removing a broken oil filter housing

[chanceparker]

So I just cracked the "nut" off the bottom of the oil filter housing on my 2.0. I am ordering the aluminum replacement housing from ECS, but I'm not sure how to get the old one off.

Any suggestions?

Thx

[Charles.waite]

get one of those ratcheting strap oil filter wrenches maybe?

[JPT]

Or any large wrench (pipe) that you can get around it. Since you are getting rid of it, who cares how scratched up it gets.

[mcpcartier]

I use band style remover. The one I have fits the top of the housing just right, much easier for me to get it started using it from above than getting a 36mm socket on it from below.

[Hugh@EuropaParts]

Oil Filter Socket (36mm)

Many Audi/VW models house the oil filter cartridge in a plastic oil filter housing that requires a 36mm socket to properly remove it without damaging the housing. This compact socket is used to properly remove the black plastic oil filter housings on cars with the engines including 2.0T and 2.5L engines. Made by Metalnerd, specifically for the latest Audi/VW models.

[JPT]

I use band style remover. The one I have fits the top of the housing just right, much easier for me to get it started using it from above than getting a 36mm socket on it from below.

You dont have the short 36 mm socket do you? Since I use the drain tool, and I already unplugged the motor mount, it is just as easy to use the shorty socket on the bottom.

Edit: I have that same part, ordered from europa. Since they are in NJ, I had it the next day.

[CorneliusRox]

If you are tossing it anyways (assume you are), shove a screwdriver through it (if there is room). Hugh's method would definitely be best if you have the extra cash to spend.

[Charles.waite]

I've got the metalnerd socket and its a freaking beast. I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet though... This summer when I change my oil, I'm quite sure I'll be very glad I have it.

Also, its $11. So its not like its breaking the bank. If you plan on owning your b7 long enough to do a couple oil changes its MORE than worth it. That and the drain tube...

[mr shickadance]

i have never used a socket to do my oil changes, i always used a strap wrench, you can get them at any autozone pep boys or what have you....shouldn;t spend more then 6-8$ on them but they work INCREDIBLY well....the more force you use to turn, the more grip you get on the filter

[Charles.waite]

i have never used a socket to do my oil changes, i always used a strap wrench, you can get them at any autozone pep boys or what have you....shouldn;t spend more then 6-8$ on them but they work INCREDIBLY well....the more force you use to turn, the more grip you get on the filter

I think thats fine when you have a metal oil filter, but with the plastic shroud we have, its a bit dangerous to be applying too much force to it. Especially as the plastic ages and gets brittle..

[Jay-Bee]

I think thats fine when you have a metal oil filter, but with the plastic shroud we have, its a bit dangerous to be applying too much force to it. Especially as the plastic ages and gets brittle..

This, I was scared of breaking the filter housing! Ended up breaking the strap haha.

[mr shickadance]

I think thats fine when you have a metal oil filter, but with the plastic shroud we have, its a bit dangerous to be applying too much force to it. Especially as the plastic ages and gets brittle..

on the contrary, the plastic piece would break more easily with the socket than the strap....the strap provides uniform pressure throughout the entire circumference.

i have never broken the housing using the strap ever, beginning with my old wrx and current touareg.

i'm sure if you just go at it with a ton of force in the wrong direction you might do some harm, but it's a pretty safe tool

[CorneliusRox]

i have never used a socket to do my oil changes, i always used a strap wrench, you can get them at any autozone pep boys or what have you....shouldn;t spend more then 6-8$ on them but they work INCREDIBLY well....the more force you use to turn, the more grip you get on the filter

I use my man paws!

...on my bike

[JPT]

on the contrary, the plastic piece would break more easily with the socket than the strap....the strap provides uniform pressure throughout the entire circumference.

i have never broken the housing using the strap ever, beginning with my old wrx and current touareg.

i'm sure if you just go at it with a ton of force in the wrong direction you might do some harm, but it's a pretty safe tool

It's the fact that to get force it pinches the housing. I'm not saying the plastic will break, just saying that the socket is more ridged as it would be molded into the housing, and the bottom of the arch would be stronger than the mid point.

[mr shickadance]

i guess idk you sound smarter then me anyway, until i have an issue i will be using my strap wrench....it would appear given this thread the molded plastic piece is a bit fragile tho

[JPT]

i guess idk you sound smarter then me anyway, until i have an issue i will be using my strap wrench....it would appear given this thread the molded plastic piece is a bit fragile tho

You probably will never have a problem.

[Silveravant]

I'll give you $10 for the cap for the drain for the oil filter housing! Dealership lost mine.

[Brillo]

A metal band strap wrench is vastly more gentle on the filter housing than torquing on that 36 mm hex. The hex is how folks have been breaking them in the first place. The strap wrench doesn't pinch the housing very much, just enough to get enough friction to twist the housing. $5 metal band strap wrench from above is the way to go IMHO.

[Charles.waite]

Well, to be honest, the plastic housing really only needs to be hand tight, so it shouldn't require much force. Unfortunately the last person who cahnged my filter apparently used air tools (not really but its on there fucking tight!)

[mcpcartier]

^^

Agreed. My band strap is hanging next to the box. Grab it, reach down from above and give a gentle twist and she's loose. Didn' have to get a socket, driver, scoot underneath, etc...

I do have the 36mm socket, bought it when I needed it to get at the wheel bearing on my wifes mini-van. I just find the band strap so easy to use. Everyone has their reason for doing things the way they do which is fine. Many ways to skin a cat.