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oil filter wrench

Discussion in 'Prius v Technical Discussion' started by easternshore, Nov 16, 2012.

  1. easternshore

    easternshore Junior Member

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    In order to change the oil filter element in the 2012 Prius v (lowercase v for the Prius v), folks have told me that I need a 64mm wrench (TOY 640), or a 74 mm wrench (TOY 740), or just a regular socket wrench (maybe 14 mm) to remove the filter casing. So does anyone know which it is?
    I could answer this by diving under the car, removing the snaps for the flap, and just taking a look - but I would prefer to go ahead and buy a decent wrench if that is what is needed. Any help here? And, what does this apply to a 2010 prius
    thanks
     
    #1 easternshore, Nov 16, 2012
  2. Mike500

    Mike500 Senior Member

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    #2 Mike500, Nov 16, 2012
  3. Guill

    Guill Member

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    #3 Guill, Nov 17, 2012
  4. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    The answer to your questions is that the filter wrench is a 64 mm. The oil pan drain plug is a 14 mm.
     
    #4 jdcollins5, Nov 17, 2012
  5. CAlbertson

    CAlbertson Member

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    Sometimes if you can get a good grip the filter will come off by hands alone, no tools. But that is slightly rare.
    I think a normal "strap wrench" would work fine. You only need to turn a filter about 1/8th turn then it does come off by hand. When I was in high school I used to use a screw driver to remove oil filters. It's really messy but when you work for $2.25 per hour (minimum wage at the time) a $5 strap wrench was to much money. I'd simply hammer the screwdriver into the filter then use it like a lever. Yes, it destroys the filter but it's not like you are going to re-use it. Finally I bought the strap wrench in the 1980's and five cars later, still have it. Here is what you need:
    Oil Filter Wrench L53900

    It would not pay Toyota's asking price for the filter wrench. Here is one for under $4.
    End Cap Filter Wrench for Toyota L54930
     
    #5 CAlbertson, Nov 22, 2012
  6. n0na

    n0na Junior Member

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    A strap wrench may damage the filter housing. (I know, I've done it to regular filters.) Then you have to make a trip to the dealer and hope they have a replacement housing in stock. I'd recommend using the proper tools. (But the screwdirver method does work when you crush the filter with a strap wrench.)

    There are two general types of filter wrenches (end fitting type) you can use. Those made from metal and those made from plastic or fiberglass. I've cracked a fair number of the fiberglass ones. The metal ones are much better and in the long run are probably worth the higher price.
     
    #6 n0na, Nov 24, 2012
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