PontiacBonnevilleClub.com

In the past I have used a small (cheap) strap wrnech to change my oil filters and it just broke. It got the job done but never worked as well as the oil filter wrench my dad has - it is the metal band style and you use an extension and ratchet with it. From doing some searching online tonight, I am not able to find this style small enough to work on the bonneville oil filter, most I found at for filters over 4" in diameter. I found the strap type/fabric version of what my dad has and seems to be what is available for the smaller filter diameters just was unsure how well the gripping ability would be.

The universal 3 jaw ones looked intriguing but some of the reviews I was reading about them made them sound less then desired...

Just figured I would see what you guys out here used / preferred.

My hands.

I guess I am guess too much of a slob, I seem to always get oil on my hands with the drain plug and then can not get a good grip on the filter to loosen it. I always only go hand tight/snug when installing the new one and put some on the gasket...

myfirstbonnie wrote:My hands.

Yep. x2

Use a shop towel or a paper towel to loosen the filter,. Turn it slowly until the oil starts to come out, then quickly turn it a quarter turn before the oil comes down the filter. Make sure the oil drain pan is under the filter. Let the oil drain out of the filter until it's not coming out. Take a paper towel, wipe the filter down and finish removing it. I'm successful about half the time doing it that way, when I can get the filter off - lol. - BC

BlackHawk99 wrote:

myfirstbonnie wrote:My hands.

Yep. x2

Make that 3x

When it comes to having to use tools to get them off.... Here are the top 5 tools I used the most in my illustrious career in the quick-lube industry for the occasions I didn't use my hands:

#1 - Band Wrench (available in small / large)


#2 - Filter Pliers (Also in small and large)


#3 -The Cup (A ton of sizes available)


#4 - The Claw


#5 - The Cup/Claw Hybrid

I use a metal band wrench on mine....
think it is either "Lisle" or "Unitool" brand name

i try using my hand too...usually doesnt work for me.

Lisle is the name on mine

Mad Myche wrote:#1 - Band Wrench (available in small / large)

This. If yours is too large or slips on a Bonneville filter you can try gluing/epoxying/etc rubber inserts on the inside to make it bite and make it smaller.

I like the filter pliers the best... Comes in handy most of the time...

Another vote for hands. The filter doesn't need to be super tight. If you're having trouble gripping it, use the Purolator filter. I can't remember which one it is, but it has a rough exterior to grip.

I've always used a band wrench as that is what my dad has always had. Works well. Hands work but on my Protege the filter is in a location where it's hard to get a good grip and leverage.


What's annoying is the filter is at a downward angle, so there is not way to not spill some oil while taking it out. Which is fun because I have to crawl under the car and be laying where the oil drips out when I take the filter off.

Channel locks and some gripping power

I have filter pliers too. They are handy at times. The order which I'll go are:

1. Hands
2. Filter pliers
3. Stab a screwdriver through it spin it off

I used a channel lock for a long time, but really only if I couldn't grip it with my hands. Decided to finaly buy a band wrench forever ago, and it's never let me down.

On the bonne's, mine have almost always come off by hand, or with a little extra friction from a rag. Installed hand-tight = removes hand-tight, in most cases.

If not, I prefer the metal band, one that's small enough for the bonne is cheap at the parts store.

The filter pliers is also handy, there's one taking up residence in my tool box for those "just in case" moments.

Just be sure to grip either the very bottom or very top, so you don't crush the middle and make it impossible to remove by hand.

BlackHawk99 wrote:The order which I'll go are:

3. Stab a screwdriver through it spin it off

First new car I had, that's what I had to do to get the filter off - LOL! - BC

1oldman wrote:

BlackHawk99 wrote:The order which I'll go are:

3. Stab a screwdriver through it spin it off

First new car I had, that's what I had to do to get the filter off - LOL! - BC

You just have to be careful not to rip the bottom half of the filter off!

Ask me how I know....


Then your down to a vicegrip trying to unscrew the top part.

Hands for me as well.
Put on some rubber washing up gloves if the filter is tight, you get more grip and keep your hands clean too.

Roger.

94SilverSSEi wrote:

1oldman wrote:

BlackHawk99 wrote:The order which I'll go are:

3. Stab a screwdriver through it spin it off

First new car I had, that's what I had to do to get the filter off - LOL! - BC

You just have to be careful not to rip the bottom half of the filter off!

Ask me how I know....


Then your down to a vicegrip trying to unscrew the top part.

I don't have to ask how you know, been there done that lol.