Originally Posted By: buster
Cut the splash guard and made the hole bigger. Shouldn't have to remove it anymore. I could not get the filter off however, even when using a oil socket. I picked up a 74mm-76mm and it still slipped when trying to loosen it.
I may have order the $22 one from Mazda. This car has some very annoying things about it.
Five years ago, I looked all over town for one that would fit. I found a plastic one that seemed to fit right, but it slipped. I went to the Mazda dealer and bought a non-Mazda one from them that they said would work, but it slipped too so I returned it. They didn't carry the actual Mazda one. My cap does not look rounded or damaged at all, so I don't think that's the problem. I eventually gave up and I've been using a band wrench covered in hockey tape for the last five years.
I'd go for the buy 10 filters get a free filter wrench deal, but they use UPS and UPS has hosed me a couple times while bringing things across the border, so that's out.