This is not a question post. Rather, it’s me sharing my experience so as to help someone who may be struggling to get that stupid bolt loose. There are a plethora of other sources that show you how to remove the oil filter adapter, so this is not an exhaustive breakdown - just some tips/tricks/whatever you want to call it.
——
I’d watched all the YouTube videos and read all the forum posts on how to break loose the oil filter adapter’s torx bolt on my Jeep XJ 2001 Sport. Still no success. I’d even bent two wrenches on two separate occasions. One of the two is pictured below:
My only next option was to lift the engine up/out and use an impact wrench to break it loose. Then I remembered that Craftsman SAYS they are the best and they have a lifetime warranty. Challenge: accepted. And they did not disappoint. No bends, breaks - just solid and true. Craftsman or GTFO.
(There is no sign of deformation post-use)
To recap how ‘everyone’ says to loosen the bolt:
1. Pound a T-60 torx out of its socket
2. After seating the 60 into the bolt hole, anchor a 12mm box wrench onto the bit
3. Extend the wrench with a breaker pipe/bar and push hard AF towards the aft part of the Jeep.
(The diameter of your pipe will have to be wide enough to fit over the wrench. I had to tap the wrench into my pipe. Fortunately I was able to pry it back out)
(Inserting my breaker bar into the pipe like this allowed me to adjust my lever length)
4. After much weeping and wailing… feel the bolt shift loose (either that or you’ll feel the wrench bend - if it’s not a craftsman).
Tip on reattaching: don’t press the bolt completely into the adapter housing. This will give you to ability to get the bolt started by hand, then twist until you feel comfortable enough to reapply some wrench action.
I can’t remember where, but I learned it from someone else so I don’t get credit for this tip. Just collocating the information for you.
Also, remove your coolant reservoir. You’ll have more room to set a clean line on your lever.
That is all. God speed.
——
I’d watched all the YouTube videos and read all the forum posts on how to break loose the oil filter adapter’s torx bolt on my Jeep XJ 2001 Sport. Still no success. I’d even bent two wrenches on two separate occasions. One of the two is pictured below:
My only next option was to lift the engine up/out and use an impact wrench to break it loose. Then I remembered that Craftsman SAYS they are the best and they have a lifetime warranty. Challenge: accepted. And they did not disappoint. No bends, breaks - just solid and true. Craftsman or GTFO.
(There is no sign of deformation post-use)
To recap how ‘everyone’ says to loosen the bolt:
1. Pound a T-60 torx out of its socket
2. After seating the 60 into the bolt hole, anchor a 12mm box wrench onto the bit
3. Extend the wrench with a breaker pipe/bar and push hard AF towards the aft part of the Jeep.
(The diameter of your pipe will have to be wide enough to fit over the wrench. I had to tap the wrench into my pipe. Fortunately I was able to pry it back out)
(Inserting my breaker bar into the pipe like this allowed me to adjust my lever length)
4. After much weeping and wailing… feel the bolt shift loose (either that or you’ll feel the wrench bend - if it’s not a craftsman).
Tip on reattaching: don’t press the bolt completely into the adapter housing. This will give you to ability to get the bolt started by hand, then twist until you feel comfortable enough to reapply some wrench action.
I can’t remember where, but I learned it from someone else so I don’t get credit for this tip. Just collocating the information for you.
Also, remove your coolant reservoir. You’ll have more room to set a clean line on your lever.
That is all. God speed.
Last edited:
