Recommend oil filter wrench please

[andyborris]

Recommend an oil filter wrench please

On my BMW M52 engine the oil filter is a paper element inside a housing with a fluted plastic lid.

They normally use a special cup to undo, (but I can't find one of these) and the normal wrench I use, a nylon strap type, won't shift the cover, so please recommend a wrench.

The cover is 93 mm in diameter.

Thanks

[waveman1500]

My mate's a mechanic and he loves the three-jaw geared type ones, which you use with a ratchet. I've used it a fair few times too and it always seems to do the job. Like this style:

[andyborris]

Think it'll work on this?



Really want to get the filter out without damaging the cap, the price of the caps are terrifyingly expensive!

[RobinJI]

Could you not just use a normal 6 sided socket on the hex shape on the top of it?

[waveman1500]

Aug 23, 2012 19:46:45 GMT RobinJI said:

Could you not just use a normal 6 sided socket on the hex shape on the top of it?

Yeah, big socket, job done! Surely that must be the easiest way. Or do it really carefully with a shifter to make sure that you don't round the plastic nut off.

[andyborris]

Tried the socket, nut started rounding!

I think the cap has been fitted by a ham fisted gorilla!

[ianboyd]

use one of these

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADJUSTABLE-12-OIL-FILTER-WRENCH-PLIER-REMOVAL-TOOL-CUSHION-HANDLE-/160744764895?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item256d2275df#ht_3125wt_1397


but also use a 6 sided impact socket on the top turn both at the same time!

[Ratdat]

Aug 24, 2012 7:18:30 GMT ianboyd said:

use one of these

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ADJUSTABLE-12-OIL-FILTER-WRENCH-PLIER-REMOVAL-TOOL-CUSHION-HANDLE-/160744764895?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item256d2275df#ht_3125wt_1397


but also use a 6 sided impact socket on the top turn both at the same time!

That is the only type of oil filter whench I own and I can't say I've ever needed anything else. However... that's bacause most oil filters are disposible so it matters not if they get a bit chewed up in the process of removal. I think this would certainly undo your filter cap but it might well chew it a little!

You can get giant oil filter removal sockets which fit the flats on the outside of most filters. I would think your filter cap has been designed to work with those by the look of it

[sal]

Very similar to the filter cap on my vectra which I removed with impact socket from halfords. Think it was 30mm and cost bout a tenner.

[ChasR]

I would personally buy this:

www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-24V-M47-M52-M54-M57-M60-M62-M70-Diesel-Engine-Oil-Filter-Socket-Removal-36mm-/350587539915?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item51a0a551cb

In addition to using a strap type removal tool where the flutes are in order to remove the cap.

[andyborris]

Tried a strap type, the strap just slips up the cap when I apply a little pressure and I can't find a giant over the flutes type to fit.

But thanks for the suggestions, will try the Ebay socket, it's face drive, not corner, so may avoid damage.

I hope!

[ChasR]

Using two types (the strap and the specific socket) should make it easier to get the filter off and stop the strap from slipping as much since there will be a more even application of torque loosing the filter cap.. It has worked for me in the past when I have come across a filter that seems well and truly seized onto the engine (don't you love it when people go trigger happy with the tightening of filters....).

[andyborris]

Oh well, even BMW can't get it all right!

Hammer and chisel time, the face drive socket and strap method failed! And now the plastic lid is well and truly mashed.

[ChasR]

It seems to me that someone has previously overtightened it. Even on a spin on oil filter it is pain to remove a filter that is too tight!