2002 Toyota Camry Stuck Oil Filter

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY
80,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FIRENZE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I went to change my oil, and couldn't get the filter off. The filter wrench I used first was a socket-type, the one that just fits on the top of the filter; it just stripped the flutes on the filter. I then tried one of those universal clamp-type wrenches, and it crumpled the housing on the filter (the wrench itself also bent).

A person I mentioned the problem to recommended hammering a flathead screwdriver into the housing and using it to twist the filter off. After removing the oil pan for access (it's almost impossible to get to anything in the undercarriage without deconstructing at least several components of the car), I tried the screwdriver; it ripped a hole in the housing that spanned about 120 degrees around the filter.

So. I'm stuck, and more importantly, the filter is, too (what's left of it). Is there any trick I can use to get this thing off? Bear in mind that the housing is both partially crumpled and partially shredded at this point. Thanks for any help you can give.
Oct 3, 2009 at 10:20 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 110,194 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Is this the filter that is on the front of the engine under the exhaust manifold? Is the bottom crimp (closest to the engine) damaged? If not, get a large set of channel lock pliers and carefully place it on the crimp. Don't squeeze to hard because you will crush it too. Allow the teeth on the pleirs to grab and slowly turn it counter clockwise.

Let me know if this helps.

Joe
Oct 5, 2009 at 6:39 AM
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