What is the best way to remove the oil filter on my 2001 RX-300? Hard to reach from the top and impossible from the bottom! Can't seem to get a filter wrench on it and too tight to remove by hand.

Help!

 

There are 2 ways to do this:

1) the dealer way: place on lift, remove lower plastic shield, remove filter with special wrench.

2) The shade tree machanic way: buy special cap type wrench (you can get this at most auto parts stores. It is specific to the brand of filter you use), place newspaper under the oil filter to help absorb the oil that will spill, contort your hand to get the filter cap wrench on the oil filter, attach a socket wrench to the cap wrench, and twist. Getting the filter out is even more of a challenge and thrill.

Good luck!

 

I just have oil change by myself 2 days ago and I removed the oil filter from the top. First, I removed the sensor from the top and that’s about all can be removed. And I removed the oil filter by hands.

But I spent about half hour to find a good position and removed it. I also spent about half hour to put a new one on. It was not easy and I did scratch my hands and arms carelessly every time I did the oil change but no big deal….

And I did a funny thing that I blew on the oil drain from the top. Every time I blew, more oil coming out. At the end, I used 5 quarts of oil (I usually use only 4 quarts of oil) and oil looked very clean this time.

 

Go to your local auto parts store and purchase an import cup type oil filter wrench, this is not a band type wrench. You will need a ratchet . Remove the first 4or5 10mm bolts, on the passenger side of the vehicle that hold the plastic shield on the bottom and fold out of the way. You will be able to access the filter in this manner. The cup type filter wrench or socket or tool is $6-$8. Place a drain pan under the vehicle for obvious reasons. Doing it this way enables RX owners to change their oil when it is hot, which is the best time since the contaminants are most flowing at this point.

Lextek

 

Oil filter can be removed from above without removing anything else. Service manual states to remove the engine cover (plastic sheild) to gain access from below.

As long as you drain the oil (engine temp warm) from the drain plug, oil temprature for the filter should not matter.

But then oil temprature during drain could be a myth and no longer applicable with the additives we have in current day engine oils.


Salim

 

It is easier from the bottom. Why do things the hard way? Besides, when the filter is removed oil spills out onto various areas, having the shield moved out of the way enables cleaning to avoid any residual leak onto driveway etc. and avoids burning oil smell as well.

 

I have JAOS skid plate mounted there. I dont know how the dealer replaces oil filter, but I remove it from the top.

Salim

 

You take your "luxury" vehicle through terrain that requires a skid plate?

Shame, shame.

 

salimshah:

how much you get your Jaos for?? Do you have the skid plates only?? I am thinking of getting Jaos for my rx, i saw a white rx with jaos and it was SUPER SWEET MAN!!! also it had HIDS which made me even more jelous =)

 

Paid retail for ceter guard, front skid and lights as soon as they came out. Can't find the receipt.

Salim