i could change the oil filter and oil quite easily on my old Impreza but the new one has a horrible plastic undertray. access to the filter is really tricky and it took me ages getting it off.
what is the best way of removing filter? is there a special tool that is better than my old chain wrench?

 

does the undertray not come off ????

 

get one of these, or similar... they are VERY useful if you cant get if off by hand... saves doing the classic shove-a-screwdriver-in-it-and-turn job!

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/s.nl/sc....A/id.12227/.f

chris

 

Don't waste your money, just get a strip of sand paper in your hand grip the filter and undo, never found a filter that won't come off like this.

Lee

 

i just put on latex gloves.they give grip and protection from oil...

 

thanks guys. should the whole of the undertray come off? i thought it was just the bit that is hinged or swivells around.

 

The bit that is hinged is for the drain plug, You do have to take the whole of the tray off, Why Subaru did not put a window in for the filter is beyond me
4 x 12 mm bolts to undo, 2 plastic clips @ the back of the tray securing the gearbox tray (sprag open & pull back) Then i think 4 Plastic poppits, Prise the centre pin put with a flat screw driver (you will understand when you see it) & remove, then pop out the retainer, Pull tray backwards & throw away Just kidding !!!

Dean

 

any excuse!

 

ta very much - no wonder i had so much trouble getting filter off!

 

I'm looking at mine today for the first time for an oil change, ata glance i'm guessing filter is under (above) the plastic tray that runs under the engine?

Can you remove this with the car on a jack or does it need to go up on ramps?

Cheers

 

It's a big fiddly just on jacks, but you can do it easily enough.

Probabaly wise to use axel stands to be on the safe side while you're laid underneath aswell

 

Thanks again

worst thing about changing to a new car, you have to learn your way around it all over again!!!