Why do engineers design the oil filter so that you have to install from the underside

[her209]

On my old 94 Camry (4-cylinder), it was easy to get to and installation was a breeze as it was right in front of the engine bay, installing the oil filter with the open end downwards. On my 00 Accord (V6), the oil filter is behind the right wheel well and you have to install it from under the car or with the wheel and well cover removed. If you don't want to take off the wheel and the well cover, then you'll have to lift the car high enough. Next, even if you drain all the oil from the pan, when you go to unscrew the oil filter, all the oil that's left in the oil filter comes spilling out and making a complete mess.

So I ask, "Why? What purpose is it to do place the oil filter in such an awkward location and orientation?"

 

[exdeath]

It's low priority in the big picture.

Use an adapter block and hoses to put it wherever you want if it's a big deal.

 

[Howard]

Some cars have it on top.

 

[fr]

Put a bag around the filter as you remove it.

 

[woodie1]

Yep, many cars are a pain in the neck when it comes to changing the oil filter.

BMW used to have the filter canister on top by the front of the engine. Not sure about current ones though.

 

[sdifox]

discourage you from performing the task and hopefully you take it to the dealership

 

[zerocool84]

My 05 Neon is pretty easy, lift the car up and it's right on the bottom on the undercarriage. Super easy access.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

The filter is on the bottom front of my Focus. It's easy to change even with the car on the ground. Though I agree it makes a mess when I remove it. But installing a new one pre-filled with fresh oil is easy peasy

 

[Zenmervolt]

I've never had problems with oil coming out when the filter was set up with the open end up. I always have problems with oil getting out on cars where the filter is installed open end down.

As for why they do it, you already have to be under the car to drain the oil. It's not like you'd be able to do the job without getting under the car if they repositioned the filter.

ZV

 

[SyndromeOCZ]

On my 01 buick regal the filter is on the bottom with the open end up. I can switch the filter without draining the oil and only lose 1 quart, it doesn't even make to big of a mess if your quick enough and have a bucket under the car.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Count yourself lucky. Some cars require removing other components just to get to the oil filter.

The 1980 Oldsmobile SW was a classic example. As far as I could tell, the spare and jack was first assembled and the rest of the car built around it. Once you took it out, it NEVER went back in.

The '86 VW Rabbit was another great joke by the engineers. Crumple zones were built in such a way that a 15 mph collision took out one or both fwd drive units. That'll be $1500 each thank you very much.

Then there were the under bed spare tire lock mechanisms on Chevy PU's in the 90's. A little dirt or salt or general grime could turn the lock mechanism into the jaws of cerebus and you were never going to be able to use the spare.

Then there's the older cars that required you remove a couple of the engine mounts and partially lower the engine to be able to change the back most spark plugs.

Who says engineers don't have a sense of humor?

 

[Bartman39]

Just got back from -10 Excavator school and all the new -10`s except for the PC490LC-10 have both fuel filters and oil filter remote mounted and can be changed at ground level... I would like to have a remote mounted oil filter setup but since you have to remove the drain plug which is in most cases is close to the filter why worry about it...? Still have to climb under and take the plug out...

MTB has a point I hate to change Ford truck filters (not sure on the newest ones) they are a PITA to get a wrench on and make damn mess...

 

[LTC8K6]

Lots of engines have the paper cartridge on top. The new Chrysler V6 is that way.

 

[Zenmervolt]

On my 01 buick regal the filter is on the bottom with the open end up. I can switch the filter without draining the oil and only lose 1 quart, it doesn't even make to big of a mess if your quick enough and have a bucket under the car.

Why on earth would anyone change the filter without also changing the oil?

ZV

 

[Kroze]

This is why I love the new Subaru brz. Oil filter is on top and right next to the fill cap. Alternator and ac compressor is right in top also.

 

[alphatarget1]

Why on earth would anyone change the filter without also changing the oil?

ZV

I have done that before with my 7500 OCIs on synthetic. Change filter 1/2 way through and pour a new quart in.

 

[Zenmervolt]

I have done that before with my 7500 OCIs on synthetic. Change filter 1/2 way through and pour a new quart in.

What filter can't last 7,500 miles? Are you buying them used?

ZV

 

[Meghan54]

What filter can't last 7,500 miles? Are you buying them used?

ZV

Really. Don't understand the need to change an oil filter at 3K+ miles while keeping the oil in there for 7500 miles. Waste of money and time, in my humble opinion. If you're under there changing the filter, may as well change the oil.


And I despise the top/front mounted filters. Oil everywhere....filters do have anti-drain back gaskets/flaps inside them, so they don't empty completely even when you drain the oil pan. Rather have a bottom mounted filter.....you're already under the car draining the oil, save a few steps and pop the filter off while you're there.

 

[thomsbrain]

On my Accord V6 I can replace the filter without lifting the car, by just turning the steering all the way to the right and reaching for it. My engine is an updated version of yours, so I can't promise we have the same oil filter location, but it's likely that it's the same.

 

[ThatsABigOne]

I just replaced oil in my car(1998 Acura 3.5RL) yesterday. Hate it. The filter is so tightly wedged between the radiator and the engine, I have to use very large pliers to apply the leverage. Plus it is extremely messy when it is unscrewed.

 

[T2urtle]

my parents have the same camry.

The 1.8T VW/audi's have those large filters that i prefer reaching at the top to do VS the bottom.

I really dont care where you put the filter. Just to shove it a place with little room to get to it. I think a navigator filter pissed me off big time, due to someone overtighten and me not not having a cap big enough. I had to screwdriver poke it.

I do like the BMW paper type thats in the housing up on top. For the most part its a clean job and less work if you have the right cap/socket to remove it.

 

[Ketchup]

I am with the 'take it to a mechanic' theory. On my Mazda 6 they put it on the bottom in front of the engine, so it is easy. Unfortunately, due to the way the exhaust runs I can't get the oil drain plug off with a socket wrench.

My Cobalt has it on the top. Super easy.

 

[crackerjacks]

my '12 gti has it mounted on the top at the front of the engine. I haven't changed the oil yet because I get free service for the first 30k miles Don't know how messy of a change it will be yet.

 

[nismotigerwvu]

This is why I love the new Subaru brz. Oil filter is on top and right next to the fill cap. Alternator and ac compressor is right in top also.

+1 on this. This was the first thing I noticed when I saw engine bay shots.

 

[alphatarget1]

What filter can't last 7,500 miles? Are you buying them used?

ZV

I'm not saying they CAN'T last 7500 miles. I think filtration efficiency goes up for a bit and then drops to 0 when the thing is completely clogged, where the oil just flows through the bypass valve. TBH I have never cut my old oil filters out.

My car's oil capacity is, say, 4.5 quarts. I put 5 quarts in. When I change the filter midway through, I drain one quart of oil and I put another quart in. I usually buy oil in 6 qt cases. It was just a personal thing (wanting to dump some of the old oil out and replacing the filter).

Now I do 5k oil changes. Oil and filter every 5k on synthetic.