Just came home from the shop, they (shadetree mechanics, I think) couldn't remove the oil filter case. Has anyone ever experienced this? What's the easy fix? It's a 2005 mini...


Thanks,

Mike

 

Not sure this is in the right section? I'm new to the forum myself lol.

A friend of mine told me that they are easy to do oil changes on...but I didn't ask him specifics. This was just in passing when he found out I was looking at Mini's. He never told me the exact process.

He is a manager at an oil change place. I'm sure someone else can chime in before I call him and find out

 

hows this?

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...diy+oil+change

(many other posts too.... you might want to do a search)

 

Well, the oil filter housing is dead-simple to remove, assuming you have a 36mm socket.

It can be a little tricky to put back on, though, since it's easy to cross-thread, but I haven't had too much trouble as long as I'm careful when getting the threads started.

 

It's easy to unscrew. But you'll need to use a wrench right after you break it loose. There's dang little space between the filter cap, and the frame of the car. So you'll find the ratchet/socket combo is great for the initial loosening, but as the cap comes out, you'll see the tools getting jammed in the limited space. A wrench, or a strong hand with a glove on can do the rest.

 

I've had to break it loose with a cheater bar once or twice. Some dealers like to over-torque.

 

You'd swear they were putting o-rings on a NASA rocket sometimes. They CRANK 'em down.


No it's not unusual to have some issues getting them off. Also, The Coopers are a bigger pain to get back on, than the S for some reason. Even easier to cross thread.

 

OK I've searched but other than this thread I find nothing on how to remove a stubborn filter housing. I just got back from my usual oil change place. They actually ordered the special socket to remove the filter, but it won't budge. Any special tricks or knowledge needed?

 

I also ran into the same problem today. My friend (a pro mechanic) did not have the needed 36 mm socket/wrench but did have a large adjustable that he got on the housing from under the car. He was putting everything he had on it and it would not budge. I am ordering the correct tool tomorrow, but it looks like it may need to be connected to one long breaker bar to break this thing loose! The last service was done at a dealer so I am assuming (I know what happens when you assume!) that they new enough not to cross thread.