Easier way to get Oil filter off

Had my truck for 2 years and I've always gotten it off but out of all of my vehicles and this is by far the most Pita. Everything else is super easy to get to and get off. This I don't even know if I can get a filter wrench on it

 

Make sure you don't wrench tighten it first off. Usually once the gasket contacts the surface turn it no more than 3/4 to 1 full turn. The easiest way to access the filter is through the driver side wheel well. Peel back some of the fender apron seal and reach in there and pull it out. If it's too tight you may have to stab it with a long screwdriver to loosen it some before trying again to remove it by hand through the wheel well. Wear gloves because at this point there will be sharp edges after puncturing it

 

Yes I always hand tightened it and maybe I am over tightening tightening it by hand more than I need to

 

That's happened to me before. I have since tried to make sure I do no more than a full turn after the gasket mates the surface. I was none too happy about having to stab it with a screwdriver. Made a mess and ruined my mechanix gloves. If you do have to do this you'll need a really long screwdriver since you'll have to do it through the engine Bay Area to try to turn it counter clockwise up there and break it loose

 

I bought one of these so I could finally stop using the screwdriver method. Works great for stuck filters with no mess.

I throw all my mechanic gloves in my front load washer on the heaviest setting with all my shop rags. They come out like new every time. If the load was especially oily I run some tide washing machine cleaner through it afterward.

 

I too go through the driver's side fender apron to access the oil filter. I put a bag on my hand, loosen the filter then let it drop into the bag, I also make sure to put something down for the oil that is dripping out of the block, once the filter is off. Then line the gasket on the new filter with some oil and put it back on as fast as you can. Like others have said. Only hand tight.

 

I'm not going to change the oil until tomorrow anyway but I just tested it and I can reach it from underneath even though it's pretty much just the right length of screwdriver probably about 18 inches maybe. But I will try from the top of the engine bay and see if that's easier

 

I think the main issue is getting enough access to use a wrench which will be the difficult part. And yeah I tried running them through the washer on hot with dawn and everything. Took several cycles but they still aren't the same. I ended up having to wash them and then dab them onto a paper towel to get the oil out of the leather and repeat. It was a nightmare lol

 

Don't forget to try through the wheel well, but that's really only if you can loosen it by hand.

 

Sure, I was saying specifically for the screwdriver method. If there is enough room to drive a screwdriver through the filter, there is usually enough room for the above wrench, with no mess.

 

nice man. May order one myself. But I will definitely not overtighten from now on and that may solve my isse

 

Yes that's where I always have success getting it off. I don't , from accessing things, doesn't look like i can even reach it from the engine bay.

 

I do the "go through the fender skirt" trick. I use the filter wrench that is basically a big socket. Currently it is the 76mm for the STP Extended Life filters. I put a short 3/8 extension in it then a swivel then a short and then a long extension. It's about 2 feet long when I'm done. I use a 3/8 ratchet and it backs off like nothing. I put the new filter in hand tight and then do about a 1/3 turn with the ratchet set up.

This is for my 3.4 6 cylinder.

 

I just always reach up from the bottom .

The only time I needed a wrench was my first oil change .

I had lots of room to get a oil filter wrench in that one time

 

Does anyone have a link to an oil filter wrench that fit's the Toyota filter? I bought one on Amazon and it ended up being to small.

 

I have a generic multi filter wrench that accepts a 1/2" drive socket. Works wonders. But- I only hand tighten mine. Never had an issue. Only use the wrench when someone strong armed the damn thing on.

 

Motivx Tools Adjustable Oil Filter Wrench for Removing 2.5" - 3.25" Diameter Spin-On Oil Filters - Perfect Tool for Cars, Trucks, Motorcycles, ATV's, and More

Motivx Tools Oil Filter Removal Tool - Adjustable Wrench for 2.5" - 3.25" Small Diameter Spin-On Oil Filters

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BS5B3ZQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HygXybV6VZ1PG

 

I'm guessing all of you having a hard time have a rock guard? I just use a socket/ratchet.

 

pic of the socket your talking about?

 

pic of setup that you use?