Best oil filter wrench for 1.8T Audi/VW?

[Bill D]

Hey,

I'd like to put some fresh oil in my Audi 1.8T and I have found my existing oil filter wrench ( sorta like a tong type) to be insufficent at keeping a grip on my filter.

Luckily I can reach my filter by standing over the engine and not having to drop the splash shield, etc, etc.

I'm assuming a classic strap oil filter wrench will be best for this? I think a metal kind with some type of gripping surface to it would be best?

Do I simply get one from an auto parts store or Sears? Or do I *need* the one from Griots or other boutique merchants?

Hope you can help! TIA!

[edschwab1]

I bought an oil filter socket @ Advanced Auto or Auto Zone, which worked okay, becaue it was not an exact fit. I had success with a claw type filer tool, where I got it from I can not remember, but is similar to the picture below. You may be able to purchase the claw at a parts store. My experience is from my former 2.slow Mk4 Jetta, whose filter is the same or similar.

Hazet NA filter tool

Eric

[edschwab1]

Sears sell a claw tool under the Craftsman name:

Sears item #00947064000
Mfr. model #51121SA706

Price 12.99

Eric

[Bill D]

Eric,

Thank you, that's a rather unique design and I do recall seeing it at Sears. Hmm..I'm not sure if I can use it reaching from the top of the engine though. I'll have to tilt my head a little a view that photo again to take a closer look.

[Lowejackson]

I use a strap filter. I bought it in a sale years ago and I have not had any problems with it.

I think it is the over tightening of the filter itself which is the cause of most problems

[IndigoGTI]

I have a GTI with the 1.8t motor, and the only time I have had to use a filter wrench is when I removed the filter that came on the car from the factory. I used a filter socket, and it came right off, it was just too tight to remove by hand. If you put a little oil on the filter gasket, you shouldn't have any problems removing the filter later on down the road.

[Bill D]

Yeah, I can hold off a few weeks before doing this so I'm going to get a hold of a strap filter, I think it and the claw type are the only ones that are going to fit in there. Most difficult filter to remove so far. I always lube the gasket . I'm prepping to possibly need a drill, screwdriver, hammer and PLENTY of newspaper

[Unreal]

Bill dependeing on what kind of filters you like and what your willing to pay for one....But the K&N's come with a 7/8" nut on the end of the filter that you could just use a normal ratchet and socket on.

There filters range from 7 - 10 bucks.

[Bill D]

Well, I bought a lot of OEM Audi filters. I'm told if I dont use them I'll void the warranty. I also hear the Audi OEMs are quite good. My problem is the tight space it's in and it being on too tight, I hear is legendary now with Audi/VW

[Unreal]

I hear the warrenty thing. I am forced by ford to use a certain oil but not filter.

[Bill D]

Hmm..would that be 5w-20 Motorcraft? I hear they have drums of it in the Ford dealers

[Unreal]

Yepper thats it.....Its hard to believe that the local ford dealer is cheaper for it than Wal-Mart.