Oil filter cartridge torque specs? Currently leaking after oil change

**UpTight** · 06-21-2023 03:32 PM

Just did my first oil change, and noticed I'm seeping some oil through the back of the filter housing. I torqued it to 18nm just about, but I'm not sure if that's tight enough to stop any potential leaks or if it's too loose. Either that or maybe it's possible I crossthreaded it or something drastic, but it went on pretty smooth so I'm not sure.

**Audibot** · 06-21-2023 07:07 PM

Just to double-check, you replaced the O-ring with a new one and lubricated it, right?

Audi erWin manual says 25+5 Nm for the filter housing. And 30 Nm for the drain plug.

**UpTight** · 06-21-2023 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by Audibot

Just to double-check, you replaced the O-ring with a new one and lubricated it, right?

Audi erWin manual says 25+5 Nm for the filter housing. And 30 Nm for the drain plug.

Yeah I did. Used some of the old oil to lubricate it. Pretty certain I got the new o-ring seated in there well too

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**Theiceman** · 06-22-2023 04:38 AM

did you align the tab on the filter housing with the tab on the canister ? that is all you need . Many years ago i went to the dealer just to look at this and all the new cars were lined up this way.

also maybe you confused N/m with foot/ lb ?

18 ft/lb s is 25 n/m

**Hammer** · 06-22-2023 04:43 AM

It's a plastic canister, so there could be some warping or a slight crack. 18 Nm is also under spec.

In many years of driving / maintaining B7s, I never put a torque wrench on it. Always threaded the canister carefully, spun it until flush to the filter housing and then snugged slightly past that.

**Theiceman** · 06-22-2023 04:46 AM

also keep in mind the whole assembly where it mates to the block are prone to leakage, you may end up replacing it

**UpTight** · 06-22-2023 04:53 AM

Originally Posted by Theiceman

did you align the tab on the filter housing with the tab on the canister ? that is all you need . Many years ago i went to the dealer just to look at this and all the new cars were lined up this way.

also maybe you confused N/m with foot/ lb ?

18 ft/lb s is 25 n/m

I kind of doubt it's lined up, but I'll check it out and pray. The entire housing was replaced a year ago for leaking so that would be the worst case scenario lol. As far as torque, it was 18nm, so whatever that equates to in ft pounds. Though I kinda doubt that was the issue anyway because I've seen people hand tighten it and be alright

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**Theiceman** · 06-22-2023 05:10 AM

if you are at 18 n/m that is only 13 foot lbs, sounds like you need to tighten her.

**Jayz691** · 06-22-2023 10:52 AM

Ive never torqued it, or lined anything up. Just snug it up. 36mm socket, and just a half a ugga..

Pretty sure i looked, and lines are nowhere even close. But I also replaced the housing adapter, so may be the reason..

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**UpTight** · 06-22-2023 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by Theiceman

if you are at 18 n/m that is only 13 foot lbs, sounds like you need to tighten her.

Took it off and put it back on tightening it a bit more this time, and it's still leaking from the same exact spot between the cartridge and housing. Not very comforting unfortunately lol

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**Hammer** · 06-22-2023 12:00 PM

What brand of filter are you using?

Did you inspect the canister for any warping / cracks?

**Theiceman** · 06-22-2023 01:30 PM

yeah once these are over torqued they can damage the housing/cartridge as they are plastic.

**UpTight** · 06-23-2023 04:56 PM

I'm no expert but does this looks like bad news bears to you? I'm not sure if it looks crossthreaded or not. The damn thing went on relatively easy though so I don't know.
Attachment 308311

**Jayz691** · 06-24-2023 04:51 PM

Originally Posted by UpTight

I'm no expert but does this looks like bad news bears to you? I'm not sure if it looks crossthreaded or not. The damn thing went on relatively easy though so I don't know.
Attachment 308311

Pic is broken..

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**UpTight** · 06-24-2023 05:04 PM

Originally Posted by Jayz691

Pic is broken..

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http://https://i.gyazo.com/514af2d21...ac7d236ec6.png

Here's a link and image upload. Can never figure out how to properly upload here

**Theiceman** · 06-24-2023 06:12 PM

looks good to go,, if it still leaks and you haven't double gasketed it you are due for some new bits , unless the valve at the bottom isn't seated properly

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**Spetznaaz** · 07-03-2023 04:06 PM

I have the same problem, torqued to 25Nm, i assume the plus 5Nm is just a tolerance. I've read about others with the same problem, it's interesting how it's happened to you on a relatively new housing assembly. I've also noticed a pattern in that it seems to happen to people that torque it rather than just snug it up.

I never knew about the tabs lining up before and really don't get why the torque spec is listed at 25Nm when that puts the tabs way out of alignment.

**UpTight** · 07-03-2023 04:09 PM

Originally Posted by Spetznaaz

I have the same problem, torqued to 25Nm, i assume the plus 5Nm is just a tolerance. I've read about others with the same problem, it's interesting how it's happened to you on a relatively new housing assembly. I've also noticed a pattern in that it seems to happen to people that torque it rather than just snug it up.

I never knew about the tabs lining up before and really don't get why the torque spec is listed at 25Nm when that puts the tabs way out of alignment.

Yeah I'm in contact with the mechanic who did the job right now trying to see what's going on. I don't know if the housing has to be replaced or whether or not I should just leave it be. Not even sure what specifically is even causing it to leak though to be honest

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**Jayz691** · 07-03-2023 05:10 PM

I was thinking of this when I did my oil change this weekend. So I looked, and snapped a pic. I always just snug it with a 1/2" ratchet, and 36mm socket. Well..look where its wound up

This was before I removed it, from last service.0630231855a.jpg

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**UpTight** · 07-06-2023 01:53 PM

So interesting development, mechanic apparently tracked down the leak to the intake hose. Said he opened it up and there was quite a lot of oil in there. Enough that it was leaking out of both ends apparently. Replaced the PCV and said hope for the best, as a lot of oil in there is most certainly no good. Anyone ever have experience with this?

**Jayz691** · 07-06-2023 03:27 PM

Then your boost pipes are prob full.. Drain them. Cracked/delaminating valve cover is a common cause..

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**Theiceman** · 07-07-2023 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Jayz691

Then your boost pipes are prob full.. Drain them. Cracked/delaminating valve cover is a common cause..

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reminds me , i haven't done mine in about 3 years. im due, i bet a get about 250ml out. then il put it in my lawnmower lol.

**Jayz691** · 07-07-2023 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by Theiceman

reminds me , i haven't done mine in about 3 years. im due, i bet a get about 250ml out. then il put it in my lawnmower lol.

Waste not, want not..

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