Last resort is the screw driver method IMO, usually they surrender before that.
Are you trying to remove the filter hot or cold? Try removing it cold.
I finally took off the splash guard next to the passenger side wheel and was able to get at it with a large pair of channel locks. It was still tough to turn, but it finally budged. This is the most inconvenient filter setup I have ever seen and on top of that it was way overtightened at the factory. My dad bought one of the cap wrenches with the jaws that you guys suggested for next time. Thanks again for all the ideas.
A cap wrench can work, the wrench hate2work suggested works well. A band wrench with sandpaper wrapped around the filter can work too, I've done that for friends more than once. I have the largest set of Channel Lock Pliers they make, they work too. Last resort is the screw driver method IMO, usually they surrender before that.
Are you trying to remove the filter hot or cold? Try removing it cold.
I finally took off the splash guard next to the passenger side wheel and was able to get at it with a large pair of channel locks. It was still tough to turn, but it finally budged. This is the most inconvenient filter setup I have ever seen and on top of that it was way overtightened at the factory. My dad bought one of the cap wrenches with the jaws that you guys suggested for next time. Thanks again for all the ideas.
I've had a set of these for 15 plus years. Best oil filter removal tools I've ever seen. Works great on even the really stuck ones.
Originally Posted By: hate2work
Get one of these, best money I've ever spent on a tool.
I realize you can't get this from Amazon in time to help you, but I have seen these at local auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-Fi...2423&sr=1-1
Originally Posted By: hate2work
Get one of these, best money I've ever spent on a tool.
I realize you can't get this from Amazon in time to help you, but I have seen these at local auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-Fi...2423&sr=1-1
the best oil filter wrench I've ever used is one of these
http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Best-Univer...0937&sr=8-1
or
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02820523000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
a three armed wrench you can use an extension and it hooks on to a regular ratchet, so easy to use. works better than regular filter wrenches or strap wrenches and gives you reach. works really good on my Subaru with the same filter location
I do believe autozone has a version of it they sell also, i bought mine at sears... to each his own
http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Best-Univer...0937&sr=8-1
or
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02820523000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1
a three armed wrench you can use an extension and it hooks on to a regular ratchet, so easy to use. works better than regular filter wrenches or strap wrenches and gives you reach. works really good on my Subaru with the same filter location
I do believe autozone has a version of it they sell also, i bought mine at sears... to each his own
Originally Posted By: hate2work
Get one of these, best money I've ever spent on a tool.
I realize you can't get this from Amazon in time to help you, but I have seen these at local auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-Fi...2423&sr=1-1
sears carries these, under craftsman and lisle if you need it same day.
Get one of these, best money I've ever spent on a tool.
I realize you can't get this from Amazon in time to help you, but I have seen these at local auto parts stores.
http://www.amazon.com/Lisle-63600-Oil-Fi...2423&sr=1-1
sears carries these, under craftsman and lisle if you need it same day.
I concur with TLMjared.
A couple years ago I tried everything to get the filter off our Vibe. I stripped the can using the cup style "socket" wrench. Bent to heck plier type. The metal ring type didn't do a thing.
I was about to give up when I tried one of the three prong filter wrenches. Got mine at Napa for $13 or so maybe. I use a 3/8" socket and a 8" extender and it works like a charm. It still took a bit of elbow grease to get off the first time because the dealer put it on too tight.
A couple years ago I tried everything to get the filter off our Vibe. I stripped the can using the cup style "socket" wrench. Bent to heck plier type. The metal ring type didn't do a thing.
I was about to give up when I tried one of the three prong filter wrenches. Got mine at Napa for $13 or so maybe. I use a 3/8" socket and a 8" extender and it works like a charm. It still took a bit of elbow grease to get off the first time because the dealer put it on too tight.
I wrap them in duct tape, making sure it's not applied smoothly. Works great.
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