The Mégane II Owners' Club

hi peeps . gone today to do a service on my 1.5 dci megane and droped the oil but cant get filter off, i mean it is very tight, could not get a wrench on it and one of my friends punched a long screwdriver through filter and still wont shift any ideas
leighton

Try to get a special oil filter wrench and next time go to a proper garage to do this job. A good tool saves you time and your nerves.

leighton wrote:hi peeps . gone today to do a service on my 1.5 dci megane and droped the oil but cant get filter off, i mean it is very tight, could not get a wrench on it and one of my friends punched a long screwdriver through filter and still wont shift any ideas
leighton

Hmm the old screwdriver technique used to work, as an absolute last resort, reasonably well. The newer filters have thinner bodies and so often you can be left with what resembles a half opened baked bean can - the screwdriver just tears through the filter.

As mentioned, you should really have obtained the correct tool prior to starting the job (you can get them cheaply from bargain shops) - but even then the space is very limited. I reiterate what has already been stated - get a proper tool and apply it to the base of the filter (or what remains of it). Make absolutely sure you are trying to turn it in the correct direction - it's an easy mistake to make from underneath the car, upside down, with the thing facing the wrong way.

If you are still stuck, you might have to remove other components and get some kind of locking wrench on the flange. I'd be very wary of having sent bits of metal into the oil system that could cause major damage. Personally, having finally replaced the filter, I would fill up with oil, and drop it immediately without starting up, and re-replace the filter with another and new oil just to be on the safe side.

thank you for the responses a update i gave it to a garage to get off and a big adjustable ratcket was needed so done , well done kevs autos of blaengarw.


thanks all

There is an easier way, you don't need any tools, and there's really not much space for any. You'll need a piece of flexible rope (shoe laces f.ex.) of approx. 1 meter, put it around the filter (twice, maybe), hold one end and pull the other until the rope tightens and the filter turns. Works for me every time. And don't forget the filter should be put back without any wrenches, just screw it with your hand (some fresh oil should be applied to the rubber seal).
Enjoy!