How To Get A Stubborn Oil Filter Off

Irresolute your oil filter (and oil, of course) is the cornerstone of responsible engine maintenance. But what happens when you go to do the thing and your oil filter is uncooperative? If yous know how to remove a stuck oil filter you can get back to taking care of your car to go on it running smoothly.

Frozen TurmOIL

Information technology's easy to know when your oil filter is stuck because information technology seems similar even super-homo strength volition non dislodge it. But before nosotros begin to remove it, we have to ask ourselves how we got hither. Likely, the concluding person to alter the filter didn't follow the cardinal rule of installation: oil the gasket and don't over-tighten. Running an oiled finger along the rim over the gasket and then mitt-tightening (snug plus a quarter plough) the filter to the engine will relieve you from ending up here once more. I've seen even seasoned mechanics use a wrench to install a filter. Don't be that person. It'south not necessary and it volition come back to bite you lot.

Simply let's say that's where yous've landed and y'all demand to get information technology off. The following tools and tricks are listed in social club of ease, with the last one being a concluding resort. If the method listed is going to damage the filter body, motion to the next option. Squeezing also hard on the filter will impairment it, causing a mess or weakening whatsoever potential leverage points. And remember that counterclockwise is loosening.

Engine-Specific Wrenches

Some manufacturers design systems that require a specific oil filter wrench. Bank check your owner'southward transmission and if information technology calls for one, utilise it.

Adjustable Oil Wrench Pliers

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

Concatenation Wrenches

These are besides adjustable, but get a ameliorate grip than pliers. They are also decumbent to damage the filter though, so have care and annotation that if they have oil on the surface, they can be slippery.

Band Wrenches

These are specific to the circumference of the filter and have a relatively depression profile compared to other types. You can wrench on these a lilliputian harder without damaging the filter, but it is still possible. Pro-tip: for amend grip, line the within of the band with sandpaper, (grit contacting the filter)

Jaw Wrenches

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

Cavemaning

This is the last resort considering of the inevitable mess information technology volition produce, plus an increased risk of component and knuckle harm. But if all else fails, try driving a screwdriver through the body of the filter and spinning it off that way. Likely it will just rip the filter apart, but it will expose the ring of holes around the summit of the filter where you can try to apply a chisel and hammer to forcefulness information technology off.

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

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 information on how to remove a stuck oil filter, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

Photos courtesy of Blair Lampe.

Blair Lampe View All

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