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Oil Filter Holding screw

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by JLuna, Jun 16, 2015.

  1. JLuna

    JLuna New Member

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    Hello. I was wondering what the screw holding the oil filter was called. Recently had an oil change and they mentioned that the filter went in a bit tight vice smoothly like normal. I am planning on doing my next oil change myself but wanted to have all ready just in case. So aside from the top question I was wondering:
    How hard is it to replace that holding screw?
    Where can I find it?
    Tools needed to replace?
    Thank you in advance for all the great help and advice.
     
  2. tanglefoot

    tanglefoot Whee!

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    It appears to be called an "oil filter union". It's Toyota part # 90904-04004. It can be found from various sources online or likely from the Toyota parts department.

    I haven't been able to find much about how to replace it though. It appears to just be threaded into the block. If I were faced with replacing it, I'd probably use a rag (to protect the threads) under a pair of vice grip pliers or a pipe wrench but there might be a better way.

    I would probably wait on it though and see how it feels yourself, the next time you do an oil change. It's not something that commonly needs to be replaced, unless someone messed up the threads on it.
     
  3. M in KC

    M in KC Active Member

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    My friend there is no screw that holds nor retains the oil filter on your Prius. The oil filters simply screw on and screw off. Normally hand tight is sufficient to seat the oil filter to the mount. Due to the oil filter's placement and the sheer size often,individuals will use an oil filter cap socket (appropriately sized of course) to remove and install their oil filters.

    I would highly encourage you to search PC for DIY oil changes or YouTube as both contain excellent How-To's. If you have done enough oil filter changes over time it's not uncommon to find filters that are difficult to remove, however the phase in your post "...a bit tight vise (sic) smoothly like normal." has he concerned. Normally, all appropriately sized filters will spin on with little effort once the threads align.
     
  4. JLuna

    JLuna New Member

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    Thank you for the reply. The Oil filter screws on to an adapter or 'screw'. That is the screw I am asking about. I done many oil changes but want to have this part ready just in case it comes off with the filter. Thank you.
     
  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Maybe you should qualify that, note that it's your opinion, not Toyota's.
     
  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i think you should have the same company do your next change, and have them show you the problem.
     
  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Hopefully, the threads aren't crossthreaded, or as mentioned above, "messed up". ;)

    If crossthreaded, that could cause the filter to go on tightly, but it would also cause the filter to go on at a slightly different angle than flush. It could cause leaking if the o-ring can't compensate.
     
  8. JLuna

    JLuna New Member

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    Thank you for all the replies. If it is cross threaded or "messed up" :) what can I do to fix it? Any replacement parts?
     
  9. ChapmanF

    ChapmanF Senior Member

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    I think it has an internal hex ... poke a long hex bit up into it to unscrew it. 10 mm? It's in the service manual with the engine teardown instructions, along with the proper torque, etc.

    -Chap
     
  10. valde3

    valde3 Senior Member

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    Part where oil filter threads to is 90904-04004 It cost something like 12$ which is a lot for what it is. It can be unscrewed with long 12mm socket. Installing torque is 30Nm which is 22 lbft or 266 lbin
     
    #10 valde3, Jun 16, 2015
    Last edited: Jun 16, 2015
    tanglefoot likes this.
  11. JLuna

    JLuna New Member

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    Great. Thank you. Now just need to find one and have it ready for this upcoming change. Thanks all for the help. !!!