How To Remove Toyota Oil Filter Without Wrench

Irresolute your oil filter (and oil, of form) is the cornerstone of responsible engine maintenance. Merely what happens when you go to practice the affair and your oil filter is uncooperative? If you know how to remove a stuck oil filter you can get back to taking care of your car to keep information technology running smoothly.

Frozen TurmOIL

It'south easy to know when your oil filter is stuck because it seems similar fifty-fifty super-man strength will not dislodge information technology. Only before we begin to remove it, we have to ask ourselves how we got here. Probable, the last person to change the filter didn't follow the fundamental rule of installation: oil the gasket and don't over-tighten. Running an oiled finger forth the rim over the gasket and then hand-tightening (snug plus a quarter plough) the filter to the engine volition save you from catastrophe up here again. I've seen fifty-fifty seasoned mechanics utilize a wrench to install a filter. Don't be that person. Information technology's not necessary and it will come back to bite you.

But let's say that's where y'all've landed and you demand to get it off. The following tools and tricks are listed in order of ease, with the final one being a final resort. If the method listed is going to harm the filter body, movement to the side by side option. Squeezing too difficult on the filter volition damage information technology, causing a mess or weakening any potential leverage points. And think that counterclockwise is loosening.

Engine-Specific Wrenches

Some manufacturers design systems that require a specific oil filter wrench. Check your owner'due south transmission and if it calls for one, use information technology.

Adjustable Oil Wrench Pliers

This tool is overnice considering it'southward adjustable, so it can exist helpful for different sized filters. Unfortunately, the grip isn't always the best, and it can exist difficult to maneuver in tight spaces in an engine compartment.

Concatenation Wrenches

These are likewise adjustable, but go a amend grip than pliers. They are also prone to damage the filter though, so take intendance and note that if they have oil on the surface, they tin exist slippery.

Band Wrenches

These are specific to the circumference of the filter and take a relatively low profile compared to other types. You tin wrench on these a little harder without damaging the filter, merely it is still possible. Pro-tip: for improve grip, line the inside of the ring with sandpaper, (dust contacting the filter)

Jaw Wrenches

These grip onto the bottom of the filter for maximum torque and clamp down the harder yous turn on multiple points of contact. They are usually adapters that connect to a standard ratchet.

Cavemaning

This is the final resort because of the inevitable mess information technology will produce, plus an increased take chances of component and knuckle damage. Merely if all else fails, endeavour driving a screwdriver through the trunk of the filter and spinning information technology off that way. Likely it volition merely rip the filter apart, just it volition expose the ring of holes around the top of the filter where you lot can try to use a chisel and hammer to force it off.

Whichever method you employ, always install the new filter with a lite glaze of oil on the gasket, and don't over tighten. You're hero enough for just changing the oil.

Bank check out all the maintenance parts available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more than information on how to remove a stuck oil filter, chat with a knowledgeable practiced at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS shop.

Photos courtesy of Blair Lampe.

Blair Lampe View All

Blair Lampe is a New York-based professional mechanic, blogger, theater technician, and speechwriter. In her downtime she enjoys backpacking wherever her boots will behave her, rock climbing, experimental theatre, a crisp rosé , and showering love on her 2001 Sierra truck.