How to remove oil filter 2001 4Runner?

[waterdish]

Hello All,

So this is my first time changing the oil in the 4Runner. I tried searching 7 ways to sunday...

I removed the drain plug and cap, all the oil is drained. I then try and remove the filter... Is their a special tool for these oil filters? I never saw a filter so cramped and when I get the wrench around it there is no room to turn it off...

I feel like a complete noob! I can't believe Im having this issue just changing teh filter.

Thanks
Dave

 

[004Gunner]

Go in through the driver side fender well and you will have a straight shot in to the filter. There is a flap in the fender well secured by clips that will pop out.

 

[peter78]

First off, I notice the search button does seem to be working too great. It only goes back for a few months.

I have written tons of info on this. I manually found this thread, near the beginning of the forum

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=7154

As you can see, it is a real pain. I use a "B" cap wrench that fits on a socket wrench. I put the left hand through the edge of the flap and the right hand up straight to the filter. Then all the hot oil drains down and it is a true pain in the ass. I wrote that it is a pain in 2004 and it still is.

Look over the thread, if you have questions I will try to help. After around 21 oil changes so far, I have had some experience.

 

[Ghostrider]

I have done it two different ways. The first is easy - through the fender well. I bought a 24" extension for a few bucks at Harbor Freight and use an end cap on the filter. It's still messy on the metal under guard. The second way I do it is more time consuming but cleaner. I remove the metal under guard so the oil will go into the basin. It takes about ten minutes to remove and ten to replace it so it's not quick but it is clean.

 

[waterdish]

Thanks, Yeah I bought the one that uses a socket from Toyota that day. Very Messy and stupid place for a filter...

Thanks
Dave