Can't remove oil filter cap
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: CT, USA
Can't remove oil filter cap
Was changing my oil today on my 05 And when it came time to put in my new filter, I could not loosen that cap to access the filter cartridge. I tried both a 15/16 and 24mm socket. The 24mm did not even bite, it just spun rounding offthe edges of the nut on the cap. The 15/16 grabbed it but it would not loosen! This is my second time doing this, the first oil change was a learning experience but went smoothly. Anyway, any suggestions on how to get that cap off to change my filter? For now I left it in and added all new oil due to draining it prior to getting to the filter. Thanks
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Las Vegas, Nevada USA
Use six-point (versus twelve-point) sockets and heavy, steady pressure with a universal, extension and 1/2" drive ratchet. I know, I have thought that I was about to snap the whole housing off of the engine but in the 8 or 9 oil changes I've done so far; no problem. Good luck and "your mileage may vary".
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Vancouver, Canada
Use six-point (versus twelve-point) sockets and heavy, steady pressure with a universal, extension and 1/2" drive ratchet. I know, I have thought that I was about to snap the whole housing off of the engine but in the 8 or 9 oil changes I've done so far; no problem. Good luck and "your mileage may vary".
Don't tight it much. Only 25Nm or 18LbFt.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: CT, USA
Ok will try oil filter wrench after my new filter cover comes in because nut is almost rounded off. For those of you who use a torque wrench to tighten this, can you tell me the brand and size of wrench? The area looks really tight, I just want to get one that I know will fit. Thanks.
Audiworld Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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Ok will try oil filter wrench after my new filter cover comes in because nut is almost rounded off. For those of you who use a torque wrench to tighten this, can you tell me the brand and size of wrench? The area looks really tight, I just want to get one that I know will fit. Thanks.
Thread Starter
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: CT, USA
About to try again to remove the oil filter cover and was thinking about using mishar's idea. If that doesn't work I don't know what to do. I'll also try the 1/2" drive rachet. My question is: is there any chance that I could break off the housing from the motor if I apply too much pressure to get this thing off or will the cover just loosen up? I can care less about the existing cover because I have a new one, I just need to remove the one that's on there. Any ideas are appreciated. Should oil be cold or warm when I try this? I'm trying to avoid going to dealer; I think this is why it's like this, maybe the tech failed to lubricate o-ring??? Or he just tighten it too much.
AudiWorld Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 404
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From: NEWARK, UK
You don't need to torque it with a tool. Just use enough force to screw it down until it suddenly stops moving, no more. A little like screwing in a light bulb.
It is sealed with a great big o-ring. The housing doesn't need tightening hard to make a seal, and the o-ring will stop it loosening.
It is sealed with a great big o-ring. The housing doesn't need tightening hard to make a seal, and the o-ring will stop it loosening.
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Thread Starter
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 673
Likes: 3
From: CT, USA
You don't need to torque it with a tool. Just use enough force to screw it down until it suddenly stops moving, no more. A little like screwing in a light bulb.
It is sealed with a great big o-ring. The housing doesn't need tightening hard to make a seal, and the o-ring will stop it loosening.
It is sealed with a great big o-ring. The housing doesn't need tightening hard to make a seal, and the o-ring will stop it loosening.
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From: NEWARK, UK
I was replying to the tightening post.
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From: Boynton Bch, FL
I had the same problem on my last oil change...I used a tool called Basin Wrench which I bought from a local Harbor Freight store...google it. Hope it works for you as well!! Good Luck!!