5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
Since it was in the upper 30's here today, I just did the first oil change on my 07 XLE 4 cylinder. The oil pan bolt came off easy, but I couldn't believe how difficult it was to break loose the oil filter. I have the proper fitting end cap style wrench, but I had to really strain to break that factory installed filter loose. I was just wondering if anybody else has experienced this?
Since it was in the upper 30's here today, I just did the first oil change on my 07 XLE 4 cylinder. The oil pan bolt came off easy, but I couldn't believe how difficult it was to break loose the oil filter. I have the proper fitting end cap style wrench, but I had to really strain to break that factory installed filter loose. I was just wondering if anybody else has experienced this?
Mike
I had the same problem. I assume that the first time you remove the oil filter its difficult because its factory installed. I just gave up and took the car to a gas station with my own oil nd my own filter. Ever since then, I have been taking it to the same guy and he charges me 5 bucks nd does all the werk. !!!!
I had the same problem. I assume that the first time you remove the oil filter its difficult because its factory installed. I just gave up and took the car to a gas station with my own oil nd my own filter. Ever since then, I have been taking it to the same guy and he charges me 5 bucks nd does all the werk. !!!!
I had already drained the oil before moving on to the filter, so I had to get it off. I also prefer doing my own oil changes becuse not too many places are going to heat up the car and then let it really drain for an hour or so, to get as much of the old oil out as possible. I know it's anal, but I have always been doing it that way.
Too-tight oil filter is common after an oil change at a shop. I work in one and they usually do tend to make them much too tight. Dont know why, i dont do it like this, never have, because there is no reason for this, to me! Maybe some mechanics just gotta spread the joy to the next guy that changes the filter Reason #1,512 to change your own oil.
I install mine to contact plus moderate tight, about 1/2 a turn maybe, and never have i had a problem with leakage, or with removing the filter the next time.
Some tricks to getting old filter off: half the time the dam filter wrench doesnt fit or there is no room to swing it, that is if you remembered to buy one at all. Some things to help remove filter:
- old leather belt or piece of sandpaper for grip.
- Tighten and loosen trick.
- Stab it with a screwdriver all the way through. Use screwdriver for handle. Turn.
- a chain whip works if you happen to have one lying around.
I agree with you on your tightening procedure. I have been doing my own oil changes for more years than I care to remember and never had a problem with either a leaking filter or having to work so hard at getting the filter off the next time. This is my 4th new Camry and none of the other 3 were anywhere near this tight.
Unfortunately, the 07 has the filter verticle and up in a well in front of the oil pan on the passenger side. There is no room to get a screwdriver, belt or chain wrench up in there. Only a cap style filter wrench will work. I was affraid I was going to chew up the 3/8 square recess on the cap wrench, I was having to use so much force. It finally broke loose without any damage to car or tools. Oh well, all's well that ends well and there's little or no oil spillage like on my 5SFE engines.
They make them tight at shops so they don't have people coming back blaming them for them leaking and/or causing damage. I'm quite certain it's a been there done that situation for them.
They make them tight at shops so they don't have people coming back blaming them for them leaking and/or causing damage. I'm quite certain it's a been there done that situation for them.
I agree with you, but this was the first oil change done on a new 07 Camry. The factory put this filter on. I think they have King Kong working on the line.
Oh yeah, definately during assembly they are tightened down. I'd guess that to be since they could potentially sit outside for long periods and are being shipped all over the country/continent to differing climates.
QUICK QUESTION PEOPLE. I remember there is a tsb for the toyota oil and I can remember which oil to buy...I'm gonna go away tomorrow and I decided to change the oil today..
XLE 4 cyl
0W20 ????
5W20 ????
5W30 ??????
10W30 ??????
If anybody can post the oil TSB in pdf format to save for future reference......
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Reason #1,512 to change your own oil. 
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