Having tried and failed to remove the oil filter on my old VW Up!, I'm wondering which tool would be best for the same job on my 2015 Citigo?

 

I have a chain-type wrench which I haven't tried — is that likely to work do you think?

 

There's not a lot of space for access to the filter as I remember.

 

Thanks for any advice.

Is it an old-fashioned twist on can type? I normally just put a couple of latex gloves on and use the force. Cup wrench sockets are the best option if you can find one to fit. A mate has one of these and he says it's good https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/automotive-tools/halfords-advanced-adjustable-oil-filter-remover-926527.html

 

When you order the new one, have a shop around for one with a hexagon on the end so you can just put a socket on next time (Bosch filters normally have this feature). 

 

Worst case, sharpen an old screwdriver and bludgeon it through the side of the filter and use that to lever it round. 

Edited 11 April, 20224 yr by StevesTruck

Thanks.

 

I bought a cup wrench but there's not enough clearance to get it onto the filter.

 

I think it's probably going to have to be a strap wrench of some sort. [I don't have the hand strength to just twist it off…]

 

I didn't know you could get filters with a hexagon on the end. I'll have a look for one to replace what's on it at the moment.

 

Cheers.

Edited 11 April, 20224 yr by stephenmcateer

The other one I've used when I've been stuck is a G-clamp. Not elegant, but it works. 

Hadn't thought of that.

When doing the service on my Citigo two weeks ago, I used a 'Boa Constrictor strap wrench' to remove the oil filter.

This can be useful around the house for many other things as well.

 

They come in many sizes, look here:- 

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=boa+constrictor+strap+wrench&crid=2PLSCK4GVX2XT&sprefix=boa+constroictor%2Caps%2C59&ref=nb_sb_ss_sc_2_15

 

Thanks, AG Falco

 

I've bookmarked that thanks. Looks handy.

I like Boa Constrictor strap wrenches, I've had a couple for many many years, a BIG one and a smallish one - big one is probably still out on loan!!

 

Edit:- just one comment on your thoughts on getting a replacement spin on/off filter that had a hex on the end - is that not just aftermarket copying, correctly, what VW Group etc defined as being the correct style of filter canister, in other words, if, as it seems, newer cars come with the "multi flats" at the end of the filter, then they are designed for use with a cup wrench and earlier cars come with the hex on the end, so you would normally only ever be able to buy even from aftermarket "like for like" and so no choice in changing "style/type", unless I'm wrong of course!

Edited 12 April, 20224 yr by rum4mo

Thanks. Boa Constrictor seems to be a good tool.

9 hours ago, stephenmcateer said:

Thanks. Boa Constrictor seems to be a good tool.

 

I've edited my posting above, a couple of BOAs is even better, one BIG and one small!

 

I'm very surprised that VW Group has ended up leaving virtually no room to fit a cup wrench though - have you tried from below as well as above, as I'd reckon that all cars will be designed for periodic servicing when on a lift/hoist.

Edited 12 April, 20224 yr by rum4mo
BOA not BAO!!!

I didn't try getting the filter off from above, no. hadn't occurred to me that it might be possible. I'll go and take a look at the Citigo now & see, just out of curiosity. The cup wrench would be easiest if I can get it onto the filter.

 

Update: there isn't enough room to get to the filter from above.

Edited 12 April, 20224 yr by stephenmcateer

I did my oil filter removal from below as it is at the lower front end of the engine.

The Bosch oil filter I fitted does not have a hexagonal end.

Cup wrench might be tight to use.

 

I used a large Boa for the filter removal. 

The strap is about 3/4 inch wide and it has an aluminium handle.

See here:- https://www.amazon.co.uk/BOA-BOAALI-Aluminium-Strap-Wrench/dp/B00096JDK8/ref=sr_1_8?crid=1O3RZUF4C6DQ7&keywords=boa+constrictor+strap+wrench&qid=1649784720&sprefix=Boa+constricto%2Caps%2C69&sr=8-8

Over kill for just an oil filter, but I have used it on many other items.

 

See here ( page 2 ) for more detail on the service I did:- 

 

Thanks, AG Falco

 

 

Edited 12 April, 20224 yr by AGFalco
Added a Large Boa

@AGFalcoThanks for that. 

 

Quote

Cup wrench might be tight to use.

Yes - I couldn't get the cup wrench onto the filter of my old Up!, so I expect a strap wrench will be necessary for the Citigo too. [I've seen the Boa one recommended here and there so I might get one of those.]

 

Thanks for the link to your service guide. Useful.

On 11/04/2022 at 19:35, stephenmcateer said:

Thanks.

 

I bought a cup wrench but there's not enough clearance to get it onto the filter.

 

I think it's probably going to have to be a strap wrench of some sort. [I don't have the hand strength to just twist it off…]

 

I didn't know you could get filters with a hexagon on the end. I'll have a look for one to replace what's on it at the moment.

 

Cheers.

 

>I didn't know you could get filters with a hexagon on the end.

 

Bosch oil filter Part # P3318 fits the CHYA/B engines.

 

The hex is to aid removal, not fitting.

 

@SnaefellThanks for that. 

On 12/04/2022 at 21:52, Snaefell said:

 

>I didn't know you could get filters with a hexagon on the end.

Bosch oil filter Part # P3318 fits the CHYA/B engines.

The hex is to aid removal, not fitting.

 

That is a good point to make.

The reason these canisters are difficult to get off is that they are put on too tight.

I just tighten up by hand, then just a slight nip back.

I'm sure that any VW Group cars that I've owned or looked after, that had a hex on the end of the genuine VW Group filter, and also same on the manufacturer's own branded, ie without VW Group branding filter spin on can filters, had a torque value printed onto them, so I always applied a spot of clean oil on the seal, and torqued them up when fitting them.

 

Only spin on filter cans that I've found tricky to remove were the ones fitted at original engine plant, without exception they were tricky to get off probably due to being fitted without any oil on their ring seal.

hy,

I've successfully use this:

https://www.tools2udirectsw.com/bergen-2pc-oil-filter-band-wrench-b3029/

 

Seen the oil filter band wrench in Lidl this evening so might pick one up tomorrow 👍