Prius Oil Filter Removal Tool (Socket)

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rudiger @ Nov 2 2006, 11:59 AM) [snapback]342542[/snapback]</div>

The only problem in removing oil filter was the original toyota filter(must have been put on with a impact wrench I have never used the toyota filter sence. I use Fram or Napa and the Wal-mart 65mm Plastic end cap at $2.24. Works great. The origenal filter had been put on so tite that the gasket was deformed.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dick K @ Feb 2 2007, 11:32 AM) [snapback]384418[/snapback]</div>

The original Toyota filter being put on with excessive torque is not the fault of the filter. I don't know about NAPA oil filters but Fram filters have a reputation as being among the worst available.

At the very least, I'd stick with OEM Toyota oil filters, in addition to using a higher quality, metal filter wrench than the plastic Wal-Mart special.

 

CTA "RiteFit" 65MM x 14 FLUTE Cap-type oil filter wrench. I got it from the dealer ($7-$3 discount for forgetting to ring it up). It fits great.

 

Thanks for all the info -- when doing an oil change a couple weeks ago, I discovered my smallest strap wrench was too big.

Fortunately, because of the location and position of the filter on the Prius, I was able to remove it by using a rubber glove -- the glove allowed me to get enough of a purchase on it that I could unscrew it by hand.

 

The oil change was a total pain because of the size of the filter.. I could not find the strap too.
Go to Wal-Mart and they have the end cap that fits the filter.

 

From all the oil changes I've done on various cars, I've learned to avoid the new(er) FRAM filters (the ones with the black 'goo' on the bottom of them, they're supposed to improve grip so that you can get the last turn on the filter, but all I've gotten from them is trouble when you're trying to remove them. A standard 'endcap' type wrench won't fit on them, since the goo adds about 2mm to the size of the filter.

As for the endcap wrench, it's the same one that's used on the corolla. Heck, IIRC, it's the same filter as the corolla.

When trying to remove tough filters, I rely on this filter removal wrench I got from somewhere (it's been in the toolbox for some 12 years!) It has 'crushing' jaws that pretty much bite the filter as you remove it. What's nice is that the teeth are oriented to only 'bite' when you're removing , so it's sort of self ratcheting.
Don't bother with the strap type wrenches, they won't fit, and I can't use my trusty breaker bar with em!

 

Help me out, all this talk of oil filter wrenches.. Is there one that fits the 2007 Prius? A lot of the posts are referring to the 06. Some people say they can't find them anywhere while others say they can get them at Wal-mart, Toyota dealer, or most any auto store. I will get an 07 oil filter and try to match it with a wrench if no one has a answer.

 

2007 filter is the same. I got the USA MADE Valvoline cap tool at Walmart. It is a good product and does the job. The OE filters have a "torque stopper" to prevent over or under tightening. OE filter is made by Denso and are excellent as well as low cost.

 

I just did the first oil and filter change on my 07. I had some trouble removing the original filter that had 3000 miles on it. It was very tight. I had to buy the socket from autozone. I switched to mobil one 5w30 and mobil one filter. I have read also where fram filters are some of the worst. I read that mobil one filters were very good. I dont know how the mobil ones compair to the OEM filters. My OEM filter was marked made in Japan. I only hand tightened the new filter, but very snugly. I have done this to other cars in the past and never had one leak. This way I'll be able to remove it by hand next time.

 

I too went to change the oil on my 2006 Prius only to find that my oil wrenches were too large. I just used my plumbers pliers which worked great. My filter was also on much too tight and I mean tight, from the last oil change from Firestone; I don't know what the guy was thinking since it is fine to hand tighten the filter. The pliers damaged the old filter, but why care since it is being replaced, and I used only my hands to tighten the new filter which has been fine with no leaks.
This was the first oil change on the Prius I ever did and it was quite easy.
Also the Prius was much too low for me to get under and I don't feel comfortable with car ramps, so I just took some 2x6 boards, cut them in lengths of 4ft, 3ft, and 2ft with a wood stop at the top, screwed and glued them together and drove on top of them. Of course one for each front tire. I felt very safe and they worked great and also cheap to make. It it not enough and you need it higher, then by adding another board should work.
I just thought I would share this with all of you in case you too have a need.

 

If you want a "universal" type of removal tool then just get one like this (pictured in attachment).

Unlike the "strap" type you don't need to turn them to make them clamp on, you just finger tighten the knurled screw on the end. So you can still use them easily even where there's not a lot of turning room (like on the prius). This one only cost a few dollars and I've used it for years on a variety of different cars and different sized filters. Never had a single problem.

VVVV

 

All you guys are girly men. I manage to get the filter OFF with just my bare hand.

 

do not know about that. For sure don't use that method on the oil drain plug, or the wheel lug nuts

 

Interesting. I have not noticed this design for sale in the US.

It's difficult to evaluate that statement without knowing how tight the filter was installed. The spec is 3/4 turn after the gasket contacts the engine's machined surface. I usually turn the filter 1/2 turn.

 

Ooh that's provocative. Seriously I'm really a 240 lb brute.

I think cyberprius was just having a bit of fun with us Patrick. In the past though I have hand tightened filters and they've held ok without any leaks or anything. Even when they're just hand tightened however, they're still pretty hard to remove by hand. I have done it, but it always seems that whatever force you use to tighten it that you need a fair bit more to undo it.

These days I usually tighten as much as it will go by hand (which is pretty tight already) and then do about a quarter turn with the tool to make sure.

 

I always hand tighten the filter. Its been my experience that over time the filter actually tightens itself somewhat. Probably some thermal cycle action going on there. Its been that way on every car I've ever owned. If it doesn't leak after a good hand tightening it probably won't. The only time I've ever had a leak is when the old gasket stuck to the engine and I didn't notice it when I put the new filter on. I think this has mostly been corrected as the newer filters seem to have captive gaskets. Just be sure the mounting surface is clear before screwing on the new filter..

 

Yes I'd say the most likely reason is that the rubber gasket swells slightly over time, probably from a combination of the heat and contact with the oil. So if you put on a filter and hand tighten it as much as you can, then you'll usually need a filter tool to get about the first 1/8th of a turn when removing it.