2007 outback (2.5) oil filter removal

[Bob Palermo]

Hi,

I own a 2007 Subaru Outback with the 2.5i basic engine. I had my first two
oil changes done at the dealership but I want to start doing my own. I
bought the equivalent Fram oil filter (9715), and also a filter wrench to
fit it (for removal). It's one that fits to the bottom of the oil filter.
It's a tight fit. Then you use a 3/8 inch ratchet with extender to connect
to the center of the filter. I have everything I need, or so I thought.

When I tried to fit this filter wrench onto the Subaru original equipment
(OEM) filter, I found it doesn't quite fit. The OEM filter has a slightly
wider profile (ie : it's diameter is a little bigger, maybe by a couple of
millimeters.) So I can't yet remove the existing filter.

I tried manuvering my other standard filter wrenches to get to it, but
that's a lost cause. The filter is recessed quite a bit with engine exhaust
pipes around it. I also tried using my hand to turn it off but that didn't
work (nor did I expect it to since filters tighten up beyond hand tight
after being on the car for a while).

This all leads to these questions : Have any of you removed one of the OEM
subaru filters? How did you do it? Is there a special size wrench that
works? Where did you get it?

My fallback position is to get the oil changed at one of the shops I go to
for repairs and ask them to use my Fram oil filter. (I know one shop that
will do it.) Then I can use the wrench I have to remove the Fram, and change
the oil myself at my next change.

Thanks for any help or ideas you can give me.

Bob P.

 

[duncanmcrae]

You should be able to remove it by hand. Use a pair of rubber washing
up gloves for grip.

If you can't (ie: the service people have put the thing on too tight).
stab it with a screwdriver and rotate.

Only do up the new one hand tight..

 

[Bob Palermo]

Hi,

Thanks for the suggestions ... but
I tried using a rubber glove. It's on too tight (or I'm just not strong
enough). I'd hate to stab it and find I still can't get it off because then
I'd need to get it towed.

Also, when I put them on, I always only hand tighten them.

Thanks,
Bob P.

 

[Carl 1 Lucky Texan]

Hi,

I own a 2007 Subaru Outback with the 2.5i basic engine. I had my first two
oil changes done at the dealership but I want to start doing my own. I
bought the equivalent Fram oil filter (9715), and also a filter wrench to
fit it (for removal). It's one that fits to the bottom of the oil filter.
It's a tight fit. Then you use a 3/8 inch ratchet with extender to connect
to the center of the filter. I have everything I need, or so I thought.

When I tried to fit this filter wrench onto the Subaru original equipment
(OEM) filter, I found it doesn't quite fit. The OEM filter has a slightly
wider profile (ie : it's diameter is a little bigger, maybe by a couple of
millimeters.) So I can't yet remove the existing filter.

I tried manuvering my other standard filter wrenches to get to it, but
that's a lost cause. The filter is recessed quite a bit with engine exhaust
pipes around it. I also tried using my hand to turn it off but that didn't
work (nor did I expect it to since filters tighten up beyond hand tight
after being on the car for a while).

This all leads to these questions : Have any of you removed one of the OEM
subaru filters? How did you do it? Is there a special size wrench that
works? Where did you get it?

My fallback position is to get the oil changed at one of the shops I go to
for repairs and ask them to use my Fram oil filter. (I know one shop that
will do it.) Then I can use the wrench I have to remove the Fram, and change
the oil myself at my next change.

Thanks for any help or ideas you can give me.

Bob P.

I have done the 'stabbing' routine and it can be messy. Also, removing
by hand sometimes requires applying force and waiting for the filter to
move slowly at first. It can be difficult.

This thread may have some good ideas for you.
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=786772

Carl

 

[Valued Corporate #120,345 Employee (B A R R Y)]

This all leads to these questions : Have any of you removed one of the OEM
subaru filters? How did you do it? Is there a special size wrench that
works? Where did you get it?

I use "strap style" filter wrenches, in two sizes to fit any filter.

If you install the wrench so the strap goes around the bottom
(farthest from the open end of the filter) 1/2", or so, the sides of
the filter won't flex and ruin the grip.

Any parts store should have a strap wrench for less than $10. Choose
the smaller of the two most common sizes.

 

[Frank Boettcher]

I use "strap style" filter wrenches, in two sizes to fit any filter.

If you install the wrench so the strap goes around the bottom
(farthest from the open end of the filter) 1/2", or so, the sides of
the filter won't flex and ruin the grip.

Any parts store should have a strap wrench for less than $10. Choose
the smaller of the two most common sizes.

If his Outback is like my Forester, there is no room to get a strap
wrench (at least the two I have) into the recess that houses the
filter. The only wrench that will work is a hex cap wrench with a
ratchet and extension.

I too went had the same problem when doing my first oil change.
Bought a high quality after market filter and a wrench to fit it and
found that the wrench would not fit the factory filter. The factory
filter was installed to tightly to remove using a rubber grip glove or
a lid remover. Had to go back and get another wrench. For my
forester I bought a Plews lubrimatic cap style, 65-68 MM which will
fit the OEM (68) and I believe all of the aftermarkets. $5.29 at
O'Reilly's.

I got my information from the moderated forum specific the the
Forester. There is also one for the outback. DAGS.

Frank

 

[Valued Corporate #120,345 Employee (B A R R Y)]

If his Outback is like my Forester, there is no room to get a strap
wrench (at least the two I have) into the recess that houses the
filter. The only wrench that will work is a hex cap wrench with a
ratchet and extension.

A-ha! My Outback was an '01 with a 2.5L.

 

[suburboturbo]

On Mon, 14 Apr 2008 07:07:41 -0500, Frank Boettcher




A-ha!  My Outback was an '01 with a 2.5L.

There's another type of wrench available that should work. It's got 3
prongs that each pivot to adjust to the size of the filter and loosens
or tightens itslf as it's rotated. It attaches to a standard 3/8
drive socket. Mine's a KD, part #3288 and I've used it on many
filters that were otherwise inaccessible. Beats the stabbing,
especially if you can't get leverage after the stab..

 

[M.J.]

Hi,

I own a 2007 Subaru Outback with the 2.5i basic engine. I had my first two
oil changes done at the dealership but I want to start doing my own. I
bought the equivalent Fram oil filter (9715),

I hope you got something more than the basic version
of Fram filters, if not it is in no way equivalent to the
Subaru OEM filter.

M.J.

 

[Frank]

Hi,

I own a 2007 Subaru Outback with the 2.5i basic engine. I had my first two
oil changes done at the dealership but I want to start doing my own. I
bought the equivalent Fram oil filter (9715), and also a filter wrench to
fit it (for removal). It's one that fits to the bottom of the oil filter.
It's a tight fit. Then you use a 3/8 inch ratchet with extender to connect
to the center of the filter. I have everything I need, or so I thought.

My filter wrench uses a ratchet and tightens around the base of the
filter when wrench is turned. Also, I've observed in loosening a house
water filter and opening jars that sometimes elastomeric seals yield if
you keep them under constant tension. Twist and hold under tension as
long as you can and maybe you can even get it off by hand.

 

[Frank Boettcher]

There's another type of wrench available that should work. It's got 3
prongs that each pivot to adjust to the size of the filter and loosens
or tightens itslf as it's rotated. It attaches to a standard 3/8
drive socket. Mine's a KD, part #3288 and I've used it on many
filters that were otherwise inaccessible. Beats the stabbing,
especially if you can't get leverage after the stab..

True, forgot to mention that one, but it was in the forum thread when
I asked about what to use. Little more expensive as I recall, but
with a greater range.

Frank

 

[Bugalugs]

There's another type of wrench available that should work. It's got 3
prongs that each pivot to adjust to the size of the filter and loosens
or tightens itslf as it's rotated. It attaches to a standard 3/8
drive socket. Mine's a KD, part #3288 and I've used it on many
filters that were otherwise inaccessible. Beats the stabbing,
especially if you can't get leverage after the stab..

I've tried a lot but in the end found this type very effective on all
size filters, in tight spaces, and at a good price.

http://tinyurl.com/3vlgk5

 

[bigjimpack]

A filter's a filter. I have used a few OEM filters but generally use
Walmart Super Tech filters. Have done so for the86k miles on the car.
Most recent oil change I used the Fram Tough Guard filter. You are
problablythe type to think amsoil is good for 30k miles too.

 

[Bob Palermo]

Hi,

I've used Fram on all my cars for years (decades) and never had a problem.
Perhaps you just got unlucky.

Bob P.

 

[M.J.]

A filter's a filter.
Nope.

I have used a few OEM filters but generally use
Walmart Super Tech filters. Have done so for the86k miles on the car.
Most recent oil change I used the Fram Tough Guard filter. You are
problablythe type to think amsoil is good for 30k miles too.

Nope.

I am the type that has actually experienced a problem
with a Fram filter. Used to put them on my old Hyundai
figuring a filter is just that, a filter, until one day my car badly
overheated soon after an oil change. The fresh clean oil
became black immediately and I suspected it may be because
of a bad filter. Upon inspection I found the paper element
dislodged, and loose inside the filter case. The Hyundai didn't
seem to suffer any permanent damage, but if it were a Subaru
with a sensitive head gasket the cheap Fram might have cost
me some serious money.

M.J.