My wife drives a 2004 Expedition. The oil filter is in a real PITA place. It's above a bunch of crap when working from below, and doesn't seem real accessible from above. Plus, there isn't much room around it to get a wrench on it and then be able to turn the wrench. Easily the worst location for an oil filter I have ever encountered. Any tips?

A remote filter is a solution, I know, but I doubt I would install one.

With a lot of those ford trucks I recall having to turn the wheels all the way to the side to have easy access to the filter from below. I believe an idler arm blocked the filter.

There is an arm (or bar, or suspension component, or something - shows you how much I know) in the way. I'll try turning the wheels. Thanks.

Will938 is on target with his comments. The steering rack and box on my 2001 Ford F150 is squarely in the way of reaching the oil filter from below. The only way I used to be able to get at it was to turn the front wheels all the way to the right. Unfortunately, even when I could get to the filter, removing it, given its mounting location, made quite the mess. I finally got smart and made my life much easier. Now I can change my oil without any wrenches and in record time. I actually enjoy changing my oil now.

The earlier ones had a remote mount, or so I heard from a body shop. Seems that a wreck many times involved a new motor because the housing would crack and quickly starve the motor of oil. Just something to keep in mind when relocating an oil filter.

My 03 Explorer is in a crappy place much like that described by you.

I am unable to get any form of filter wrench to it.

I have a pair of Wells Lamont Latex coated grip gloves. It takes some fandangaling of my arm and hand to get to it but with these gloves I am able to get it off.
Usually my arm is bleeding afterward from cutting it on something up there.
http://www.wellslamont.com/pro...tid=84&cat=22&page=1

I have a 99 Expediton and, although I prefer to do my own oil changes, I changed the oil once and swore I'd never do it again on that vehicle (and I haven't).

turn the wheels to the right or left whichever makes it ezsier for you, take a pairof pliers and bend the end of the cotter pin straight up or down so you dont end up cutting yourself on it. These really are a pain in the arse to do laying on your back. A band wrench will make it alot easier.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
My 03 Explorer is in a crappy place much like that described by you.

I am unable to get any form of filter wrench to it.

I have a pair of Wells Lamont Latex coated grip gloves. It takes some fandangaling of my arm and hand to get to it but with these gloves I am able to get it off.
Usually my arm is bleeding afterward from cutting it on something up there.
http://www.wellslamont.com/pro...tid=84&cat=22&page=1

If you have the V6, just get a cup style filter wrench, a 12-14" 3.8" extension and a ratchet. Easy way to go. Things like that don't even register to me anymore though- when I worked at the dealer I probably changed more oil in a week than most will in their entire lifetime. You get used to crap like that fast, though having a lift made life way easier.

Why don't you try posting that question on the ford truck enthusiasts website there are a bunch of great guys over there and I'm sure they can help.

jhe888 you helped me out with a favor involving your profession. Please allow me to return the favor by way of an instant Karma. Send me your mailing address and I will mail you one of these:


IIRC the one I'm sending you does not have the hex head on it. You use a 3/8 Extension and Ratchet and it makes removing the filter MUCH easier.

The explorer should have a metal shield that routes the oil to drain and not make a mess. Normally, it drains in the REAR but looks like it should drain in the front.

A word of caution... Lately, it seems that oil filters of different makes and supposed quality have not been made well and occasionally leave the O-Ring gasket behind. If this happens AND you don't catch it, at best, you will have a huge mess, at the worst, you could blow your motor. BTW we call this a double gasket. Just make sure the old gasket comes off, wipe down the filter sealing area on the housing, moisten the new filter's O-Ring with NEW oil and install hand tight. No need to use the Filter wrench to tighten the new one.

Email me if you have any questions. It's in my profile.

If you have a vertical mount, you should fill the filter with oil before mounting to reduce the lack of oil run time.

They also make a strap wrench with a slot for a 3/8 inch socket drive from the bottom. I have used this with success in tight places. They have these at Auto Zone.



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I've changed my trucks oil since 1970...and up until a few yrs ago I needed a filter wrench also (never mind the instructions that said contact base and 1/4 turn more) then I discovered those Fram filters with the textured grip surface,and I havent used a wrench since!! very little trouble removing the old one after 3/g miles. no gloves, no breaker bars no problem!!

after waiting for oil and filters , on sale.
I cahanged my oil .
and the next day I found out that a shop here will do it for four dollars.
( I take in the oil and the filter)

Another suggestion that may make life easier, K&N oil filters. They cost a little more but they have a nut on the bottom that fits a 1" socket. Makes getting them on and off very easy.

My wife also drives an 04 Expedition. The filter is indeed in an awkward position to reach. But it looks like you've been given the tool and advice already so I wont beat the dead horse.
Just remember , only hand tighten the new filter and future changes can be done sans tools.
Also there is a black plastic drip tray directly below the filter that will direct the spillage over and away from the cross member. Its going to get oil spilled on it, thats what its for . So I usually give it a couple squirts with simple green and a hose spray when I'm done to keep any oil drops off the garage floor.

I'm going to suggest the wimpy solution:

Pay some mechanic $25 to do it for you.

It is more like $50 to $75 to get a synthetic oil at a garage. Plus, I don't really trust the guys at the quickie places. I kind of enjoy doing it and it takes about 15 minutes (except for the bad filter location).

You didn't say synthetic. How many quarts does it take? DIY it could be $25-30 just for the oil.

There are some quicky places I wouldn't go near (Jiffy Lube). There some I would. I've used the Valvoline place near my mother's house (on LI, NY) with no problems. I've confirmed they're using Ashland (Valvoline) oil. And I can watch them do the work.

I agree (with enjoying doing it). But only up to the point where it becomes a major PITA.

jhe888 I put the filter wrench in the mail yesterday. You SHOULD have it on Tuesday or Wednesday.