Mydogbella

iTrader: (1)

I know...this may be a dumb question..but I need to ask anyway.

Do you use hack stands or the ramps?

Also I read somewhere that the oil filter is very hard to get to and change..is that true?

prada_g

iTrader: (9)

I use ramps along with jack stands just to be safe..and I still need a 2x4 just to clear the front bumper when rolling up the ramps.

The oil filter is easy to get to, look under the front of the car and you'll see a square plastic panel held in with Phillips head screws. Right behind is the filter, you'll need a specific oil filter wrench to unscrew the canister though.

ToothDoc

My Lexus dealership does the whole oil change with 10 quarts of synthetic oil for $69 bucks. I can't justify doing it myself. They also wash it and I sit around check out new cars and enjoy a Coke while I wait. I know some of you control freaks HAVE to do it yourselves, but after all these years, Lexus has yet to screw up an oil change for me.

Boma

iTrader: (4)

Use Rhino Ramps and a pair of wheel chocks. It will give you enough clearance to do the oil change. The ramps can be bought pretty much anywhere including Walmart and Advance Auto Parts.

The oil filter is not difficult to get to, it's just behind a small plastic cover held in with some screws. The difficult part is unscrewing the oil filter housing. You will need a SST oil filter wrench that you can purchase from eBay which will make it a hundred times easier. Without it you can try to use a regular oil filter wrench to muscle it out but you also risk stripping it if it's on there really good.

Mydogbella

iTrader: (1)

Is eBay the only place to get the SST oil wrench?

Raybean

iTrader: (3)

Amazon sells one. As a former service tech I use this one a **** ton of times. It never fails me.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0015P...4260122&sr=8-1

itsmike177

iTrader: (3)

I use 2 piece race ramps due to the low bumper clearance on my vehicles. Yes, expensive for being just ramps, but well worth it for it's convenience, weight, and easy of storage.
http://www.raceramps.com/2-piece-56-...ice-ramps.aspx

And place hydraulic jacks under the pinch welds as an extra safety measure. I doubt (hopefully) both ramps and jacks will fail simultaneously. I have seen what happens when there is no backup support for us "home garage mechanics" when working under cars and something fails.

I also use the Assenmacher oil filter socket wrench and it works great.

WillRockwe

My mechanic does the change for $15 when I bring oil and filter.

FSportJoe

For $15....go with your mechanic...unless you enjoy changing the oil yourself!

FSportJoe

Biggu

iTrader: (12)

Got a 2 post lift in my garage... Use the factory lift points.

Sean

iTrader: (3)

As long as you aren't lowered or have a front lip you should be able to use the cheapest plastic ramps you get from wal-mart or autozone (probably the Rhino-ramps above). If you are lowered and/or have a front lip you may need longer (and much more expensive) ramps, or will need to use 2x4s to build extensions, or simply raise the car and use jack stands...

The oil filter isn't difficult but if you're used to regular spin on filters and haven't used a cartridge filter before it may just seem like a little extra PITA.

I still change the oil on my truck myself, but for the IS-F, bringing the oil, I get it done for $20 at the dealership.

rmito

+1 on the Assenmacher. A bonus is that it also works on Toyotas as well, even the old "can" filter types. I've used it on a 07 Sienna (filter insert), 00 Celica (can), 04 Matrix (can) and it works on all of them. Only thing is you need to use a 24mm socket to turn it. Typically these come in 1/2 in. drive only, so depending on the tools you have available you may need a adapter (3/8 to 1/2 for example). Also recommend using a longer socket wrench with tilting head - I have a 24 in. 3/8 I bought from Harbor Freight. That 24" wrench + 3/8 to 1/2 adapter + 24mm socket + Assenmacher = easy times. No more skinned knuckles!