Oil Filter Wrench 2001 QX4

[hawkshaw123]

I just put my daughter in my mother's, who passed this summer, 2001 QX4. She loved the car and kept it under a car port. It's a nice car. The only problem is the occasion fuse blow for the left HID headlamp.

Here's my question. The oil filter location is a little difficult. I just wondered if someone here can tell me the best cap style filter wrench to get. There are many listed on Amazon but I am not sure the exact size.

Also do you guys use factory filters or Wix, Puralator, etc?

Thanks in advance,
Hawk

[atraudes]

Welcome, and sorry to hear about the circumstances that brought you the QX4

We have a section on oil filters that basically recommends you don't get Fram, and that Puraltors are very decent. I've heard pretty good things about Wix/Napa Gold around here.

post6254749.html#p6254749

Bosch and K&N also make great filters. If you want to really see what they're made of and get a good run-down and comparison, check out some of the links at the end.

I personally use a MicroGreen. It has a dual-stage microfilter system so the really fine particulates get filtered out as well. It's meant to be used for extended oil changes, but I don't. The oil is actually visibly cleaner when I change it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007USGKGS

As for the wrenches, I have a cap-style that's about 2¾" in diameter. I would go to a local parts store, get an example filter from them, and test-fit wrenches until you find the right one. I ended up having to buy two, though, since the first one was an ⅛" bigger than the second, so it skipped when things got too tight.

Your other option is to buy a strap wrench or pliers since they pretty much fit all filters. I've always found the strap wrenches to be a bit fiddly, though.

http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-209-9 ... B0009WG5SU

[NismoPick]

I bought a 4pack of various size oil filter caps from Harbor Freight for about $5. I also use Puralator and are cheapest at Walmart (yeah yeah... I know). I just changed the oil on my VG33E QX4 this weekend and used a garbage bag stuffed up around the front axle to catch the oil so I don't have an oil drip for the next two weeks.

[donald]

...
Your other option is to buy a strap wrench or pliers since they pretty much fit all filters. I've always found the strap wrenches to be a bit fiddly, though.
http://www.amazon.com/Channellock-209-9 ... B0009WG5SU

As far as filter wrench goes, this would be my suggestion as well. I'd just get a filter pliers instead of a filter socket.
Pliers will fit multiple filters for almost all common cars.
Walmart has a good one, Harbor Freight even sells one: http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-to- ... 36778.html

The oil filter location on the 2001 Qx4 is relatively easy-access. The only "hassle" in my opinion, is the removal of the rock/impact guard cover (not sure of the official name of that cover plate).