Today I tried to change my own oil . It was almost impossible to remove the skid plate bolts . They were very corroded . It almost seems that they were never taken out for a long time . So this brings me to my question. Can the oil filter be removed without removing the skid plate ?I checked the skid plate and see no old oil residue .I imagine there would be some if the filter was changed and plate not removed . All my prior maintanance was done at a dealer .they never charged me extra for an oil change .I imagine they would if they had to remove the skid plate . Do dealers regularly no change the filters on the 4runners ?

 

You don't have to remove the skid plate. Just turn the wheel all the way to the left and you can access the filter through the gap in the wheel well. If you still want to remove the skid plate, just soak the bolts with PB blaster for a day or two. Hope this helps. And yes, the dealer ship removes the skid plate for an oil change and the morons reinstall it using air tools, hence, a pain in the #ss to remove later.

George

 

Thanks for the answer .

 

One thing to add. The stock bolts are self threading. When the dealer uses air tools, the threads get really screwed up. If you get the old bolts out, replace them with new SS ones. I did this to mine and my wifes Runners for $5-$6. Got mine at Lowes. BTW I never remove the skid plate to change the oil.

 

I have tried for the last few days to cgange the oil .But for the life of me I can`t get the filter off.

 

Stab it with a screwdriver, and use that to get leverage. Its a little messy, but it gets the job done. Make sure you don't tighten the new one more than a 1/2 turn or so after it hits the gasket...

 

I use one of those cheapo filter wrenches with the metal strap. Tight fit but it can be done. Put some paper towells under the filter to catch the oil. No need to take off the skid plate unless your into half hour oil changes. late

 

I have tried every way possible to remove the F#@*%$#G filter and I just can`t do it .

 

Have you tried to hammer a screwdriver through the filter and twist it off that way? If its that tight it might be the only way.

 

I don`t know if my hands are to big or wwhat .But I find it hard just to get t the filter ,Never mind trying to put tools around it .

 

pf,

did you try buying a filter wrench that has the socket hole on top of it so you can remove it w/ a rachet w/ a long extension? thats what i did to get off a stubborn filter once on my old 99.

bob

 

One of the mods uses grip tape to get a better hold of the filter.

The last time I changed my oil I found that I got better leverage reaching from below instead of through the wheel well.