How to Remove a Stuck Oil Filter
One possible solution to remove a stuck oil filter was to use a belt (the kind that holds up your pants!) in a similar fashion to the oil filter wrench. An oil filter wrench is a loop with a handle, which when done correctly, that loop gets tighter around the filter. Unfortunately, the belt trick didn't work for us. The belt just slipped, rather than holding the filter. I do believe it's possible, but I didn't have the kind of patience needed.
Another trick mentioned was to use an old piece of serpentine belt and a pair of locking pliers (the kind you set to a certain grip.) The problem I had with that was getting the belt to just the right tightness. You would have to set it before putting it around the filter, or you can't get it tight enough. But if it's even a little bit too tight, it won't fit on the oil filter! Then when I thought I had it right, the piece of belt just ripped. Again, I'm sure it could work, but not for me! Of course, the explanation for this was in German, but I believe the picture was clear enough.
To get our stuck oil filter loose, we ended up trying one last trick. You need a long handled screwdriver and a hammer for this! Pound the screwdriver through the oil filter and use it as a lever to turn the stuck oil filter. Viola! You got it off! Of course, you can't ever use it again because of the big hole in the side of it. I hope you wouldn't have wanted to reuse an old oil filter!
Depending on the location of the oil filter on your car, you may have more luck with the other options. These tips should be used only if you are unable to obtain and use an oil filter wrench. If you feel uncomfortable about these suggestions, don't try them. Be careful to avoid injury when working with tools!
Sources:
Personal experience
http://forums.finalgear.com/questions-and-answers/removing-stuck-oil-filter-14501/
Published by Katie Sharp-Dierks
Katie Sharp-Dierks has been writing ever since she could pick up a pen. A mother of two, she is devoted to both teaching and learning. Katie has a wide variety of interests which include all parenting issues... View profile
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21 Comments
Post a CommentTried the screwdriver. Just made the hole bigger. Tried the Filter Wrench, just slips off (so does the pants belt) Now my oil filter is slightly crushed and split in half a little. Any Ideas Anyone?
I used a steel cap oil wrench and stuffed the inside with a paper towel sheet. This created a snug fit on the filterand I was able to apply pressure. Bam!!! The filter loosen enough for me to unscrew it by hand. Hope this help someone.
Great tips... I used a leather belt to get mine off and found a braided belt to work best. Thanks!!
I hate changing oil - I have definately had my bouts with a stuck filter. Thanks for the tips!
An oil filter should only be put on as tight as can be done by hand. Some shops will purposely put it tighter to encourage repeat customers. Please note this is a last resort and not a first choice. If you have any doubts, take it to a shop. Have them loosen it or just get them to change your oil. Also, it may be easier to remove the oil filter from a hot car. Try to loosen the filter a bit while the engine is still hot.
As someone mentioned previously, this method can just end up leaving a marred oil filter that makes it even tougher to remove. I even have one of those "super-grip" rubber tools (that are pretty much designed for this...) and that wouldn't get it off. I started with a cheapo fram oil filter remover, bent the filter pretty good. Took the rubber tool to it, wouldn't budge. Tried the screwdriver thru it, now the filter is bent to heck, and it's still on there. Glad I have another car to drive to work tomorrow, UGH! I still don't know how to get it off, and now I can't drive it to a facility to have it removed...
:) Great stuff!
Handy information if it was ever needed. Thanks!
I used to love working on my cars! These days I go to Jiffy Lube :-) Good tips, though!
Well, at least you got it off...and got an article about it too. I don't think I would have persisted as long as you did. You do have patience to try all those different methods! Nice article.