How to Clean Oil Filter Elements
Most oil filters are now made up of two parts: the oil filter cage and a reusable wire mesh liner, which has replaced the disposable liners of old. Though a complete oil filter replacement may still sometimes be necessary, the advancement in automotive parts allows car owners to get a much longer life out of their oil filters by cleaning it at set times dependent on the mileage driven. Cleaning an oil filter is a car-maintenance task that you can take care of yourself to avoid the service station.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Drain pan
- Multipurpose wrench
- Brake cleaning fluid
- Rags
Instructions
-
-
1
Lift the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and position a set of jack stands beneath the front wheels. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stands. Raise the back of the vehicle as well, if necessary, to easily access the filter area. Slide a drain pan beneath the vehicle and arrange it so that it is below the oil filter.
-
2
Unscrew the filter locking bolt by turning it counterclockwise. Use a multipurpose wrench without threads to turn the bolt if it is too tight to loosen by hand. Remove the oil filter assembly from the vehicle.
-
-
3
Open the flap of the filter cage to access the wire cloth filter liner. Separate the two pieces. Cleans both parts of the filter well with unused brake cleaning fluid.
-
4
Let the filter pieces air-dry completely on layers of clean rags. Reassemble the oil filter and make sure the cage flap is closed securely. Place the filter back into the vehicle undercarriage and tighten the bolt. Raise and rest the vehicle on the floor jack while you remove the jack stands and then lower the vehicle completely.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Brake cleaner and brake fluid are not the same. Do not clean your parts with brake fluid or damage may occur.
Follow hazardous chemical guidelines in your area to dispose of used oil.
References
- Photo Credit luxury car - model toy car image by alma_sacra from Fotolia.com
