Removing oil filter on 2002 Tacoma w/V6

Get a step ladder, slide your hand down there and remove the filter from above. First time I changed my filter I removed the skid plate as well, never again.

--Bryce

Cannot comment on the 2002, but it is also very tight in the 2001. A strap wrench will not fit, but a ratchet with a fitted cap over the filter end will work. It takes some dexterity to reach under and feel, but it will only take 15 minutes to change the filter once you get it down pat. Since the filter is at a 45 degree angle, when the filter is loosened there is a qualntity of oil that DOES drip out. I make sure I have 4 or 5 paper towels to absorb around the filter. You just take 3 or 4 minutes to collect the oil and absorb it and there is no mess.

Bill M.

I agree, it does take some dexterity. I actually do use a strap wrench, it is extremely tight though. I should probably upgrade to a fitted cap :) Quite a bit of oil does spill onto the skid plate.

I have had the best luck with oil filter pliers

Put a plastic bag such as a bread bag or newspaper delivery bag OVER the filter to catch the bulk of it as you remove.

You can't get a grip on it with just your hands? I've never had a leaking problem with just being hand tight. And if you ever saw my girlie arms you would know that there couldn't be much force behind them!

Oil filers straps are crap and they are always difficult to use, as are the oil filter caps when space is limited and you need the right size.

The best thing to use is the oil filter pliers, they cost a few bucks and its a world of difference.

I worked for an oil change shop and thats the only tool we used to change oil.

Or put a screwdriver up to it, tap it with a hammer and use the screwdriver as a lever to turn. Works like a charm

I have the same problem on my 98 Four Runner. I use the oil filter wrench tool that fits on the end of a 3/8 drive ratchet extension.

Turn steering wheel all of the way to the left, pull back the rubber that protects the engine from wheel splash inside wheel well. Put tool on end of

I've only changed the oil 2 or 3 times myself in my '99 Tacoma, but I've got at least half a dozen horror stories; every time I do it myself the amount of money I'll pay a mechanic to do the next one increases exponentially.

Your "girlie arms" are probably the reason you can get a grip on it at all; I could make a purse out of the skin I've scraped off my "Popeye arms" changing the oil!

And what about that other post about driv>You can't get a grip on it with just your hands? I've never had a leaking

I've only changed the oil 2 or 3 times myself in my '99 Tacoma, but I've got at least half a dozen horror stories; every time I do it myself the amount of money I'll pay a mechanic to do the next one increases exponentially.

Your "girlie arms" are probably the reason you can get a grip on it at all; I could make a purse out of the skin I've scraped off my "Popeye arms" changing the oil!

And what about that other post about driv>You can't get a grip on it with just your hands? I've never had a leaking

On Tue, 02 Dec 2003 21:51:48 GMT, Nunya Bidness found these unused words floating about:

It's not getting them ON, it's getting them OFF !

I finally bought an oil filter 'pliers'. It's like a large visegrip, with deep teeth. Now I just slide under, reach in and turn - a breeze!