DIY Oil Change?

2002 SR5...oil filter looks to be difficult to get to. Had the dealer do the first one free but I have always done my own. Any photos out there for the best approach?
Thanks
TG

 

Through the driver side fender. Just remove the guard held on by the plastic clips... I'll get you a link in a second...

 

Turn the wheels all the way to the left and remove the fender liner in the drivers side wheel well. You should be able to get the the filter through there fairly easily.

edit: too late lol.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/48136-oil-change-how-3-4-5vz.html

 

Excellent resource! Thank you. Sure looks a lot messier than the other trucks I have had. I like the position of the filter in my brothers FJ! That was a great design.

 

haha yea, it takes a couple times to figure out how to do it without a mess

 

And hopefully they didn't install it with a breaker bar...

First one I did myself, I had to use a screwdriver for extra leverage to get it unscrewed. I think I ended up having to make 3 holes in it before it was loose enough to finish by hand. Really a pain since there's not a lot of room to work with and it's quite a bit more messy.

 

I just reach down from the top and go under the alternator. I am able to get a good hold on the filter and take it off. I slide a plastic bag under it to catch some of the oil. This has worked well for me.

 

I too use the 'reach under the Alt' method for removing and replacing the filter but I must be going overboard by actually removing the skid plates so I can catch all the drippings in the drain pan below.