Oil filter removal

[blue_can]

I saw another discussion about this on Genvibe. Today I decided to perform the first oil change on the car but ran into problems removing the oil filter. It is on pretty tight and I purchased a cap style wrench to do the job. 65mm appears to be the smallest available so I assumed that would be the correct size. However, it does not fit exactly and since it is on so tight it just slips round the flutes. I looked at the replacement AC Delco filter which also appears to have the same dimensions as the Toyota filter. I then measured the width of the flutes using my digital calipers and it seems to be 63mm at the end and about 64mm at the top – there seems to be a 1mm taper. So it seems like an off the shelf cap wrench is not a good fit for this design – it should work ok if it were not on so tight.I do have a couple of other filter wrenches including a band style one which was also too large for this filter – by about 2mm for my luck.Does the dealer have/sell a special cap wrench for these filters or is there some other place to buy them. Or any other trick to getting them off.

[VivaVibe]

I had the same problem and bought the same thing. It too was slightly too large. I wrapped a couple of turns of duct tape around the flutes, jammed the cap on and kept twisting until it finally broke loose. It took a good number of attempts, as the cap either slipped off or got stuck. Keep trying. My second oil change went much smoother. Just be sure not to over tighten the new filter.

[blue_can]

I guess I've another go. I've already tried tape, cloth etc - it still keeps slipping. I must admit I did not try for too long.

[northvibe]

it took me and 2 other people to loosen that darn thing...then I tried again and finally got it. But that was only the first oil change...since its northvibe hand tight and i can get that off

[kevera]

The oil filter was put on by Hulk Hogan at the factory.

[18stars]

The last time I changed my own oil was with a new 1984 Cavalier and it took me and a friend to do it because the filter was on tight from the factory. I never bothered again. The hassle and also the prpblems of properly disposing of the used oil just makes changing my own oil not worth doing myself. Anthow, if I was going to do it myself I'd still skip that first one and let the dealer deal with the filter that was put on at the factory. Good luck.

[keithvibe]

buy this and never worry about the correct filter wrench again.adjust to all filters:http://www.amsoil.com/storefro...=8763just got mine from my local pepboys... cost me 9bucks.

[blue_can]

Thanks for all the replies. As it happens I got the job done this morning with a tool similar to the one posted by keithvibe. I found that one at Autozone last night – it has a pair of jaws that close when the tool is placed over the filter and rotated counterclockwise. The tigher the filter the tigher the jaws grip it. That coupled to my 2 foot breaker bar made short work of that – had it out in about 5 secs.I agree changing oil is messy and a pain but it also gives me a good opportunity to inspect the undercarriage for any other problems. Also unfortunately I’m a serious DIY car mechanic – I do anything from oil changes to repairing and rebuilding engines and transmissions. Plus over the years I’ve become increasingly dissatisfied with auto shops and mechanics – and also being an engineer I enjoy solving problems – on paper or in practice.I have a pretty extensive tool collection and it came as a shock that I could not do the oil change last night..LOL. Anyway it is all done now and it should not be an issue again

[keithvibe]

glad you were able to finish the job... I did my oil change today myself, and rotated the tires too... Found out that I need a new floor jack...bad time to find out that you need a new floor jack when the car is up in the air with tires off. Then I asked my wife if her car needed an oil change? She said I don't know. I checked the log and the OD reading... she was over do by 1000miles. Good thing it's moble1 in her car... I swear....

[blue_can]

Sounds like she needs an oil change reminder light. I use Mobil 1 myself - have been doing so for several years now.On that subject - does the Vibe have an oil change reminder light. I have not seen any mention of it in the owners or service manual so at the moment I'm assuming it does not have one.

[zionzr2]

Quote, originally posted by blue_can »On that subject - does the Vibe have an oil change reminder light. I have not seen any mention of it in the owners or service manual so at the moment I'm assuming it does not have one.The Vibe does not have such a light. Though I did recieve a letter from the dealer to come get an oil change and have the light i dont have reset. I passed on the offer.