help getting to oil filter on XE 4x4?

saltflyz · Mar 5th, 2006, 05:17 PM

Kind of a newbie...How do I get to the oil filter on my 1994 XE 4x4? I can see it, but was wondering how to get to it...Do I come in from the Wheel well or reach down next to the battery? Thanks for any and all help

79kz400 · Mar 6th, 2006, 11:20 PM

Assuming you have the 4 cylinder motor...

Turn your wheel so you can reach in to the wheelwell. Remove the splash guard inside to access the filter.

MrOldLude · Mar 16th, 2006, 02:13 AM

In some cases, a socket type filter-wrench + ratchet extension can be a big help in loosening it. Lately though, since the exterior dimensions of the pure-one filter changed, I've just been puncturing that SOB with a screwdriver and taking it off that way.

Yontrop · Mar 18th, 2006, 08:46 PM

Yup - turn the wheel, move the splash guard out of the way and give it hell.

On the 2wd with the manual, you can get it from the bottom like a normal car.

dniper71 · Mar 26th, 2006, 02:10 PM

I recently purchased a 95 4X4 HB with a 4cyl and did the oil last week...... I am convinced that Nissan engineered the oil filter to be in the worst spot possible on purpose.

Now that I read the turning the wheels/splash guard trick I understand it would of been a better method then mine....

I got under the truck and tried to do it the normal way and thought I was gonna kick the sh!t out of the truck. I got to the oil filter and and luckily it was hand tight so I was able to unscrew it with my hand..... no filter wrench would ever fit in there. I had to do it blind so there is only enough room for my hand...... as I unscrewed it I of course got all the oil to run down my sleeve.

When I unscrewed it off completley it wouldnt just drop down....... it was like a maze getting the filter out of there. You had to pull it back, then to the left and then down and squeeze it out.

But none the less, its do able from under the truck....... next time I do the oil I'll be sure to try the turning wheel/splash guard method.

MrOldLude · Mar 31st, 2006, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dniper71

I am convinced that Nissan engineered the oil filter to be in the worst spot possible on purpose.

Comparing the "proper" method for changing a 4x4 HB's oil versus changing the oil on my old honda prelude, the nissan is a breeze. For one, the Lude was too low to crawl under, so it had to be ramped. Then, you always had to plan an hour slot of when you wanted to change the oil. This is because once it was up on the ramps, the exhaust pipe was nice and hot. The exhaust ran right below the engine, and below the area where the filter was located. (which was between the back of the engine and the firewall)

Trying to go from below seems like a demon job.

Yontrop · Apr 1st, 2006, 12:04 AM

No no no... there are FAR worse cars out there to change oil on...

Acura 2.5RL... the filter is tucked under the intake manifold. Impossible from the top or bottom, highly difficult through the wheel well.

Ford LTD/Grand Marquis/Town Car 4.6L - if it has the standard gearbox steering, the wheels had to be turned all the way to the right, or else you'll fight the damn filter getting it out. One of Ford's many great ideas.

Late-model GM 3.8l V6 sedans - can't get it from the bottom, because of the aluminum sub-frame. Wheel has to be turned. On the regular cars, it's not so bad, but on the police Impalas, they have oil cooler lines RIGHT in your way.

Dodge 2500/3500 Cummins Turbodiesel - through wheel well. You CAN do it from the bottom, but you'll be reaching FAR, and making a mess, unless you puncture the bottom like I do. Lifting a primed new filter back up there is even more fun.

V6 Hardbody Pathfinders - through wheel well, in between all the transmission lines and various other hoses.

I could make a whole list, but I won't.

NPath · Apr 1st, 2006, 04:53 AM

What's it like to change the oil filter on the VQ40DE engines in the Pathfinders?

Yontrop · Apr 1st, 2006, 07:20 AM

Don't know... haven't seen one yet.