Oil Filters

How to Replace Your Subaru Oil Filter DIY

Another 3,000 miles on the Outback. Another 3 months driving the Forester. Whichever Subaru wheel you're behind, it's time for an oil change. And that means it's also time to change your oil filter. (If your oil pump's stressed, it's definitely time. Even more so, if the bearings are worn out, you've lost oil pressure, there's an oil warning light on the dash, and the engine's not running right.)

Luckily, it's an easy job you can save money doing yourself. All you'll need in most cases is a pan to drain the old oil into, some fresh motor oil, a pair of work gloves, filter and socket wrenches, and a mallet. Be sure your engine's warm also (just not hot).

Here's what to do on most of the brand's models. (For your specifics, double-check your owner's manual, of course.)

10 Easy Steps

1. Loosen the oil fill cap by twisting it counterclockwise.
2. Put your oil drain pan under the oil drain plug under engine block. You'll find on either the bottom of the oil pan or the side of it (sometimes near the crankshaft).
3. Take the oil plug and gasket (if present) off with the socket wrench. Drain the oil out, and then replace the plug (and, if relevant, the gasket); it can take a half hour or so. Move quickly to avoid getting covered in oil.
4. Locate the oil filter in its housing, either underneath or above the engine bay. The filter should be labeled. (Your owner's manual may be able to tell you where it is.)
5. Move the oil drain pan to directly underneath the filter, where it can catch any remaining oil that might leak out when you change the filter.
6. Turn the filter counterclockwise to unscrew it. (Put on work gloves for this if you prefer.) If it's stuck or hard to turn, use the filter wrench to loosen it, but then turn it manually, the rest of the way. Oil should start to leak out into the pan.
7. Leave the filter face-down in the pan for 24 hours so all the oil can drain out of it. You'll have to recycle the oil; check with a The Subaru service center on how to do that.)
8. Lubricate the new oil filter's gasket with fresh engine oil, covering the rubber ring around the base completely. That'll help it fit tighter, keeping oil from leaking into the engine block.
9. Screw the filter on clockwise, manually, until it stops turning. Do it gently to avoid damaging the threads. The filter should end up flush with the block. Give it a last quarter- to three-quarter turn. Check for leaks; if you find one, give the filter another quarter-turn.
10. Using a funnel, refill the motor oil. Follow your owner's manual's recommendation on what kind of oil your engine needs and what to do.

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