How To Change A Toyota Cartridge Oil Filter

The Toyota Corolla’s hood should be opened. Finding the oil filler cap, remove it.

The Corolla may be raised with a jack. Put jack stands beneath the front of the car to support its weight. Next, take the jack off.

Place a pan of water just behind the oil drain plug of the Corolla. The drain stopper can be removed with your wrench. Allow the oil to flow completely into the drain pan.

Using the wrench, reinstall the oil drain plug and tighten it firmly. Place the drain pan so that it is directly below the oil filter by moving it over. On the engine block on the car’s driver’s side, there is an oil filter.

To remove the oil filter from the engine block, use an oil filter wrench. Place the oil filter in the oil pan with the cap off. Remove any oil or other residue from the mounting location on the engine block using a clean, dry rag.

Apply a little amount of brand-new, unused oil to the replacement oil filter’s gasket. Utilize the oil filter wrench to tighten the new oil filter into the Corolla’s engine.

Take off the jack stands and use the car jack to lower the Corolla. Three quarts of new oil should be added to the engine.

Items you will need

find the oil filter The oil filter is located in the front center of the engine on the majority of Toyota Highlanders, underneath the radiator. For accurate location information, consult the owners handbook.

Turn the oil filter to the left to loosen it. It will be black in color and tightly fastened if it is the original oil filter. With a 3/8-inch drive ratchet and extension, an oil filter wrench or, preferable, a foreign auto oil filter removal tool will work well. There is a 3/8-inch molded insert for ratchet and extension on the oil filter removal tool. The oil filter should only be a little bit loosened; do not let any oil fall through.

Place a drain bucket strategically beneath the filter to provide space for you to continue loosening it by hand and to collect oil that will drain from the filter once it is sufficiently loose.

If preferred, put on rubber latex gloves before loosening the filter and allowing the oil to drip or drizzle. Place filter in drain bucket after removal.

Clean the flange where the previous oil filter was removed using a shop rag. Inspect the flange to make sure the rubber gasket from the old oil filter was not left there.

The gasket of the new replacement filter should be lightly coated with fresh oil or used oil before being screwed on firmly. The new oil filter should not be overtightened or tightened with a tool or wrench. To accommodate the filter, add oil.

Set the parking brake, park the car on a level surface, and take the keys out of the ignition.

If the skid plate is equipped, remove it using a socket wrench. The lower engine bay is covered by the skid plate.

Find the filter housing on the engine’s front left side. A drain plug is located in the end cap of the oil filter cover.

Using a 3/8-inch ratchet and 3-inch extension, remove the drain plug. Within the cap is a check valve that stops oil from escaping until the drain tool is installed.

Where the drain plug was on the filter end cap, insert the plastic drain tool. The check valve will get unseated as a result, allowing the housing’s oil to drain.

With the aid of the oil filter wrench, remove the filter cap, then use a light twisting and tugging action to separate the filter from the cap.

Use the new gaskets that came with the replacement filter to replace all of the old ones on the filter cap.

Before screwing the cap onto the filter housing, attach the new filter to the cap assembly. To tighten the cap to 18 foot-pounds of torque, use the filter wrench.

Reattach the filter cap’s drain plug to it. Put the plug in place and tighten it to 9 foot-pounds of torque using the socket wrench and a 3-inch extension.

Put a floor jack under the front cross member’s center to jack up the front of the Camry. Lower the car onto the jack stands that have been placed at either end of the cross member.

Remove the oil drain plug and place an empty container underneath the oil pan to catch the used motor oil. Replace the plug after allowing the oil to completely drain, making sure it is adequately tight.

Remove the bolt holding the oil filter housing in place by placing a socket wrench over it. The actual filter housing must be removed from the engine by unscrewing it. Remove the rubber gaskets, both of them. The replacement filter comes with new gaskets, which you should press onto the housing. Slide the new filter into the housing after removing the old one. Replace the missing bolt before reinstalling the filter housing in the engine.

Remove the oil fill cap from the top of the engine, then add 5 qts. of 5W-20 motor oil to the engine. Lift the Camry up high enough to remove the jack stands, then slowly lower it to the ground.

Without the equipment, how do you take out a Toyota oil filter?

Toyota oil filters can be taken out using one of nearly four different techniques. To complete your necessary task in a specific fashion, you are free to choose any of the approaches.

Using Sandpaper

The Toyota oil filter can be removed at a low cost by using sandpaper. You may easily create a tight grip over the oil filter by wrapping the sandpaper over it. After ensuring that your sandpaper is well wrapped, simply pull it in the other direction. The force generated produced by doing so will enable you to remove the Toyota oil filter without the use of a wrench.

Antique timing belt and key

This article also includes another helpful technique that involves the use of a key and an old timing belt. Use both of your tools to make a lever, place the belt over the oil filter, hold it in place with a key, and then unscrew it.

Screwdriver and hammer

To remove the oil, a screwdriver and sledge can also be useful. Basically, you need to place the screwdriver’s tip on the oil channel and use a sledge to pound the screwdriver’s base into the anti-clock bearing. The Toyota oil filter would be easily removed using the sledge’s energy.

Three legs adaptor

A three-legged adapter is another tool used for this design. This adapter is included in what is most likely the best tool for removing Toyota oil filters. For this reason, we may state that this tool is the least used, but in any case, it might provide you with a better result than a wrench.

As a result, if you’re wondering How to Remove Toyota Oil Filter without Wrench, all of these tools and techniques can be used.

There is yet another approach that can be advantageous for removing the oil filter without a wrench. But before attempting any of the other ways, this one should be tried.

The first method to try

Sometimes oil filters are loosely fastened, and you can even use your hand to access a Toyota oil filter. Give it a shot and attempt to open the oil filter counterclockwise. Maybe it’d be simple to open. You should use safety precautions and attempt it for this reason. To open the Toyota oil filter with your hands, keep in mind that gloves are recommended.

We should understand the importance of changing the oil filter after learning how to completely remove a Toyota oil filter without a wrench.

Importance of changing oil filter

The requirement to remove the oil filter in order to replace it is a fundamental phenomenon. In order to preserve the car’s reputation and keep the engine in good shape, it’s crucial to change the oil filter.

Facts to remember

Everyone should be aware of a few crucial details before attempting to remove the Toyota oil filter, both with and without a tool.

Verify that your car is chilly and that it was not in drive mode prior to two hours of work.

Before attempting to remove the filter, re-oil it since occasionally it won’t unscrew if there isn’t any oil on the filter.

You should also be aware of the proper technique for removing the oil filter with any instrument. It would be more tightened rather than becoming loose if you were to remove it in the wrong way.

Can you manually remove the oil filter?

With your filter, you’ll be getting up close and personal. Before beginning, put on your gloves and glasses to protect your hands and eyes.

Jack Your Car

If you are unable to reach the filter with the car at a level angle, jack it up. Keep in mind to use caution when doing this and to position the jack correctly underneath the automobile. Once the car is elevated, the jack should be replaced with jack stands.

Position Yourself Carefully

When you have a wrench, it is simpler to avoid lubrication that is dripping. You don’t receive that advantage using the method we’re looking at. Remember to keep your body and face away from the drip zone.

Place Drainage Pan

As usual, position your drainage pan to catch any dripping oil. If there is a spill, you could simply throw some rags under the pan on the floor to prevent damage.

Grab on

Take a firm hold of the end of the filter with your dominant hand. Try to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Put all your strength behind it.

If it had previously been hand-screwed on by you or your mechanic, it could be possible to remove it without using any further tools.

What is an oil filter of the cartridge type?

Occasionally referred to as “eco oil filters,” cartridge oil filters are a special kind of vehicle oil filter. Cartridge oil filters are solely constructed of cellulose filter media and plastic, as opposed to the more popular conventional spin-on type of filters, which have a steel outer canister. Although spin-on oil filters have been available for a while, cartridge oil filters were more widely used from the mid-1960s through the mid-1990s due to its convenience and ease of usage. Cartridge oil filters have experienced a comeback in the past 20 years, reclaiming 20% of the automotive aftermarket. I’d want to describe some of the factors that led to the change.

How do oil filter cartridges function?

The majority of engines have canister-style filters installed since the 1950s. These self-contained units, also known as “spin-on filters, are made of a metal canister the size of a soup can (early versions were a little larger, while some modern ones were a little smaller), with a round rubber gasket fastened to the bottom. Just inside the gasket, a circle of tiny holes is formed on the bottom of the filter housing. Through these openings, the oil gets into the filter. Oil exits via a sizable hole in the center on its way back to the engine. The large hole has threads that enable the filter to be fastened into your engine’s mount. The filter material that captures pollutants when oil is pumped through can be seen on the interior of the canister if you were to slice it in half.

Canister filters are simple to set up and take down. And when they reach the end of their useful lives, they are simply thrown away, just like an old set of brake pads.

However, a different kind of oil filter has been gaining acceptance among automakers, or OEMs, rather than customers or auto repair shops. A cartridge filter is built differently than a spin-on canister filter, but it serves the same purpose. The concept is not brand-new. In actuality, canister filters were created before cartridge-style oil filters were available. However, there has been a resurgence in interest due to (mostly) environmental factors.

The non-disposable filter housing for the cartridge-style filter is attached to an engine flange. The housing must be taken off the mounting flange, the old filter must be pulled out, a new filter must be inserted, and the housing must be replaced with a brand-new gasket. The filter (the actual filter material, not the housing) and the gasket are the only components that are thrown away.

There can be less waste with this arrangement. When using a canister filter, the entire metal canister is discarded. However, only the internal filter material (and gasket) used in the cartridge filter is regarded as waste.

However, there are certain difficulties with the cartridge filter. Cartridges are a little trickier to change than a spin-on filter, which only requires you to spin off the old filter and spin on the new one. For instance, removing multiple cartridge housings calls for a specialized equipment. In contrast, spin-on filters can be manually removed and changed. Additionally, when replacing the gasket, it must be precisely positioned. A spin-on filter’s gasket is already attached to the filter and does not require any additional care. The housings for many cartridge filters are composed of plastic, which makes them more prone to breaking. To ensure appropriate sealing and prevent breakage, they must be thoroughly torqued according to manufacturer specifications.

Why do oil filters become clogged?

Whether you work as a professional auto technician or do your own vehicle repairs, you have certainly dealt with at least one clogged oil filter in your career. Every 10,000 miles or more, engine oil filters need be changed, but for an operation that happens so frequently, removing and installing oil filters is surprisingly challenging.

Regardless of whether your car has a spin-on oil filter or a cartridge oil filter, changing the old oil filter is not always simple.

Know Why Your Oil Filter Is Stuck

Nobody plans to encounter problems while performing routine maintenance, like changing the engine’s oil, but they do happen frequently. There are two potential causes for the oil filter to be stuck:

  • Overtightening: The torque required for engine oil filters is less than most people realize. A costly error is assuming the oil filter needs to be torqued like a lug nut.
  • Poor Lubrication: You must clean the oil filter area before replacing it, however if the new oil filter gasket is not lubricated, it may adhere to the engine.

Remove a Stuck Oil Filter

A blocked oil filter can be challenging and dirty to remove. You may occasionally damage the oil filter or oil filter cap, but there won’t be any collateral harm. Here are a few strategies for getting out of this particular pickle:

  • Use an adjustable oil wrench pliers or a wrench such as a chain, band, or jaw wrench. An end cap oil filter wrench, which you can use to both remove and install oil filters, is one approach to gain a firm grasp on a jammed oil filter. Check your owners manual before selecting a wrench because some car models need a particular kind. Regardless of the type of wrench you choose, take care not to overtighten the oil filter by pulling too forcefully.
  • Use a hammer and chisel to remove an extremely resistant oil filter. The filter is more likely to be damaged by this, thus it should only be used as a last option. To shake the oil filter loose, tap the oil filter’s base in a counterclockwise direction.

Prevent Stuck Oil Filters

Once the clogged oil filter has been removed, follow these recommendations to keep it from happening again:

  • Lubricate the Seal: After wiping the oil filter sealing surface with a towel, lightly coat the gasket or O-ring with fresh engine oil. Sticking won’t happen again as a result of this. You can skip this step if your oil filter seal has already been greased.
  • Apply the Correct Torque: Spin-on oil filters are normally tightened an extra half- to three-quarters of a turn after being spun on until the gasket makes contact. Cartridge filter caps should be torqued with a torque wrench, often at a maximum of 20 foot-pounds, and may need a specific wrench. Look in the maintenance manual or for particular instructions for your oil filter.

Careful installation and preparation can prevent broken filter housings and blocked oil filters. Before performing your next oil change, always double-check the directions to be sure you’re following them correctly.

Visit NAPA Online to see the full selection of oil filter wrench items or visit one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine servicing and repairs. Speak with a qualified specialist at your nearby NAPA AUTO PARTS shop for more details on oil filters.