Cartridge Oil Filter Systems Explained
Toyota, Lexus and Scion Oil Filter Housing and Wrench Guide
Many Toyota owners expect to change their own oil exactly like they have on other vehicles, then get discouraged when "special tools" are required.
This guide covers the cartridge style filter system used on many Toyotas, why a traditional oil filter wrench doesn't work, and why choosing a high quality filter wrench can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the life of your vehicle.
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Spin-On Oil Filters
A "spin on" or "canister style" filter is what comes to mind when most people think of an oil filter. You simply unscrew it and throw it away when you change the oil.
There are various tools for removing this style of filter, but none of them will work properly on a cartridge style Toyota filter housing.
Toyota's Cartridge Style Oil Filter
Toyota's system is a screw-on plastic or metal housing with a replaceable paper filter element. The housing is reused; only the yellow or white pleated paper element is replaced.
A replacement filter for this system looks like the element shown here, along with several "O" rings.
Toyota's Oil Filter Housings
Toyota uses two main versions of the filter housing, shown here with and without the filter installed.
1.8L Housing
Found on: 1.3L and 1.8L 4-cylinder engines. We call it the 1.8L housing since the 1.3L is very uncommon.
How to identify it: Plastic housing with no center drain valve.
2.5L – 5.7L Housing
Found on: 2.5L and 2.7L 4-cylinder, 3.5L and 4.0L 6-cylinder, and 4.6L and 5.7L 8-cylinder engines.
How to identify it: A 3/8" drive metal plug covers the drain valve, and the body is distinctly wider toward the middle than the 1.8L version. Can be metal or plastic.
Draining the 2.5L – 5.7L Housing
These housings sit vertically rather than horizontally like the 1.8L, so they make a huge mess if you remove them without draining first. Toyota built in a drain valve so you can empty the housing beforehand.
- Remove the metal plug to expose the drain valve.
- Install the Motivx MX2341 drain tool and let the housing drain.
- Remove the housing with a specialty oil filter wrench.
Toyota Oil Filter Housing Diameter
64.16mm
There's a common misconception that there are both 65mm and 65.5mm housings, referring to the diameter of the 14-point ring on top. Neither measurement is correct.
Both styles of housing measure 64.16mm, which we round to 64mm for simplicity. The housing also expands and contracts slightly with weather and engine heat.
Does It Really Matter What Oil Filter Wrench I Use?
Short answer: yes.
You want a quality wrench that fits well and won't break under load, slip, or crack or damage the filter housing.
Common problems with a cheap or poorly designed wrench
- Housings are frequently overtightened, so removing them takes a lot of force.
- A poor fitting wrench can round off the flutes or get stuck on the cap.
- A wrench made from weak material can round out, crack or break.
- Most Toyota filter wrenches fit down over the plastic "tabs" on the housing and can break them off, causing an oil leak.
The Solution: A Precision CNC-Machined Toyota Filter Wrench
A wrench that makes secure contact with the housing without binding or breaking. A perfect fit and quality construction take the fear out of breaking your filter housing.
- Machined in the USA from 6061 aluminum, considerably stronger than cast or stamped wrenches
- 3/8" drive hub reinforced with stronger 7075 aluminum (anodized red)
- Tough enough to use with a breaker bar on overtightened caps, guaranteed
- Backed by our Limited Lifetime Guarantee and ASE-Certified customer service
Fitment: The 64.3mm 14 flute wrench fits all Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles that use the cartridge style oil filter system, with either the plastic or aluminum OEM cap. It also fits 64.3mm 14 flute spin-on filters such as the Toyota 90915-YZZN1 and Honda 15400-PLM-A02. Not sure? Use "Search by Vehicle or Filter" at the top of the page.
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We've been manufacturing premium quality tools for more than decade, with hundreds of thousands of tools sold worldwide.
Questions?
Email our USA customer service team and we'll get back to you promptly. Ready to go? Get your filter wrench, drain tool and anything else you need for your oil change.