Oil filter change on 2000 3.4L

[Wasatch Rebel]

I just got my 4runner a year ago and the last and only oil change I've done on it was at a Jiffy Lube. Now I need to change it again, would like to do it myself, and I'm not sure how to go about it. From what I understand, it's easiest to go through the wheel well on the driver's side. I took a look through that flap and saw what I think is the filter--it looks like a round metal cover with a nut in the center. Is that the filter or a cover for the filter? And how exactly do I remove it? What part of that comes off? How exactly does it work, I guess is what I'm asking.

 

[LexusFTW]

For the first time, and to really understand what's going on, I would suggest you remove the skid plate. Once the skid plate is removed it's easy sailing. The filter will be entirely visible.

After that, you shouldn't have any problem taking the shortcut through the wheel well.

 

[denverunner]

depending on the brand/type of filter, it may or may not have the nut. Some do, most don't. post a pic?

The filter screws on, so turn it counter clockwise to remove it. the entire filter comes off, and a bit of oil will be spilled in the process. If it won't budge, you have a few choices: Given that yours may have the nut on the end, put together some socket extensions, grab the correct size socket and have at it, or, if you are unable to do that, buy one of these:

and use it with your socket wrench to remove the filter. IF all else fails, or you aren't interested in purchasing a tool to assist with removing your filter, punch a screwdriver through the side of it (closer to the middle/top) and twist it off.

Going throught the driver's wheel well (with the wheel turned out, of course) works the best for me.

oil filter w/o nut on top:

oil filter w/nut on top:

 

[Wasatch Rebel]

Sorry about the picture quality, but I'm thinking the oil filter is the circular object at the top of the photo, with a nut in the center.

 

[Mr. Leary]

Oil filter change without a BL is a PITA. One of the most compelling reasons to install a body lift I have ever seen. Turn hard to driver, go in through wheel well. You can use the belt off your britches as an aid if you cannot break the filter loose.

 

[peter78]

It is not easy. I bought a oil filter wrench that is a cap and it fits directly over the filter. The cap is attached to a 3/8" socket wrench. When I reach up to put it on the filter I get the other hand through the side and go through the flap. I squeeze my left hand through the side of the flap. Then with my left hand I unscrew the filter part way and then take it off the rest of the way with my right hand. A true pain in the ass.

I put the rig up on ramps and I do not remove the skid plates. Some oil falls on the skid plates and drains down the back side where I catch the oil in my oil catch pan. I then use some paper towels to clean the skid plate.

I have done it for over 70,000 miles and it really doesn't get easier with practice.

I just quoted myself from another thread. It truley is a pain, I now have 130,000 miles and it is still a pain.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/12633-my-first-oil-change-help.html

 

[Elton H]

no thats not it like others said take the skid plate off since its your first time .... when you put a new one on put a dab of oil on the gasket

 

[denverunner]

Maybe I'm alone in this, but I don't think changing the filter is a PITA at all. As of late, I can only compare it with my 98 honda civic, buuuuuuuut......... the honda has far less room to deal with the filter than the 4r does.

 

[TheDurk]

Maybe I'm alone in this, but I don't think changing the filter is a PITA at all. As of late, I can only compare it with my 98 honda civic, buuuuuuuut......... the honda has far less room to deal with the filter than the 4r does.

I agree. My old BMW 735i with the cartridge/cover was worse. That thing would never go together. Once you get a good wrench set-up (I use the end-cap non-adjustable type) and learn never to drop the filter (I don't pull the skid-plate and it is impossible to get a dropped filter out of there), it's pretty painless. Of course, I've been doing it since 5k and now she has 128K.

 

[rjaudi]

The first thing is to let you know that oil will drip everywhere. I try to avoid it and it is inevitable. When you unscrew the filter and remove it try to get it vertical(oil side up) as fast as possible. I always go in through the wheel well opening. I remove a couple of the clips that hold the rubber flap on and duct tape the flap open. I used a wrench similar to the one below to remove the filter. I know that if Jiffy Lube did the change last the filter will not have a nut on top. If you do plan on doing it yourself I buy K&N filters with the 1" nut on top. They have made the removal much easier and are probably a better filter.

 

[brian2sun]

Always tighten the new filter by hand - not with a filter wrench or socket! It makes it hell to take off the next time if you overtighten it. Always double check with your fingernail that the old filter's seal didn't come off and stay stuck to the block also. Smear a little oil on the new seal with your finger before you put the new one on too. I also cover the new one with a rag when I go back through the wheel well so dirt won't fall into it or get stuck to the mating surface (my rubber flaps like to collect lots of mud), then I take the rag off once it's through.

I haven't run with my rear skid plate on for like 5 years because it makes oil changes much easier and besides, it provides no protection to speak of - it's just in the way. I've got my oil change down to about 10 minutes since no jack required with my lift and no skid plate to deal with... that is until I get some Budbuilts, but they actually have an access hole so you don't have to remove those either.

 

[Wasatch Rebel]

no thats not it like others said take the skid plate off since its your first time .... when you put a new one on put a dab of oil on the gasket

Hey, thanks for everyone's comments. I really appreciate the help.

 

[Qyota]

Sorry about the picture quality, but I'm thinking the oil filter is the circular object at the top of the photo, with a nut in the center.

Just to clarify - that is NOT your oil filter. The oil filter is about 8 inches towards the front bumper from that thing. I don't even know what that is!

 

[techno]

This is the oil filter. It's behind the wheel well flap that is in FRONT of the suspension, not the one behind. You were removing the wrong flap and the item you photographed is in fact the oil cooler. Do not remove that.

 

[peter78]

Another problem I had two years ago is that Toyota decided to change the filter size and the newer ones take a different size cap to undo it. So, I had to take a quick drive (in another car) and match the new filter to the cap that helps unscrew it.

Just when you are pugging along for years doing it one way, Toyota decided to change their filters. I call up the parts company and they did verify that they gave me the correct size and they did change the filter. I guess Toyota was thinking, "I know it is a pain in the ass to change the filter, but how can we make more of a pain, so people will decide to come in to the dealer". :redbrick:

 

[Ghostrider]

A few thoughts//
I have had easier and harder jobs than the 4Runner. It's not hard as much as it takes more time. I always remove the skid plate since oil drips on it. I have the cap wrench which uses an extension. The best and cheapest I found was a very long extension from harbor Freight for something like 5 bucks. It makes it very easy to reach in thru the fender well. something I will be trying next is to loosen the filter and then put a plastic bag around it and the mount. The intent is to catch the oil before it hits the frame. Read about it elsewhere and it's worth a try. On the easy side you don't have to jack up anything - the hardest part is pulling and replacing the skid plate.

 

[Wasatch Rebel]

This is the oil filter. It's behind the wheel well flap that is in FRONT of the suspension, not the one behind. You were removing the wrong flap and the item you photographed is in fact the oil cooler. Do not remove that.

Yeah. I feel stupid, but I didn't realize there were two flaps until someone said that it was to the left of the picture I took about nine inches. Then I found the front flap, pulled it back and there she was. Okay, now that I know where it is, I can do the job. The skid plate doesn't cover the oil pan does it? I could get under there and look, but it's getting dark and I just took a shower.

 

[Wasatch Rebel]

A few thoughts//
I have had easier and harder jobs than the 4Runner. It's not hard as much as it takes more time. I always remove the skid plate since oil drips on it. I have the cap wrench which uses an extension. The best and cheapest I found was a very long extension from harbor Freight for something like 5 bucks. It makes it very easy to reach in thru the fender well. something I will be trying next is to loosen the filter and then put a plastic bag around it and the mount. The intent is to catch the oil before it hits the frame. Read about it elsewhere and it's worth a try. On the easy side you don't have to jack up anything - the hardest part is pulling and replacing the skid plate.

Someone said that they jam some old t-shirts in there beneath the filter before pulling it. I think I'm going to give that a try.

 

[Duhockey]

A few thoughts//
I have had easier and harder jobs than the 4Runner. It's not hard as much as it takes more time. I always remove the skid plate since oil drips on it. I have the cap wrench which uses an extension. The best and cheapest I found was a very long extension from harbor Freight for something like 5 bucks. It makes it very easy to reach in thru the fender well. something I will be trying next is to loosen the filter and then put a plastic bag around it and the mount. The intent is to catch the oil before it hits the frame. Read about it elsewhere and it's worth a try. On the easy side you don't have to jack up anything - the hardest part is pulling and replacing the skid plate.

Yeah, I changed oil for a year, first at Jiffy Lube in Sactown and then again at Lexus when I was a mechanic there... (haha, low man on totem pole, change oil first, then wrench on cars when no oil changes!)

I have changed oil on a zillion cars tougher than the 4runner, but Ive paid my dues and I refuse to change oil on my cars anymore, I got sick of dealing with it. Ive had so many burnt fingers and hands from hot oil, even with gloves on, forget about it!

I bring mine to the stealership all the time, Im wondering though if they will give me a hard time now that I have the Budbuilt skids, they usually go at the filter from underneath, and I know its gonna be super messy too... anyone have the Buds and taken theirs to the dealer for an oil change?

 

[Lastplace]

Thanks for this thread! I changed the oil on my 00 yesterday. Took the skid plates off and will never again. They where a pita got get back on. Ended up going through the flap, much easier. I'll be getting a better funnel. Dumped about a cup of oil on the engine.

Once again thanks for the info.

BTW my 3.0 liter 02 RX300, 06 3.3 liter Highlander and 00 3.4 liter 4runner all use the same filter.