[jkon]

Hi Guys and Gals,

Am fairly new to this forum and thanks for having me. Recently purchased a new 2010 SE. I traded a 2003 SE. I like to do my own general maintenance including changing my own oil. What I find a pain on the 2010 is the very small cover plate that has to be removed in order to reach the oil filter. After doing my first oil change I experienced that the cover plate opening is barely large enough to get a filter wrench on yet alone trying to get an arm and hand up there. My old truck had six small bolts that allowed you to just remove the whole skid plate but the 2010 looks more complicated to remove the whole skid plate. Looks like some bumper shields have to be removed also. Has anyone modified the opening cover plate on the new one? Is there an easier way? I haven't really investigated too much as it has been so darn cold here in MA. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[RedAlert]

The easy way(which is also in the DIY section)
1) Turn your steering all the way to the right.
2) Remove the little door on the skid plate
3) Reach in from the passenger side wheel well, overtop of the the skid and grab the filter(if this is it's first oil chnage, that filter will be tight as hell)
4. Unscrew filter half way and let the oil drain down the chute and out the skid hole.
5) remove the filter through the wheel well and continue as normal.

 

[Duke Of Taint]

The easy way(which is also in the DIY section)
1) Turn your steering all the way to the right.
2) Remove the little door on the skid plate
3) Reach in from the passenger side wheel well, overtop of the the skid and grab the filter(if this is it's first oil chnage, that filter will be tight as hell)
4. Unscrew filter half way and let the oil drain down the chute and out the skid hole.
5) remove the filter through the wheel well and continue as normal.

I think this is the method my dealership used when they did the 7500mi. svc. (I usually do my own but thought I'd throw them a bone now and then too). Noticed at the next car wash (hosin down the inner wells) that the rt. side front inner wheel well was a floppin in the breeze. Think they popped out one of the little plastic retainer plugs and never put it back in. Pissed me off as they are in Mass. (about 30min. from me in eastern NY. so I had to go to the local true value and get one to replace it. Something to be watchful for. I just use the little door and some care and take my time as the first one i did I chewed my hand and wrist up quite a bit.

 

[Rock1620Frontier]

Where abouts in Mass are ya?

 

[HKYStormFront]

The easy way(which is also in the DIY section)
1) Turn your steering all the way to the right.
2) Remove the little door on the skid plate
3) Reach in from the passenger side wheel well, overtop of the the skid and grab the filter(if this is it's first oil chnage, that filter will be tight as hell)
4. Unscrew filter half way and let the oil drain down the chute and out the skid hole.
5) remove the filter through the wheel well and continue as normal.

this!! i literally crushed my first oil filter trying to unscrew it

 

[Mathster]

this!! i literally crushed my first oil filter trying to unscrew it

I crush most oilfilters removing them.


I hadn't thought about changine my 06 thru the fender well. I usually just grab the cordless drill and pull the whole skid plate off.

 

[flipexed]

Changed the oil this afternoon. Saved a whole lot of work and cuts by just taking off the skid plate.

 

[FitzIngarage]

I use a wrench something like this one that fits on the end of a 3/8" ratchet wrench extension. I've never had a problem getting the filter off.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02820523000P?keyword=51121sa706&sLevel=0

 

[Common]

I crush most oilfilters removing them.

I was so frustrated once, I popped a flathead right through the whole filter and used it as a wrench. I do this every time now if I can't budge the filter. I figure the flow is out at that point, so there probably isn't much chance of anything going back into the engine.

I just changed my oil for the first 3750 mi and couldn't figure out where the filter was, so I looked on here after the manual was 0 help. It's been a day and I still haven't done it. It's making me nervous, but at least the oil is new. The weather has been so cold here in NY! I just need one warm[er] day! I might have to bite the bullet and go to a garage since it's supposed to snow AgAiN!! :sickly:

 

[FitzIngarage]

Changed my oil yesterday and found that the last time the Dealer did it, they used a common Valvoline oil filter on it! Either they ran out of their own parts or decided to go the low-buck route with a low-buck filter.

 

[Abeachbum1520]

I was so frustrated once, I popped a flathead right through the whole filter and used it as a wrench.

:laugh:
I Am going to try the turning the steering wheel method now!

 

[09eq]

Remove 1 bolt from inspection plate/window and loosen the other, swivel out of way to look through, reach around skid on pass. side with cup style filter socket on 3/8 ratchet ( don't even need to turn the wheel or go through wheel well) - these are real simple to change filter if done right. I only use window to look through and to wipe oil off chute/etc. when done.

Nothing special about Nissan filters - made in China.

 

[Gonzo's SV 4x4]

Some dealers don't use factory oil filters. That shouldn't be the case, but they do. Saving money I guess. Reason why I change the oil/filter myself.