omg, so my dad asked if i could do an oil change on his 05 es330. and i got to the point where i can't get the filter off. i've went through all the oil filter cups from 74-76mm and NOT A SINGLE ONE works. i've even tried the 3 prong tool and nothing. seems as if someone used an air ratchet to screw it on. any tip on how to remove it? Lexus/Toyota really needs to make it that much more difficult than a 1LS'. anyone out there that DIYs on ES330s?

 

It was probably put on dry, (did not put a light coat of oil on the rubber gasket). If the three prong tool did not work, you could try one of the band wrenches. As a last resort you can stab it with a large screwdriver, and use the screwdriver as a lever. I have never seen a filter that did not come off this way.

Before you stab the filter, make sure that you have enough room to get leverage and turn the filter. Also get a can of brake cleaner because you will make a mess when you stab the filter.

 

I pretty much had to do the same thing on an SC I had previously. Someone overtightened it way too much. Ended up going in from the top (1JZ engine) and pretty much stabbing it and moving it bit by bit. Eventually it loosened so I could remove it. And just as George Jet has said, it's going to make a mess.

 

good method that the prev two guys said.... if it is hard to get off... but i dont know what size you need so if you're saying it's slipped because wrong size, maybe someone can tell you....

also, another method besides the different types of proper oil filter tools , and the screwdriver through it method, i've put a c-clamp on it before but it's really stupid, so i would go with the claw oil filter wrnech, the cup kind, the band kind, the one kind where it looks like a zoom where as it tightens the parts inside a cylinder tighten down

edit:

the one i just said with the ''zoom where as it tightens the parts inside a cylinder tighten down" well i just googled and serfed the web... here's it
http://www.tooltopia.com/index.asp?P...aign=yahoo_18u

[ Lisle (LIS63600) Import Car Oil Filter Wrench 2-1/2 to 3-1/8in. ]

 

I have used "Lisle (LIS63600) Import Car Oil Filter Wrench 2-1/2 to 3-1/8in".
They slip.

I have used screwdriver to puncture the oil filter housings a few times in order to remove oil filter.

 

I had same problem from my last oil change after having 60k service. If it is a toyota oil filter, then you need to buy a metal (not plastic) cup/wrench removal. I got one from napa. You need to find the one that fit toyota oil filter.

 

I got the filter off my 1MZFE with huge channel locks. If you can get them to grip near the base so the metal doesn't distort too much it works. And turn slowly. Verrry slowly. I've done the screwdriver on other cars that have had the Gorilla Garage oil change. Guess it depends on how much room there is to work.

 

there is like no room on the es. lol. i'm probably gonna just try the screwdriver thing.

 

Good luck. Remember: Always use the right tool for the job. In your case, I guess it's a screwdriver.

 

Get a good long handled 3/8ths ratchet and a good "claw" type oil filter removal tool and youre set.
Looks like this one....i got mine from my snap on dealer but i think you can find them pretty much anywhere.


ive been working for toyota for 3 years and there isnt a single filter that that tool cant remove. best 15 bucks ive ever spent.

FYI the filter in the ES is easy as **** to get. Try doing an oil change on a 96-02 4runner V6 and then youll have some problems.

 

As a new owner to a 05 ES330 (had LS models in the past) I was a bit perplexed the first time I changed the oil as how to tighten the darn oil filter. The oil change process has always been fairly logical to me on the RWD models but this one is located in a tight spot. In any case, if you are using a Mobile 1 M1-102 as a replacement, the 76mm 14 flute is the one that fits. If you are using the Fram 3614, you will need the 74/76mm 15 flute cap wrench. I have always taken so much from these and other forums, I felt like it was time to give back. Hope this helps somebody. Also not a fan of Penzoil but I liked the price of their cap wrenches.