Do you guys use them ? Or just hand. Which type is the best type as well. I've seen a couple of diffrent designs out there.

I used to do mines by hand for all my other cars. I thought it would be the same for my maxima as well. Turns out the retards who did the last oil change on it. SUPER SUPER tighten them on there. I was cracking away at it (counterclock wise) for like 20 mins. Laying on the ground. Looks like i need to pick a wrench and try that. Just wanted some reviews if any.

 

I use a Super Graphite size 5. My biggest conplaint is that it's hard to get the old filter out of the wrench after you've removed it from the engine. Otherwise works fine for me. Before the wrench, I used a large pair of channel locks. This procedure puts a dent in the old filter, but who cares about that. You are going to throw it away, anyhow.

 

i think i'ma get a wrench type thing. i saw one from craftsman for like 15$.

yea its channel locks now and if not i'm try the wrench thing next.

 

i got a seatbelt type tool that goes on a socket wrench. bought it at Advanced Auto, works well.

 

Hey I am brand new here after, get this, 24 years in BMW's. I want to change my own oil in my 05 Maxima. I have used mobil 1 since day one. Can someone help me with the oil filter location, if extra tools are needed to change the oils and since you guys are the Maxima experts teach me all the tricks to do the job.

I have no idea where anything is, in this car. Give me a Bimmer and I can built it, this car I am lost. The dealership is far away and their service sucks...including their attitude....thay always break one thing fixing another under warranty.....HELP!!

Thanks.....for all your advice.

 

use sand paper and it works like a charm

 

You don't say which Max you have. I have a 6th Gen (2004) and the oil filter is located behind the right front wheel.

I like to rotate my tires every time I change oil (every 7,500 miles), so having no tire in the way makes it very easy to get to the filter. Simply move the fiber-board wheel-well cover to the right and there is the filter -- you will see the circular bottom of the filter, because it mounts horizontally. Your choice as to what to use to remove it -- sandpaper, large channel locks, or filter wrench.

If you don't remove the tire and wheel, simply turn the front wheels hard to the right and you can get behind the right front wheel to make the change.

 

Hey thanks for the info. To the guy above I think I mentioned/described it as a 2004 Maxima, the SE and the SL are the same motor configuration/installation in the vehicle so the oil filter has the same location. Mine is the SE model.

It now sounds pretty simple.....and thank you for your response its greatly appreciated.

Wow these 18" tires on this car are expensive and not a lot of options!

 

I replaced my original tires with Michelin Pilot Sport's -- they were expensive (over $1K for 4) but they are a great tire. Goodyear has a good summer tire for less $, but I needed a tire that would work well in snow.

 

The filter that came on my car had been king-konged on. I had to resort to stabbing a screwdriver through the filter and using that as a handle to get it loose.

 

That works, but you get oil all over everywhere due to the one (or even 2) hole(s) in the filter can. Next time try a very large pair of channel locks. Open the jaws so that they can go around the filter. They dent the filter can, but (unless you really try) don't put a hole in it. Because of their long handles, you get plenty of leverage.

 

I see 05

warm up, drive up on ramps (or jack-up pass. side), filter is accessible near the pass. tire. removing the splash guard or wheel is unnecessary; so is wheel turning. I use ramps (a bit tough to have the wheels turned) and have plenty of room. The tool I said works great.

I don't know why anyone pays to have it changed. You can do it quicker than it takes to drive to the garage.

 

well. the small mess and the oil dispoal gets annoying to me. but i dont mind it really. Aleast i know the job is done right. heart too many jiffy lube stories...

 

I don't use any. I tighten the new ones by hand only, 2/3 of a turn after the initial contact between the gasket and the seat. I've been able to remove most of them by hand too, and if a stubborn one comes along, I just put a screwdriver through it and loosen it that way. Just puncture it as close to the top as possible to avoid damage to the threaded shaft.

 

Lol.. why risk the damage? go out and buy one. Is it really too much money?

 

Well, I have one, but it only fits my car, does not fit any of my relatives' cars, since they all have different size filters... But you're right, it's cheap. I also have a strap wrench, but never tried it on an oil filter - it may or may not work, depending on clearance.

 

go to skywaytools.com. they sell the oil filter spring loaded jaws that fit on a 3/8ths ratchet. Get the smallest one they have since that's the one that fits the maxima's filter. I have. 2 or 3 of them in different sizes that I use daily at the shop I work in. If I remember right they're $10 a piece which is a steal and they're good quality made in the good old USA. Not cheap Taiwanese tools